John Hattie’s research has demonstrated that collective efficacy has the largest impact on student achievement (2017). As schools build understanding about the research around collective efficacy and why it is essential, the next question is, how do we build it? Supervisory systems of teacher evaluation don’t build collective efficacy — in fact, they may actually create divisiveness (Popham, 2013).

As we rethink appraisal to focus on professional growth, one of the best approaches to building collective efficacy is creating opportunities for teachers to see each other teach. This has been a challenging issue in schools as teachers resist what they perceive as peer observation and evaluation. Done well, however, this collegial work fosters exactly the collaborative efforts that build collective efficacy. Large or small, public or independent, no matter where in the world you are located, Opening Classroom Doors is a powerful approach to build collective efficacy in your school.