To those who may not have been paying attention to the details or are not privy to the internal dynamics of a school, the fall would send shockwaves causing everyone associated with the high-performing culture excruciating panic, fear, and frustration. The little things that appear to carry less weight could be equated to the dreadful cancer affliction which is capable of quietly eating, from the inside, the whole fabric of a school to a point of disrepair.
If they wish to maintain their lead and comparative advantage schools are obligated to regularly take inventory to determine early and with accuracy the presence of little cracks. Anything that works and continues to work to keep a school on top of the mountain should never be allowed to dissipate without cause. Complacency and lack of attention to detail can be held accountable for the destruction of a high-achieving school culture. Like a fragile little plant, a school culture can only bloom and blossom if it is regularly watered, nurtured, and cared for.
