Which factor is most important when establishing goals for a school leadership team?

When establishing goals for a school leadership team, the most important factor is research-based effectiveness. This is because setting goals grounded in data and evidence-based strategies ensures that the initiatives undertaken are likely to produce positive outcomes for students and the school as a whole. Research-based effectiveness provides a framework that has been tested and proven to work in educational settings, guiding leaders to prioritize practices that lead to meaningful, measurable improvements.

In contrast, while popularity among staff, tradition and historical performance, and parental opinions can offer insights and context, they do not provide the same level of assurance that the goals will lead to success. Popularity might lead to decisions that cater to immediate comfort rather than long-term progress. Tradition may uphold outdated practices that are not necessarily effective under current educational demands or contexts. Parental opinions are valuable for gaining community support, but they may not always align with best practices supported by research. Therefore, focusing on research-based effectiveness is crucial for establishing relevant and impactful goals for the school leadership team.