Whether the goal is calculus by 12th grade, a fluently bilingual school, proficient musical performance for all, literacy at the earliest age, 100-percent attendance, or 100 percent working above grade level, great schools set hard and fast goals that the whole school must strive to obtain. They also rely on master teachers. Teacher quality is the single most accurate indicator of a student's performance in school. Master teachers are the key to improved teacher quality. Testing is another key ingredient.
Testing is the diagnostic tool that best enforces a school's goals.
Regular testing at all levels and in all areas ensures that teaching and learning of the prescribed curriculum are taking place in every classroom. Effective principals hope to create lasting opportunities with lifelong rewards for their students. Without apology, they allow the rigorous demands of achievement to show the way. In the end, however, each student, not a child's parents, is held accountable for his or her own success. Extended days, extended years, after-school programs, weekend programs, and summer school are all features of outstanding schools.