She says it was that characteristic that kept him in school and away from drugs while some of his friends were getting in trouble, although she takes some of the credit.

NPR: From Jamaica to Brooklyn to Death in Iraq

Higher levels of school autonomy are a characteristic of many higher performing systems - headed by China, the Netherlands, the UK and Hong Kong (which is considered as a separate school system in such education rankings).

BBC: UK education sixth in global ranking

At French business school INSEAD, EMBA course directors point to an international focus as a common characteristic held by participants.

CNN: EMBAs: Older, experienced, driven