Strengthening Public Confidence

Dear Educators,

As you work this summer to prepare for an unprecedented year of success in your schools I'd like to offer a thought that may help your efforts to strengthen public confidence in your districts. I received an email today headlined, "Study shows vast differences in area graduation rates over time," referring to district comparisons in a certain region of Texas that will remain anonymous to protect the well-intentioned-but-nevertheless guilty. This headline reminded me of a communications philosophy I've held for many years about comparisons and their effect on public opinion.

In your attempt to make your district look good by comparing test results or tax rates (et al) to other districts in your region or across the state, you are in fact doing much more harm than good. Though your comparison may put your district in a favorable light this year on a particular measurement, what you are actually doing is making all of your neighbors look bad, which perpetuates the myth that, with the exception of "my school", Texas public schools in general are failing. We all know true comparisons are unattainable because no two school districts are alike. International comparisons do not hold water for the very same reasons.

My charge to educational leaders across this great state of Texas and throughout our great Texas public schools is to avoid comparisons to other school districts in 2009-10. Rather, shout from your rooftops about the strengths of your district's achievements on their own merits. Leslie and I speak in school districts all over the state and we have yet to visit a district that does not have plenty to brag about without unintentionally chunking their neighbors, colleagues and allies under the bus.

Don't know what to celebrate? Send me a note and we'll help you find your message. We might even help you organize an Education Celebration where you can demonstrate to your staff and community just how well you really are performing.

Scott Milder
Founder, President and CEO
Friends of Texas Public Schools
smilder@fotps.org