Developing social and decisional capital in US National Blue Ribbon Schools

The US National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program annually recognizes hundreds of schools successful in their states’ accountability systems. NBRS are studied for effective practices worth replicating. In this study, 2016 NBRS Program applications ( n = 24) yielded insight about espoused collaborative practices, providing information about the development of social and decisional capital. Leaders strategically allocated time and structures and created systems. Furthermore, relational conditions, such as a culture of teamwork and building trusting relationships were instrumental. Empowerment conditions, such as leaders trusting teachers and valuing their input, as well as providing them opportunities for decision-making and leadership, also supported the development of social and decisional capital.

A Comparison Of Mission Statements Of National Blue Ribbon Schools And Unacceptable Texas High Schools

This study was conducted to determine the themes present in the context of high schools, to determine any significant differences in themes for high and low performing high schools, and to determine if significant differences were present for the same sample of high schools based on school size. An analysis of the content of mission statements identified 31 dominant themes: Students, Providing, All, Community, Learning, Academics, Developing, Responsible, Education, Environment, Preparing, Productive, Success, Lifelong Learning, Individual, Citizen, Excellence, Skills, Society, Committed, Promotes, Achievement, Diversity, Knowledge, Nature, Challenge, Future, Partnership, Quality, Potential, and Safe. Significant differences were found between the group of high and low performing high schools for the themes of Academics, Excellence, Challenge, Learning, Nurture, and Lifelong Learning (p ? .05). Analysis of mission statements grouped by size yielded a significant difference for the theme of Knowledge for large size high schools as compared to small and medium size high schools.