How will the FAIRCOMPARE report help me?
HOW CAN I USE THE LIST AND THE DATA?
Education Writers and Researchers
- Compare characteristics of school system populations to gain a broad perspective of school system performance
- Employ a national view of school system characteristics rather than a narrow local focus
- Widen the context for discussions of student achievement and school system accountability
- Incorporate demographic data as part of investigations of school system resources, academic performance and educational effectiveness
- Generate new story and project ideas
Community and Business Leaders
- Develop initiatives for school reform based on an understanding of local school system characteristics in a national framework
- Open dialogues with community and business leaders in school systems across the nation as a foundation for cooperative networks for sharing success stories and strategies
- Examine a sample of school systems in their community contexts to generate support for integrated community, school and business partnerships
- Identify areas affecting school system performance and resources where your organization or business can best focus efforts to assist school systems, utilizing your strengths and expertise
School System Leaders
- Compare assessment tools (e.g., norm-referenced tests, criterion-referenced tests, portfolios)
- Launch an effort to build a long-range strategic plan. Your Similar Schools' cohorts may have a plan that's realistic for your school system.
- Educate and inform your stakeholders about fair school system comparisons versus a mandated accountability program.
- Create a school system marketing plan around those resource and results indicators where your school system shines in a national comparison.
- Develop a sister-system program with one or more of the similar school systems on your list. Involve students, parents, business leaders, teachers, administrators, and other community constituents.
- Create communications networks with all the matched school systems in your group
- Investigate ways to aggregate resources among similar systems (e.g., distance learning, video conferencing, teacher training, applications of technology).
- Compare building and construction programs and vendors. Compare means to address capital outlay needs.
- Find out how similar school systems get a "yes" vote at the ballot box.
Research solutions to mutual challenges, such as:
- Funding services for special needs students
- Increasing/decreasing enrollment
- Instructional materials selection
- Transporting students
- Parent involvement
- Purchased Services