Small Schools:
Seven Key Attributes
There are Seven Key Attributes of equitable small schools, identified by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which have contributed to the success of small schools. They include:
1. Common Focus: The staff and students are focused on a few important goals. The school has adopted a consistent research-based instructional approach based on shared beliefs about learning and teaching. The use of time, tools, materials, and professional development activities are aligned with instruction.
2. High Expectations: All staff members are dedicated to helping every student achieve state and local standards; all students are engaged in an ambitious and rigorous course of study; and all students leave school prepared for success in work, further education, and responsible citizenship.
3. Personalized Environment: The school is designed to promote powerful, sustained student relationships with adults where every student has an adult advocate and a personal plan for progress. Schools are small and autonomous, serving no more than 400 students, so staff and students can work closely together.
4. Respect and Responsibility: The school becomes a community. The environment is peaceful, safe, just, and studious. The staff teaches, models, and expects responsible behavior. Relationships are based on mutual respect.
5. Time to Collaborate: Staff has time to collaborate and develop skills and plans to meet the needs of all students. Parents are recognized as partners in education. Partnerships are developed with businesses for student work-based learning opportunities and with institutions of higher education to improve teacher preparation.
6. Performance Based: Students are promoted to the next instructional level only when they have achieved competency; and students receive additional time and assistance when needed. Data-driven decisions shape a dynamic structure and schedule.
7. Technology as a Tool: Teachers use technology to design engaging and imaginative curriculum linked to learning standards; they analyze results and have easy access to best practices and professional learning opportunities. Schools publish their progress and engage the community in dialogue about continuous improvement.
For further detail on the attributes and questions that will guide school creation toward those attributes, read the attached 3-page document:
Download: “Seven Key Attributes of Equitable Schools” PDF (24 Kb)
