As a member of the Principals' Center at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, I am privileged to participate in many enlightening pedagogical seminars on a continuing basis. Some of these presentations are designed to help school leaders identify and understand the common attributes that characterize all excellent schools. I enjoy these learning adventures immensely because they allow me to apply a basic litmus test to our small school. I am always amazed by the positive results that my informal application of theory reveals when viewing instructional practices at SBMS.

Recently, I began to reflect upon our school using a paradigm developed by Roland Barth, the founding director of the Harvard Principals' Center. According to Barth, specific qualities can be found as common denominators in successful schools. First, the school must consist of a community of learners - embracing students, teachers and parents. On a day to day basis, kids and adults must demonstrate a genuine affection and energy for intellectual expansion. A school culture of learning is infectious and inspires elevated teaching and learning activities.

Collegiality is another critical element in superior schools. The relationships of adults to students and adults to adults serve to stimulate student accomplishments. At SBMS, all of our teachers strive to develop personal relationships that are anchored in mutual respect. Our teachers interact with one another in a positive and professional manner. Consequently, our students view constructive and cooperative adult behavior modeled every day in a variety of settings.

Risk-taking in a controlled and safe educational environment is a must for prosperous schools. Research suggests that risk-taking is strongly associated with learning. At SBMS, we have a mission to create safe venues so that our pupils can stretch physically, intellectually and emotionally. Our Outdoor Education Program is designed to teach students the art and science of teamwork as kids and teachers strive toward challenging goals.

Roland Barth observed that choice and commitment are mandatory components of flourishing schools because these institutions consist of students, teachers and parents who all want to be there. Additionally, Barth affirmed that exemplary schools are special places for philosophers — kids as well as adults. Humor is another element promoted in superb schools. Let's face it, schools are funny places. The endorsement of humor at school builds a strong foundation for student comfort and enhances the quality of life for all. Roland Barth also asserted that, in first-rate schools, many teachers and students share leadership roles. At SBMS, students are expected to become leaders as they mature. Finally, Roland Barth believes there is ample evidence that supports the contention that the nation's best schools are characterized by moderate anxiety and high standards and not high anxiety and high standards. At SBMS we try to honor the concept of the whole child in the context of family and school life and support a balanced approach to education.

It is safe to say that our greatest assets as a school are our teachers, students and parents. Every single person here at SBMS brings their very best attitude to our great school. That is why we have a hard time getting kids to go home at the end of the school day. They just won't leave. Maybe that's the best indicator of our school success! Certainly, Roland Barth would agree. Thank you for your interest in Santa Barbara Middle School.
 
Regards,

Steveo P. Lane
Head of School