WHAT MAKES SCHOOLS EFFECTIVE - A COMPARISON BETWEEN SCHOOL COMMUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA AND THE USA

This paper reports on findings related to the perceptions held by memb ers of school communities with respect to the factors which most help schools to be effective. The data are from a study conducted in Melbou rne, Australia and in seven states of the United States of America. Fi ndings from this research indicate that members of school communities: principals, teachers, parents and students believe that the most crit ical elements that contribute to the development of an effective schoo l are dedicated and qualified staff, clear school purposes, strong aca demic and administrative leadership, a safe school environment and a p ositive school climate.