Statement on Ranking

AISGW Statement on Ranking

1. AISGW encourages prudent participation with the media by its member schools. Especially in the Greater Washington area, there is both opportunity and need for articulate public comment regarding the role, contributions, strengths and core values of independent schools. Whether talking about their particular school or commenting more broadly on educational issues and community concerns, representatives of the independent school community can contribute greatly to the goal of furthering thoughtful and honest public discourse.

2. AISGW requests that member schools not comment on matters that could result in “ranking,” i.e., hierarchical comparisons which are misleading and irrelevant to mission-oriented schools, and/or detrimental to students and their families who are seeking a “good match” placement. AISGW reminds member schools that inappropriate ranking causes detrimental effects for mission-oriented schools, and that significant corrosion often results for all when even only a small number of schools participate in such practices.

3. AISGW recommends that each head of school ensures that the school’s beliefs and practices in regard to public inquiry be thoughtfully considered and periodically reviewed with the staff and Board.

4. So that no school employee unwittingly responds inappropriately to media questions, the entire school community should be aware of how media requests are to be handled. AISGW recommends that one person be authorized to speak on behalf of the school and be adequately trained and prepared to do so.

5. Even if the information that could lead to inappropriate ranking is available publicly (e.g., test scores, next school placement on the website), or selectively (e.g., school profile for next-school placement purposes), schools are not under special compunction to provide this information directly to an inquiring reporter.

6. Schools should consider carefully whether they will participate in comparative “listings” even where there is no qualitative overlay (i.e., characterization of “good/better/best”).

7. AISGW recommends that schools not participate in any attempt to rate schools by “reputation,” and refuse to give personal opinion about the perceived quality of other schools, their programs, their students or their personnel.

8. AISGW recommends that schools’ promotional materials and websites not use the results of media coverage that inappropriately ranks schools, their programs or their students.

Approved, May 17, 2005

AISGW Board of Trustees