Education Excellence

What is education excellence?

State Farm Insurance Companies® supports efforts to provide all children with an education that will allow them to reach their greatest potential and prepare them to participate in a nation and economy that continues as a global leader. In choosing teacher quality, service-learning and systemic improvement as our three focus areas, and organizations and programs to support in these categories, State Farm has reviewed how many , and to what degree the nine elements of education excellence are impacted. What are the nine elements of education excellence?

1. Safety and discipline
Physical security and a structured, well-managed program are essential to learning.

2. Parent involvement
Involved parents support the learning process, influence schools and make choices about their children's education.

3. Standards
Standards are expectations clearly defined in measurable terms. Academic standards clearly state what students need to know and be able to do to succeed in school, in the workplace and in life. A successful system aligns and focuses its policies and programs on student's achievement of high academic standards.

4. Assessments
Assessments are result-oriented measurements of student, school and system performance. Assessments give students, teachers, parents and the public meaningful feedback that they can use. A successful system aligns its standards and assessments.

5. Learning readiness
Learning readiness recognizes the importance of helping make sure that children are able learn before they come to school. Learning barriers caused by poverty, neglect, violence or health issues are addressed through strong partnerships between public and private agencies, and by providing meaningful, high-quality pre-kindergarten education for all children

6. Accountability
Accountability is the system of consequences for policymakers, educators, and students based on demonstrated performance. It should encompass the curriculum, instruction and time necessary for students to be successful, and it should focus on helping struggling schools and students. An aligned accountability system also rewards exemplary schools and teachers, and works to change those that persistently fail to educate their students.

7. Technology
Technology is a tool that should be used to improve learning and productivity, broaden access to knowledge and help teachers, parents and students maximize the opportunities for students to achieve their goals.

8. Professional development
Teachers and administrators need meaningful preparation and continuing education focused on content knowledge, improved teaching skills and school management.

9. School autonomy
School autonomy gives individual schools the responsibility to make the decisions needed to achieve high performance and accountability.