All effective organizations have a method for determining the strength of their performance. Effective boards conscientiously decide the goals to which they aspire to perform, and then they determine a process for evaluating whether those goals have been met.

• Effective boards evaluate themselves because they are committed to accountability.
• A regular assessment assures that the board is operating at maximum efficiency and that it is adding value to the district it governs.

Yet, far too many boards refuse to hold themselves accountable at their level of contribution to the effectiveness of the district they serve. In reality, if it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching performance, it is equally important to evaluate the effectiveness of the governance performance.

Self-evaluation allows the board to step back from everyday business and candidly reflect on how well they are meeting their responsibilities. Self-evaluation helps the board bring forth ideas and issues that, if not discussed, might become major sources of frustration. Only when the board consciously draws conclusions about its own performance can the board take steps to improve.

Self-Assessment Improves Board Service 

Research indicates that improving board service through assessment depends on these factors:

• Provides critical feedback to all board members;
• Ensures active involvement of board members in their own board development;
• Impacts the board development plan by taking into account the results of the self-assessment;
• Recognizes the influence assessment has on the motivation and perception of board members, both of which critically influence board development; and,
• Substantiates the need for all board members to assess themselves and understand how to improve and grow as a collective body.