Question:

"You recommend that school boards focus only on the subjects stated in the student outcome goals and ignore everything else. What about the students in the other grades/subjects?"   - Dallas County Board Member

It may feel uncomfortable to focus on three or four goals for student outcomes—but that discomfort is a sign you’re on the right path.

When a board sets 20 goals, it’s often a sign of trying to please everyone—and helping no one. Instead, choose focus over frenzy. Student outcome goals are meant to represent the highest-priority hopes your community has for what students should know and be able to do. When school boards strategically focus goals and resources on students with the greatest needs, it doesn’t just benefit those students—it strengthens the entire system.

This is the idea behind the phrase “a rising tide lifts all boats.” By improving instruction, supports, and outcomes for students who have historically been underserved, districts often implement stronger practices, clearer systems, and more responsive teaching that end up benefiting every student. Whether it’s better use of instructional time, more targeted professional development, or improved progress monitoring, the ripple effects of that focused investment lead to better learning conditions across the board.

In other words, when we do what it takes to help our most vulnerable students succeed, we build a better school system for all kids.

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