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A simple definition for external environment is all those elements outside an organization that have potential to affect all or part of it. Using an environmental metaphor, it would be poor practice to purify the water in a polluted stream without attempting to eliminate the source of pollution. Similarly, effective leaders need to keep a watchful eye on the bigger picture and emerging trends that might affect their schools. or example, demographic changes in the community mean different expectations and new challenges for schools. As the children and families in a community change, schools must also change to continue meeting the needs of their community. Leaders must alternate between participating and observing, responding to external pressures and shaping the environment. The idea is simple. Practice is not. The resources listed below can help school leaders address some of these concerns regarding external environment. Resources Excerpt on environment from Leadership for School Improvement What Americans Believe Students Should Know: A Survey of U.S. Adults, by Robert Marzano, John Kendall, and Louis Cicchinelli The Good, and Not-So-Good News About American Schools, by John F. Jennings and Diane Stark Rentner Including At-Risk Students in Standards-Based Reform: A Report on McREL's Diversity Roundtable II
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