Livingston ISD uses Effective School research as a model for assessing our school and implementing strategies for improvement. Through the implementation of the Effective School Correlates we are working to reflect on that research to guide our planning and use it as a measurement tool for assessment and decision-making. The Effective School research has identified seven characteristics that must exist in a school for instructional effectiveness. These are the seven characteristics of an effective school:

Strong Instructional Leadership
Instructional Leadership is essential if a school is to be effective. This leadership is enthusiastic, caring, and shared by administrators and teachers. However, the ultimate responsibility for the school's instructional program rests with the principal.

Community and Parent Involvement
Parents and other community members actively support the school by involvement in the education process and other activities or opportunities provided by the school. The school staff, students, and parents share in the decision-making process.

Clear, School Wide Mission and Goals
The school has a clear SCHOOL WIDE mission statement and goals. The staff, parents and students share the same understanding of this mission and goals. These are monitored and revised as part of an ongoing program of school improvement.

Opportunity to Learn and Instructional Focus
The central focus of our school will be the curriculum and use of time for instruction. We recognize children's aptitude to learn is a function of time needed to learn a subject, not innate ability.

High Expectations for Both Students and Staff
The school staff demonstrates the belief that all students can master the skills taught. The results of district wide standardized tests and other student progress measures show student achievement that is characterized by equity and quality. Teachers behave efficaciously, i.e. demonstrates that children will learn because "I have the power to teach."

Safe and Orderly Environment
The school campus is safe and orderly with all parties engaged in purposeful activities, which are related to learning. A friendly atmosphere persists. Interactions among staff and students are positive. Special programs, services, and counseling are accessible to all students. The physical facility is attractive, well maintained, and progressive with respect to technology. Teaching and learning are conducted with little interruption. Extracurricular activities attract broad student participation.

Monitoring Pupil Progress
Classroom and school assessments are administered periodically and used as a means to reteach skills not mastered and to adjust curriculum.