Which step is likely to best support a high-performing teaching staff?

Providing increased time and opportunities for teacher collaboration is essential for supporting a high-performing teaching staff. Collaboration fosters an environment where teachers can share best practices, exchange ideas, and collectively solve challenges they face in the classroom. This kind of professional interaction not only enhances individual teaching but also strengthens the overall educational environment. When teachers work together, they can learn from one another's experiences, develop a sense of community, and feel more supported in their roles, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and retention.

In contrast, increasing administrative oversight of classrooms may create an atmosphere of scrutiny rather than support, potentially demoralizing teachers and inhibiting their willingness to explore innovative teaching strategies. Offering competitive salaries and benefits, while important for attracting and retaining talent, does not directly contribute to professional growth and instructional improvement. Implementing more standardized testing can lead to a narrow focus on test preparation at the expense of fostering creativity and critical thinking in teaching, thus limiting the potential for high performance among the teaching staff.