Top 20 School FAQs

Below are answers to your most commonly asked questions.

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What does it mean to be a Top 20 School?
A Top 20 School is intentionally implementing Top 20 principles and practices in order to activate the human development of students, staff, and parents. The principles and practices that are implemented develop Social-Emotional Learning in all members of the school community enabling them to think, learn, and communicate more effectively. By doing so they are able to make a positive difference in the lives, relationships, and experiences of others and themselves.
What are the components of a Top 20 School?
All Top 20 schools focus on three components:

  1. The human development of students, parents, and staff.
  2. The intentional creation of a Top 20 culture built on the foundation of four key Cornerstones:

    3. I) Job 1: Help Others Succeed
    II) Communicate ‘You Matter’
    III) Honor the Absent
    IV) See the Problem, Own the Problem
    These Cornerstones are the basic ‘job description’ of all members of a Top 20 School.

  3. Implementation of 20 Top 20 strategies, principles, and concepts over three years.
What are the principles, practices and strategies to be implemented by students, parents and staff of a Top 20 School?
The following principles, practices, and strategies are to be implemented according to the school’s plan over a three-year span of time. All members of a Top 20 School strive to accomplish its mission by knowing, supporting, and practicing these principles and strategies. These practices are designed to effectively respond to three challenges in American schools.

Develop Top 20 Teachers/Leaders: How can we be effective teachers and leaders in the 21st century?
1: Have a Clear Purpose: Know Why We Teach or Lead
2: Live Above the Line: Be Aware of Our Thinking
3: Know How to See Things Differently: Stay Curious and Use the Frame
4: Resolve Conflict Heart-to-Heart and Practice Instant Replays
5: Give and Get Feedback Effectively
6: Support Parents So They Can Implement Top 20 Practices at Home