 romoting Responsibility
Effective Practices
Innate differences don't matter much, effort does, on the part of the learner and the teacher. The differences between can and can't is effort.
—Lily Wong Fillmore, Professor
University of California, Berkeley
Current research on effective schooling practices indicates that in order to help students be successful learners, school systems must address three primary areas of responsibility:
First, at the district level, educators need to create an environment in which instructional effectiveness is valued. Clear and stable policies, expectations for improvement, and strong systems of support help schools become more effective.
Second, at the school level, staff works to provide a healthy awareness that the school is more than a collection of people, subjects, and grade levels. Effective schooling is the result of the efforts of a comprehensive learning community that understands that the qualities of the school as a whole can either strengthen or inhibit the classroom learning environment. Clear expectations, consistency, and collaboration among adults, strong instructional leadership, and a central focus on learning are key to the pursuit of instructional effectiveness.
Third, at the classroom level, teachers should provide students with the understanding that learning is an individual process shaped in the classroom. On a daily basis, teachers and students work together in a dynamic, interactive process. Thoroughly planned lessons, focused instruction, and positive classroom management increase the probability of each student's success.
Qualities of schools can either enhance or detract from the learning environment and student experience. Several fundamental factors that support students' learning success include:
 Efficient planning and clear goals
- Valid organization and management practices
- Strong leadership and continuous improvement
- Positive staff and student interactions
- A commitment to educational equity
- Regular assessment
- Support programs
- Positive relationships with parents and community members
School practices associated with effective schools for culturally and linguistically diverse students include the following:
- Cultural pluralism
- Shared governance
- Parent participation
- Academically rich programs
- Skilled use and training of teachers
- Personal attention to students
- Student responsibility for school affairs
- An accepting and supportive environment
- Teaching aimed at preventing academic problems
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