Ineffective schools are sometimes those institutions whose student body produces low test scores on state and national exams. The cause of this can be poor teaching skills, high student-to-teacher ratios, lack of classroom materials and resources or an incomplete class curriculum. Tests are used as a measure of the effectiveness of individual instructors and the general state of a school's educational programs and processes.
Parents and community leaders who fail to take an interest in the education and well-being of the local youth will inadvertently assist in producing an ineffective school system. Parental support in attendance, school programs, grades and athletic activities is necessary to provide a strong school image and positive student involvement. Volunteer parents can provide needed assistance to teachers with large classes and heavy workloads. The community financial sponsorship of school activities and events can also make the difference between an effective school and one lacking in educational and social necessities.
Failure to enforce disciplinary measures and heightened truancy and absenteeism rates will decrease the effectiveness of the school structure. This problem goes hand in hand with lack of parental involvement and support. Parents who do not push their children to attend school regularly add to the deficiencies of the school structure. Not only should a strict disciplinary policy be in place but students who conduct themselves in accordance with academic rules should be rewarded for good behavior with special privileges and positive recognition.
The school principal can have a major impact on the overall effectiveness of the school. A person in this position who walks the school halls and interacts with students and teachers, takes an interest in the educational testing process and encourages individual and group achievement can help create an environment of motivation, trust and learning. A school principal who does not have the authority to hire effective teachers, purchase necessary equipment and fund extra curricular activities is not provided with the necessary means to increase a school's effectiveness.