In Colorado, half of a schools evaluation comes from standardized tests and half from my mother's boss through class evaluations, lesson plans and other indicators. Her funding is independent of scores, however, so there is little pressure to only teach subjects tested. She can prepare students for the real world while also providing information and techniques to thrive in test taking environments.
Her school operates different than most others. The changes "scare some people" but my mother is "excited by change!" She has implemented a system at her school in which students past second grade, go to two or three rooms in the day. This way teachers better suited to teach certain subjects and specify in them can more affectively help the students learn those regions of study. The short walk from class to class offers students a brief stretch and release of energy before different material is taught.
One of my mom's most influential traits is her attitude. She is anxious to try new things and would do anything in order to help develop her school. After discussing the problems in education, she added, "Now, can we talk about all the good things about education?" She could talk about the future of education for hours. If there were educators like my mama, the world would be a better place.