The key to education reform isn't money, but good principals and good teachers. Without freedom, a school principal is powerless. Every single one of them believes that children of all races and income levels can meet high academic standards. 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.