improvement. A high priority is placed on professional learning, leadership and collaboration among all school staff. In highly effective schools, principals are in constant and meaningful communication with the school community and work to build partnerships beyond the school in pursuit of the school’s objectives.

Second, in these schools learning is seen as the central purpose of school and takes precedence over everything else. High expectations are set for student learning, whether in classrooms or other learning contexts. There is a deep belief in the ability of every student to learn and to achieve high standards with appropriate and sensitive teaching. Class time is used as learning time; classrooms are calm and busy; and interruptions to learning are discouraged. Outstanding schools recognise and celebrate successful

learning and high achievement.

Third, in highly effective schools, teachers have a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of their subjects and a deep understanding of how students learn particular subjects. This understanding includes an appreciation of how learning typically proceeds in a subject and of the kinds of misunderstandings learners commonly develop. In these schools, teachers know their students well: their

individual interests, backgrounds, motivations and learning styles. These schools insist on the mastery of foundational skills such as reading and numeracy, and also work to encourage high levels of critical thinking, creativity, problem solving and teamwork. Teachers in highly effective schools encourage students to accept responsibility for their own learning and teach them how to continue learning throughout life.

Fourth, highly effective schools are characterised by outstanding school cultures. In these schools students have a sense of belonging and pride. They enjoy learning and are engaged and challenged. The school provides a physical and social setting that is safe, well organised and caring. Values of respect, tolerance and inclusion are promoted throughout the school and cultural and religious diversity are welcomed and celebrated. In such schools there is a strong commitment to a culture of learning and continuous improvement and an ongoing search for information and knowledge that can be used to improve on current practice.

Fifth, highly effective schools have well-developed systems for evaluating and monitoring their performance. They promote a culture of self-evaluation and reflection and collect and use data to inform decision making at all levels. They recognise the importance of providing meaningful performance information to a range of stakeholders, including parents. These schools place a high priority on the early identification and remediation of gaps and difficulties in student learning. They give timely feedback to students in forms that can be used to guide further learning, and they encourage students to develop skills in monitoring their own progress.

Finally, effective schools have high levels of parent and community involvement. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in discussing, monitoring and supporting their children’s learning. Parents are involved in setting goals for the school and in developing school policies. The school itself is seen as an important part of the local community and these schools often find ways to involve business and community leaders in the work of the school, as well as to establish V partnerships with other agencies and businesses to advance school goals.

Not all people have the same expectations of schools and parents often have different priorities for their children. But research suggests that parents have a shared interest in seeing their children attend schools that are safe and supportive and in which their children are happy and learning. They also look to schools to promote values such as respect for others, honesty, tolerance, fairness and the pursuit of excellence.

There are other things that you need as well such as:

1. A good building that is safe physically.

2. A low student to teacher ratio.

3. Small classes.

4. Up to date textbooks.

5. Current labs and other equipment.

6. A large variety of electives/

7. A high attendance rate for both teachers and students.

8. A number of interesting and school related trips.

9. A good curriculum.

10. Active and wide variety of teams and clubs.

11. An active parent group.

12. Good contact between school and home.

13. A clear and fair grading policy.

14. A good student handbook with clear regulations so that students know them.

15. A 100% graduation rate.

16. Teachers being available before and after school hours.

17. Extra help classes as needed.

18. The school being kept clean.

19. Good heat and air conditioning.

20. Lack of graffiti and art displayed throughout the school.

21. A good student newspaper.

22. A large enough and committed guidance staff.

23. Different levels of classes in each subject.

24. Good help in college applications.

25. A good placement center to help students find jobs.

26. A friendly and strict atmosphere at the same time.

27. Good food for both breakfast and lunch.

I do not remember too much but I remember that the number one was safety.

Which is very important in my book.

I went to a not safe school as a kid for a while and the learning experience was ruined. You can not learn if you are worried about getting jumped after school or your backpack getting stolen.

I guess the second is academics.

For example, in high school a school is ranked by Newsweek by the number of AP tests they take.

And I guess kinda low down there are extra curriculars.

Clubs and teams are important for not only recreation and relaxing/ getting your mind off things. But for colleges too.