The high-reliability school model is based on the work of Dr. Robert "Bob" Marzano. Dr. Marzano’s vision for K–12 education is simple: most schools can effectively promote student learning. To show how he created the Marzano High-Reliability Schools framework. This framework, based on 40 years of educational research, defines five progressive levels of performance that a school must master to become a high-reliability school—where all students learn the content and skills they need for success in college, careers, and beyond.

Ottumwa Community Schools Leading Indicators 

for the 2025-2026 School year

• HRS 1.1: Faculty and staff perceive the school environment as safe and orderly.

• HRS 1.2: Students, parents, and the community perceive the school environment as safe and orderly.

• HRS 1:3: Teachers are given formal roles in the decision-making process.

• HRS 1.4: Teachers and staff collaborate to address common issues regarding curriculum, assessment and instruction, and the academic success of all students. 

• HRS 1.6: Parents, students, and community members have formal ways to give input regarding the optimal operations of the school.

• HRS 2.1: The school communicates a clear vision as to how teachers should address instruction

• HRS 2.3: Instructional practices are known and monitored

• HRS 3.5: Data are analyzed and interpreted and used to monitor progress toward school achievement goals regularly.

• HRS 4.1: Clear and measurable goals are established and focused on critical needs for improving individual student achievement.