Standardized tests have been used to measure school success in the United States, but standardized testing is only a snapshot of student progress, and is often a test of items not even part of the regular school curriculum. Standardized test results correlate most strongly with neighbourhood socio-economic status, not with student learning. Test scores can only be interpreted meaningfully in the context of the system that produced them. To understand and evaluate the quality of a school requires not just quantitative test results but also a more vivid picture of the unique and complex character of the school and community. The research soundly demonstrates that when the correlates of effective schools are in place, student success improves.
Effective schools ensure student success by breaking down inequities and barriers.
Good schools employ inclusive curriculum, conflict resolution strategies and address diverse student learning styles. High-stakes standardized testing should be replaced by program assessments based on random sampling of students which are used to improve curriculum and student learning. To ensure consistency the Ministry should develop appropriate assessment templates for classroom teachers to use for senior level examinations. Flexibility and Ongoing Research Effective schools deal with change. A flexible approach and ongoing research is necessary.