Matthew Ellis is the superintendent of the Prosser School District in Washington State. He has been in this role since 2018. During his time in the office, he has significantly improved student achievement. One of the critical ways that Ellis has done this is by creating collective ownership for achievement among principals and teachers.
What is Collective Ownership?
Joint ownership is a concept that emphasizes the importance of everyone in a school community working together to achieve common goals. This means that principals, teachers, students, parents, and community members all play a role in ensuring students succeed.
Why is Collective Ownership Important?
There are several reasons why collective ownership is essential for student achievement.
- It helps to create a sense of shared responsibility for student success. When everyone feels they have a stake in the outcome, they are more likely to be motivated to work together to achieve it.
- Collective ownership can improve communication and collaboration between different stakeholders in the school community. When people feel they are working towards a common goal, they are more likely to be open to sharing ideas and working together to find solutions.
- Collective ownership can help to build trust and respect between different stakeholders in the school community. When people feel they are working together towards a common goal, they are more likely to see each other as partners rather than adversaries.
How Does Matthew Ellis Create Collective Ownership?
Matthew Ellis creates collective ownership in many ways. First, he ensures that everyone in the school community knows the district’s goals and priorities. He regularly meets with principals, teachers, students, parents, and community members. He also uses various communication tools, such as the district’s website, social media, and newsletters, to keep everyone informed. Second, Ellis encourages everyone in the school community to share their ideas and feedback. He does this by creating a culture of open communication and collaboration. He also makes sure that everyone has a voice in decision-making. Third, Ellis provides resources and support to help people achieve their goals. He does this by providing professional development opportunities, new program funding, and data and research access.
Results of Collective Ownership
The results of collective ownership have been positive. Under Ellis’ leadership, the Prosser School District has seen significant gains in student achievement. For example, The rate of graduates of Prosser High School is 85-89%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 84%. In addition to improving student achievement, collective ownership has positively impacted the school community as a whole.
The district has seen a decrease in discipline problems, an increase in parent involvement, and an improvement in the overall climate of the schools.
Conclusion
Matthew Ellis is a strong advocate for collective ownership. He believes that students are more likely to succeed when everyone in a school community works together towards common goals. Ellis’ efforts have positively impacted the Prosser School District, and they serve as a model for other school districts around the country.