Disciplined inquiry . Using established knowledge in science, mathematics, history or literature, students develop in-depth understanding. Value beyond school . Students produce work or solve problems that have meaning in the real world. A student's accomplishments in school have value beyond merely proving that he or she did well in school.
Students learn more, and what they learn is more important.
A vision for high quality student learning is necessary, but it's not enough. This is true whether student achievement is measured by standards of authentic achievement or with more conventional tests, such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress. They find ways to channel staff and student efforts toward a clear, commonly shared purpose for student learning. They create opportunities for teachers to collaborate and help one another. Schools with strong professional communities are better able to offer authentic pedagogy and are more effective in promoting student achievement.