The Five Attributes of Successful Schools By Matthew Lynch   June 29, 2016 Students across the globe need effective schools. While the American school system as a whole may be falling behind international standards, there are still some schools that stand out. Sure, the context of schooling will impact attributes that contribute to effectiveness in specific schools. But at the same time, there are attributes that contribute to effectiveness across schooling contexts. If we understand the attributes of effectiveness, we can observe which attributes exist at successful schools. There are five common attributes that make up an effective school. 1. Leadership The first attribute is quality leadership. Students perform better when the principal and school board members provide strong leadership. Effective leaders are visible, can successfully convey the school's goals and visions, collaborate with teachers to enhance their skills, and are involved in the discovery of ...