Making decisions in today’s high-stakes educational environment isn’t easy. But it’s easier when you are part of team that is organized and focused on the work at hand; acting as critical thinkers, but pulling in the same direction.

When local school boards and superintendents make agreements on how they will work together and are focused on the same priorities, amazing things can happen for the students and communities they serve. When they don’t….well who knows?

This not only makes common sense, but every day there is more research to back it up.

Still, how to do it?

In 2009, I wrote a book that identified common practices of school boards in districts with improving student outcomes. The response was tremendous. I was asked to speak about it around the country.

Soon after that, I became part of an effort funded by federal Race to the Top funds to create a coaching program for building “governance teams.” We piloted the program with 30 teams from across Massachusetts. In short, it worked. Now I am working with teams in New England and beyond.

There are many people who believe they have the answer when it comes to what’s needed in education. But it’s the governance teams of America that will make it happen. I invite you to read more about my work, and let me know if you are interested in learning more.