The following is the second of a multi-point field report from a LYS Principal.

SC,
A school’s quality is largely determined by perception.  A school that has decent law and order, clear hallways, and is reasonably clean, is further along the path towards being considered good.  After those issues are addressed, the only way leadership mistakes become visible is if the accountability data makes the news.

SC Response Amen.  As I explain to teachers and education leaders, time and time again, the community really does not understand curriculum, instruction, accountability, etc.  They do understand how the school looks, how the students look, and how the staff looks.  The community’s perception of these packaging issues dictates whether your school is considered “good” or “bad,” regardless of rating. So by cleaning up and presenting well, you can buy time to work on the things that really matter (teaching and learning).

However, school after school ignores this, either due to laziness, apathy, or a focus on adult comfort.  But here’s the kicker, from a district, state and business perspective, if a campus won’t engage in the simple things (clean, sharp, professional appearance), there is little confidence in its ability to tackle the hard things (curriculum, instruction, assessment, expanding the knowledge base). 

And again, the critical factor remains… Leadership.   Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…

• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
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