*This post constitutes the third and final aspect of the discussion that I began in two previous posts, “Teaching Innovation” and “Essay on Arts Education.”

This report, compiled by McBassi & Co and commissioned by the Arts Schools Network, details the findings in a study of what features are present in effective schools. Please note that the words “standardized testing” are nowhere in report. Please also note that the most important features of an effective school relate to administrators making good decisions that are supportive of teachers and teaching, and no references are made to the effectiveness of threatening punitive action or of disbanding teacher unions.

This report supports my belief that positive results come from positive actions and that creating a threatening climate does not enhance teacher performance at all.