THEY ARE ALL CRAZY!!!!

For now, in our county we are fortunate enough to have academic coaches.....those who spend their every waking moment...during school, at night, on the weekends...at my beck and call....to discuss another one of my brilliant plans about how to SAVE OUR SCHOOL. Not only are they on my speed dial, they spend time researching best practices, embellishing curriculum, providing professional development and most importantly, working with teachers, for the mere purpose of leveraging their skill set for student achievement. They build relationships with teachers, work with students and look for every possible way to bridge the gap. Since my last posting a major event has happened in my life. I loss my mother in law, who was not only a colleague and confidante, she was the epitome of poise and grace. She possessed a passion for life and those who she loved that I can only imagine passing on. QUITE UNEXPECTED...in the MIDDLE OF OUR HIGH STAKES TEST!!! I am having a difficult time getting accustomed to this "new normal," but she said words to me that I will hear for a lifetime..."You can do it," "they have the right person," "If you can't do it, it can't be done." And believe me the list goes on. But tonight, I was feeling sorry for myself.

I spent the day in a pretty dreadful meeting only to have enough time to leave that meeting and get to the next meeting. I was not at my best as I had not eaten and was feeling famished. In this life, we grow accustomed to missing lunch, but I didn't eat dinner last night, ate a granola bar for breakfast before I ran a mile and then sat through a meeting that made me feel ill. The second meeting of the day was about a federal grant our state is applying for and "TAG" I am one of the chosen schools. Oh yippie, one more thing to do. I sat there listening to all the additional demands that will be placed on my teachers....while the concept itself is exciting, I could not help but be concerned about how they, especially the good ones, will respond. Well, at the end of the meeting I was compelled to run back to the school, while everyone else was going elsewhere, to share the info with my thought partners to give them time to frame their thoughts.

Anal retentive may not be an inappropriate way to describe me....so my OCD behaviors take over and I am drafting the proposal as I see fit.....but becoming increasingly anxious thinking about how we can manage all of this and still survive. My heart is racing...my head is pounding and then I get an email from one of my coaches.

To know him is to love him....he is the most eclectic and possibly the most visibly passionate in the group. While he's grown in diplomacy, his thoughts are obvious through his laughter. So, I'm sitting there. I have drafted a proposal, sent it to those in charge and I sit, and think......what in the world is wrong with me. Why is it that everybody else is resting for the evening and I am drafting a proposal. I am thinking about what is the "it" that we have to do to make certain our students grow academically.

My computer dings and I see a note from my eclectic coach. He says....when I saw this I thought about us. Not knowing what he was sharing with us and looking at the time finding it hard to believe that he not only was awake but was sending Internet links, I clicked the button.How to start a movement

What I saw made me howl. I then realized....it's not that they just feel they need to talk to me when I call at noon on a Saturday afternoon; or they are vying for job security when I make a comment and they have the information researched and laid out before I can leave work; or that they anticipate my thoughts and come to meetings already prepared with answers to my probable questions.....the truth is "THEY ARE JUST AS CRAZY AS ME!!!"

See we live and love this work. As I watched the video clip, I could not help but wonder, "How many see us as the lone nuts?" Why is it that when everyone is enjoying their weekend, we are at the school drawing t-shirt designs or analyzing student data to share on Monday. My coaches actually believe are children are worth investing in. They, while completely out of the classroom, seek ways to interact with and encourage children.

They believe s in themselves...they believe in themselves and they believe in the true "lone nut; " ME! I couldn't ask for a better group...we grow, we learn, we develop......TOGETHER!!! Kudos to those that help make my work possible.

What a difference a "teacher" makes

By the 3rd quarter of our 4 quarter school year, I have observed more teachers than I did the entire year last year. I have always taken pride in the fact that I spent the average of 2 hours a day in classrooms doing observations. Under new accountability measures that has increased to approximately 4 hours a day. Not just for me, but for all administrators that work with me. In a challenged high school, amidst bus duty, cafeteria duty, behavioral interventions and parent conferences, my administrators complete at least 7 -15 minute observations, 3-30 minute observations and 1-90 minute observation. Some weeks we increase 15's and reduce 30's other weeks it's just the opposite...the bottom line...time is spent daily in classrooms completing observations.



I have also always felt that teacher evaluations should be a comprehensive process----that one 30 minute required observation should not be the only determinant that you are not a great teacher, as well it should not be the only determinant that you are "the bomb." I feel that teacher evaluations should truly be a tool for growth, not just another required bureaucratic activity.



Well through consistent classroom observations...I have come to believe this year, more than ever, that "time on task with a qualified instructor" is the only true thing that changes achievement of underperforming students. While technology is great at assisting with the process...the follow-up a child receives from utilizing the technology has a huge impact on performance. This year I have watched teachers connect with students, in our challenged high school, that just did not happen before. I am watching teachers take ownership for students and seeking ways, through collegial conversations and research, to make certain that students "get it." I am watching teachers take risks that move them out of what's comfortable by utilizing student data unlike before. In this last stretch before FCAT one of the most profound things we can do for our students is express to them our genuine belief in their ability to conquer the FCAT. It is so unfortunate that it has become us against the test, but the reality is, it's us against the test. While Urban School Reform has become a "buzz movement", the 2001 ERIC article clearly identifies teachers as the GREATEST contributing factor.

You may ask...what about those who truly don't believe...I am not "Polly-Anna" by any stretch of the imagination...I just believe there are enough who believe the students can to outnumber the naysayers. Under the Florida Differentiated Accountability model our school had to go through "reconstitution" as a result of the 3rd "F grade". Teachers had to re-interview and as a result some were assigned to other schools. Not to imply that all teachers reassigned were poor teachers...but some were not a fit for the work we had ahead for this school year. However, the vast majority of those left were up to the challenge and if they were not they have been surrounded by those who truly believe our students are capable of achieving at high levels and willing to work with them to get there. (And the TRUE NON-BELIEVERS are seeking other options.)

With every fiber of my being I believe our school will get off the F-list this year. With everything in me I believe our children are ready and will perform at their best to make it happen. But if not, I believe because of the hard work of teachers the students will never be the same.

If we truly believe we can truly make a difference.

JAIL: The NEW RITES of PASSAGE

It is with a heavy heart I pen this note. These last several weeks have been quite busy. So after a long day yesterday I went to bed at an unbelievable time for ME. For those who know me I had to be ill to be in bed before 2 a.m......so call the rescue because I was down BEFORE 10 p.m. As I was preparing for Saturday Academy..I took a minute to make certain I did not have any special messages from teachers on my phone. What I did see brought me to my knees.



One of mine had been booked on a murder charge. MURDER...I know this kid..he has a good heart...a little goofy....but not a murderer. Well, he was involved----the victim was stabbed and died the next day at the hospital. How much is a life worth? Better yet, how much are 3 young lives worth...so what's the value of 4 lives....$3.00. The victim lost his life and the boys essentially lost theirs for $3.00. If it had been more it would not have made it any better but the 3 bucks is pretty amazing.



I have not been able to think about much else all day. I found peace in going to the school and looking at 60 or so who got up on a chilly, rainy Saturday morning to come to an academy that vows they will improve performance on their high stakes tests by attending. I looked out at their faces and my soul cried out. While waiting to give away the $100 gift card that I give every Saturday I opened a discussion with them. I asked, "OK, your principal has to know. Several of you have perfect attendance (we've been meeting since September) what is it that keeps you coming back?" One said, "I want to win the $1000." Which is an honest carrot....and a fair answer. But the general consensus was "I want to pass the FCAT....I want this to be my last time taking the test...I can tell these sessions are helping me in my classes." My kids are showing up Saturday after Saturday because they want things better than they were before.



I've asked myself throughout the day..."What good does it do for them to pass the FCAT and lose their life?" Our children are bigger than this and they deserve better. Too many of our young men feel that as a "black man" in "America" you have to go to jail.....it's a Rites of Passage. That in order to truly be a "BLACK MAN" you must do a stint in the slammer..from a basic arrest for a suspended license to months or even years. The Black on Black Crime Coalition statistics show that while African Americans make up 13.5% of the population 93% of those killed are Black which represents about the same percentage of Black males in the prison system.

Too many of our young men see violence in the community and believe they have no way around it. While I have mixed emotions about the movie Precious one thing was quite evident, teachers may never really know the real power they have to escort children out of their circumstances.



What's the lesson in all of this? The lesson is clear...adamantly shout to all you encounter..JAIL...a life of crime......does not have to be your destiny. You don't have to have a record to prove you are a man. If you do make a poor choice and get arrested it doesn't have to lead you down a slippery slope. Reach out to the children in your community, in your church, in your school. Talk to them until they hear!! Maybe you won't save them all...but talk for the one who might hear you. Talk for the one who might learn from the mistake of someone else and don't be afraid to help them find alternatives.



It's real and in living color...if you are not going to fight for them then who will?

Staying on cloud 9

This week started with a second round of visits from the Department of Education. I decided that they were going to have to search long and hard to find something me and my team were not already doing (in the words of one of my bosses) for "Children's Sake." Well guess what...THEY COULDN'T FIND A THING. My team, ( academic coaches, administrators and teachers) were ready to talk abou the work. We are working to make a difference for our children and we are doing it at a high level...we were not prepared to let others tell us likewise. The DOE team members referenced some of our work as being examples of the best in the state of Florida....did you get that...the STATE!!!

While I could spend time relishing in the confirmation, some of which I thougth I would never hear from this partciular team, I cannot. We still have so much left to do. We have test to take, tests to make, topics to teach, books to read, parents to call, students to target and the list continues. BUT, we are making it happen. Every day we get closer and closer to our target performance. I BELIEVE IT!!! Everyday, we build our children up to know this test is something they can beat.

So they week was off to a great start, as they came on Monday. I get an email Wednesday Night, which was NO SVHOOL because of Veteran's Day, that million dollar attorney Willie Gary was coming to my school....THE WILLIE GARY. I was screaming at 10:00 at night. The President of his foundation, for this area said, I was so moved by your passion ( he showed up at my school unaannounced to talk about donating money to the school...sounds like music to my ears, so I made time) that I wanted to quickly get Mr. Gary to you. Well, all he had to do is say when he was coming and I was rearranging ANY schedule to make it happen.

See while I have nothing against athletes and entertainers, our children really need to see the kind of accomplishments he has achieved through education and philanthropy. They need to see that beacuse you live in a one bedroom shack, you do not have to resort to drugs and a life a violence. You can rise above your situation and help those less fortunate than you. I know it sounds cliche-ish, but, "You Can Be Somebody."

While this past week was one of excitement and confirmations, this upcoming week will be one to celebrate our successes and comtinue to strategically work our plan. This Thursday we will invite the alumni of this great school to our first Alumni Night. During this time we will showcase some of our great talent, but more importantly, we will remind them of their connection to this school and share with them ways they can partner with us. To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required!!

Until next week.

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How important is student work

I've been gone but hopefully not forgotten.

We have spent the beginning of this school year in a more focused and purposeful way of work. Our school is entrenched in the Florida Continuous Improvement Model and making certain our students' needs are matched with the appropriate Instructional Stratgies. However, as we started the work this year we were sidetracked by something that does not seem very important..student engagement. How many students were really ENGAGED: interested, excited even , in and about the learning process. We visited classrooms, where at the end of our observation time we were racing out from being so unbelievably unengaged as adult learners. What could our students be experiencing. They walk away content with unengaging, ho-hum classes because they are conditioned to believe that's what school is all about. Only imagine-could our high school students experience this daily. Could students really go from class to class and not have SOMETHING happen that had them NOT wanting to learn more instead of bolt out the door at the sound of the bell?

Of course, me being the eternal learning leader that I am, I knew it had to be my fault. I had to reflect. I often document student engagement or lack thereof, but I really had not done a whole lot of "study" around STUDENT ENGAGEMENT...nor had I taken teachers to task who were just plain boring....so the search began. (Coincidentally our DOE team came in and referenced the students as passively engaged...go figure...passively---engaged)...But, I digressed;...each of us, all of the administrators and the academic coaches, began to search for information that would allow us to put into words what student enagement "looked like in practice."

After much search and finding some really great resources, my math coach found a handbook that I will forever use as a part of my professional material. Student Engagement: Creating a Culture by Richard Jones, gave specific practical steps to view engagement at a glance and the much more challenging noticing of "authentic engagement;" questioning students about their interest in the class and instruction. Our teachers are being challenged to have the students rate their classes on the engagement continuum with level 1 being "I was bored to sleep" to 5 being "I did not want to leave."

We can now move to the next steps of looking at strategies that not only increase engagement but have been proven to yield increased performance. Marzano's High Yield Strategies are not the "end all, be all" but they provide some well documented instructional models that teachers can integrate..not just into their class but into their practice.

Simultaneously we analyzing student work and the quality therein. We often say students rise to the level of our expectation, but is our expectation aligned with what will be necesssry for students to have growth on high stakes tests? One of my Assistant Principals noted higher expectations=better outcomes. Focusing on student work can only be a means to that end.

It was not until today that I thought of our work as being Action Research, but it is. The only question that remains is whether this ation will yield the level of impact necessary to have substanial growth for our children. All I can say is "Watch our Smoke."

And just because it makes me feel better...if you have not read Classroom Instruction that Works, by Marzano, and you are trying to get marked growth with your students...read it.

What I Really Wanted to Say

All week I have been thinking about what I wanted to document this week. I thought I had it on Tuesday, when I received the nicest card of encouragement in the mail from a close friend and colleague. Thought I would talk about how we needed to connect with and help each other, you know, that "no man is an island" stuff. Then on Wednesday I thought, nope....today is really it....when I was able to successfullly help a senior and her parent understand why as a pending Social Studies major, she really needed to take that AP Calculus class. Thought I would talk about taking the time to help our children see both sides of the coin. Reminding them that anything worth having is worth working for.

Well, what I realized is as the week progressed and I was thinking about what I wanted to say, everyday I had more and more to share. While I admit I was exhausted on Friday thinking of all I need to get accomplished this week....I am always rejuvenated by students. While waking up this morning to a positive article on the front page of the newspaper about my students and their wilingness to give their time and talent to Super Saturday Academy would be enough to have anyone pumped, it is so much more than that for me. I heard myself saying yesterday to the parents and students that I LOVE THIS WORK!!

While I often relish in the growth of the students....I feel it my responsibility to help teachers move from Good to GREAT!! Yes, it's a little hard for me that all teachers don't want to be great...and even worse the ones who think they already are; but it is one of my goals as an Instructional Leader. A little strange, but I get enjoyment out of watching teachers learn and grow together. Most of my teaching staff is new and they are really embracing Professional Learning Communities as a way of life.

I suppose in the end I am ending where I had planned to start. Each one...has to reach one. We are not in this work alone. Seek out those around you who may offer you help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. If you prefer to stay in your clasroom and do it your own way ask yourself a few questions:

1. What do I really want my students to learn
2. What am I going to do when they don't learn it

If you come up with all the answers all by yourself--GREAT, find everybody else and tell them the answer. If not...find a critical friend and work it out together.

Reach for the moon and if you don't make it you will land among the stars.

Students say Andrew Jackson Saturday Academy is helpful | Jacksonville.com

Students say Andrew Jackson Saturday Academy is helpful | Jacksonville.com

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Ready, Set, Go

I was awakened this morning by an alarm clock I thought I turned off last night. The morning I vowed, "I am going to sleep in," I am still up at 5:00a.m. After lying there for 30 minutes I realized I was not going back to sleep, so what better do I have to do than check and delete emails (not sure if anyone else has trouble keeping their mailbox clear but mine gets full often...topic for another post); nevertheless I go to my computer and get about the business of re-reading emails to decide what needs to go.

I come across an email sent by one of my former teachers who is now an administrator (I taught her well) with a link to an article titled A Lousiana School Leader Answers the Call of Duty. I knew it had to be read worthy if she sent it to me, so at 5:45 a.m. I am reading the article.

See this week has been filled with reminders of how great the task of turning our school around really is. My school has dipped into intervene status with the DOE. Therefore "THE STATE" has carte blanche to come into our building whenever they want. Trust me, they are exercising that right! Last week, the first week of school, they were there for 2 hours reviewing with me what "the monitoring" would be for the year. This week, they spent 2 days in the building as a large group and another one came back yesterday. One day, one group visited all content area classrooms while the "Director" grilled me about many things I was told not to worry about until later. I always scream in my head when I hear that. Well, glad my overachiever, Type-A personality NEVER falls for that one, so I had answers, copius answers, to every question....even those things I was told not to worry about...lucky me.

The second day they spent the day writing their reports while another group visited classrooms. Meanwhile, me and members of my leadership team were at a "training" with a "school improvement group" who has had success working with schools in our area and is now going to "fix" us. They reminded us, however, that if we had certain cultural issues in our school we were DOOMED TO FAILURE. Visit, another visit, school improvement plan, 2 training sessions, 4 other meetings....and yesterday was only day 10 of what will prove to be a very short school year.

This morning, however, as I read the article, I cried. Cried, not because I am sad or depressed, but because it confirmed for me that I, we, are definitely on the right track. While I wish there was a way to measure the impact we are having on children outside of "THE TEST" there is not. Cried because of the number of new graduates from last year, my first year at the school, who ran to me, hugged me, said thank you and reassured me they were doing well and taking care of themselves. Cried because, even while a disgruntled former employee, removed by a state mandate, attempted to glean attention by heckling and talking loudly, teachers and administrators, even from other schools made contact, late into the night, to voice support for the very difficult choices that must be made for growth. Choices that are not always understood but made plain only by actions...time reveals true charcater. Cried because regardless how impossible it really seems we are working to do whatever it takes to benefit our students.

I think my soul needed release this morning. I was so overwhelmed with emotion last night while watching my school, the school I lead, play on the field of my alma mater. MY ALMA MATER--a school where my home engrained charcater was cultivated......a school where I learned to study and be the best I could be.....a school where my teachers would not even THINK about letting me give less than best effort......a school that also faces the stringent penalty of closure because of being in intervene status. Two schools dualing, but not just with each other on the football field.

If anyone has done it then you know it can be done....however, if it has never been done, then we must end that comment with a resounding, "YET." None of our high schools have done what we must do this school year, yet!!!

As I prepare for a workday that I did not plan to start until 11:00 a.m. today...and yes the date does show that it's Saturday, I feel a lightness. I feel refreshed. I feel ready!

Do We Know Our True Worth?

I spent last week at a Florida Educational Leadership Academy is Tampa, Florida. When you become the principal of a challenged school everybody seems to pull out all stops to try to "salvage" you. Like all of a sudden your change in venue effects your competence. While I can find growth in most professional development opportunities, spending Sunday through Friday in this comprehensive academy had my "educational system" on overload. After not seeing my children for almost a week, I decided we would spend Saturday doing some activities since they missed summer camp because I was away.

We started our escapde by going bowling. I don't know who was happier that our "gutters" were protected, me or them. At any rate, MOMMY WON...by one lousy point. While I wanted to go to the movies, they had greater...more exciting plans...GAMESTOP, for a games for the DS and then dinner at Towncenter after a visit to Barnes and Noble. (Their $10 gift cards were burning their little hands). Because Mommy said, "You can have whatever you like," I added our names to the waiting list at P.F. Chans while we made our way to Barnes and Noble and Sephora ( mommy has to get a few minutes out of the deal).

After 2 hours, we sit down for our long awaited meal. They both knew what they wanted, of course I did, so we ordered and the food was on the way. We enjoyed each other's company and discussed our plans for the upcoming weekend. As my younger was telling the waiter we were finished and needed our check, a young lady knealt down beside me. She said, "I know you, you are Ms. Wright." I thought , OK, this is not the time for a kodak moment. I look like I am on my way to the beach, even though it's 9:00 at night. She said, "I remember you. I am a teacher at --- High School and I remember you from you speaking at our new teacher orientation." She went on to say that a waiter from the restaurant next door, who happens to be an education major, told her about this principal he met in the restaurant a few weekend prior. She said she could tell from the physical description and the attitude description "It could only be Iranetta Wright." (Don't even ask) WOW!!! I've only seen this young lady once, and there were 200 other people there so I don't remember her but she seems to know me well.

She said to me, "I just want you to know I think you are the bomb. I appreciated what you said to us and I know several others did as well. I know you have a challenging situation in front of you but there are a lot of people supporting you." Through somewhat startled eyes, I encouraged her to always do her best and wished her much success on her career in this great profession. My eight year old looked at me in amazement and said, "Mommy, she remembered you, WOW."

WOW is right. As leaders in this great profession, it becomes our duty to help others appreciate the job we have to do. We carry the torch and keep it shining so others will pick it up, give it to others and then connect with them so the torch stays aflame.

At a time when the local media is questioning my ability to truly effect change in our FCAT grade, where my Superintendent is being forced to justify his decision not to remove me based on the state's Differentiated Accountability model, I meet a freelance waitress by night, teacher by day, who takes the time to come over to me and affirm for me my worth to her. My true worth is not in the test scores I raise, but in the lives of the people I touch. Even when we don't know it, somebody is watching!

OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME

A-type personalities get involved in many things and do most well. Fate would have it, that I was privileged to be a part of the planning committee for my class reunion. While at a "kick-off" function, a young lady entered that was familiar to me. I spoke with her briefly, trying to determine who she was looking for and realized, even though familiar, she was not my classmate.

As the night progressed I tried not to look at her, but it puzzled me where I knew her from. Almost simultaneously, I realized and she shrieked my name, at the same time. She screamed, "Is that Ms. Rayborn?"

You see, this young lady had been one of my high school math students. She was always pleasant, but like many of my students, did not enjoy math at all..until they got to my class. But what she said to me next was not about her long term love affair with math. What she said next took me by surprise.

She said to me, " Ms. Rayborn, I just need to tell you thank you. I was so moved by the work you did with us that I now have a non-profit and I work with a group of 40 girls. The name of the group is The Exquisite Ladies." Time stood still. When I was a high school teacher, completing full math certification while also working on my Master's at the same time and doing a home based business, I saw a need that could not be fulfilled in the classroom alone. I saw a group of young ladies who had so much to give and not necessarily a venue to do it in. Even though it was of great sacrifice, I started a female etiquette group called, The Exquisite Ladies. We did everything from workshops on table decorum and public speaking, to community based volunteer events. I loved them and they loved me. Over the years several of them have found me and said thank you, but this one was truly a chance opportunity.

At the end of our conversation she said, " Ms. Rayborn, I didn't know where to find you, but I have always wanted you to come and speak to the girls, so they could see where it all started." I rubbed my arms. In the middle of enjoying classmates and reminiscing on old times I was given an opportunity to see how I had touched the life of at least "one student." My impact. The chill bumps would not go away and as I pen this post, they still have not.

Love them when they don't know how to love themselves. Take time or make time. Know even when you don't see it or can't sense it you are and will continue to make a difference.

This is why we do it!

Four day weeks are always the longest for me. I start out knowing we have a lot to do and not a lot of time. Well the week is off and running...Thursday, all day principal's meeting, no time for lunch with the pals, Senior Awards night starts at 6:00p.m. A call from the Florida Times Union, test scores in, ours don't look great, want to talk. No time to talk, Senior Awards night at 6:00p.m. AAAAAAAAHHHH the AWARDS night. From an event last year that heralded approximately 10 seniors, to once again, a packed auditorium...about 150 of the 220 graduating class. We found a way to call each students' name for recognition. No referrals, Straight A's, A/B Honor Roll..you name it, they received it. A special gift for each student, personalized USB bracelet from me..Individually wrapped cookies....and they loved every minute of it...as I always say, BIG KIDS, but still KIDS.

Then we get to Thursday night. It's midnight..I am trying to take a nap and I feel like I am being eaten alive by bugs. I jump to the floor run to the mirror...OMG...I must be having an allergic reaction to something. I have never been allergic to anything in my life. Small bite looking marks popping up all over my face, arms, legs, you name it. I dash out the door on the way to the emergency room. I stop to get Benadryl but that doesn't help, so it's 1:00 a.m. I am sitting in the emergency room, itching and crying uncontrollably at the thought of missing another huge awards ceremony for the underclassmen planned for Friday morning....and I am the only one who knows the plan. Three shots later with one going through the IV, I set out for home at 4:40 a.m. No time to rest, my lips must go down, the swelling must go away as I cannot miss this ceremony.

Well I did miss the ceremony...the swelling did not go away and I had to pass the torch to my most efficient team. All day I slept, after 3 full shots of Benadryl what else could I do. In between naps, I checked on the school. One of my assistant principals sent me clips of the awards program...my vision...to fruition...in our gymnasium...I cried!! I said I am going to come when everyone leaves, my second in command assistant principal said as sternly as possible, "NO BOSS, YOU'RE NOT!" For once, I listened.



And this morning I was glad I did. Maybe the day yesterday allowed me to attend the most beautiful baccalaureate service I have ever attended. My students were beautiful...my Bishop was awesome and I left with a renewed faith in this work.








(Bishop Rudoulph McKissick Jr.)




What we do is greater than any profession in the world. I looked out at some of the same students I referenced weeks ago in this same blog, wondering if they would make it...THEY DID!!! I received numerous hugs, and looks through teary eyes, saying "Thank you", "Thanks for not giving up on me", "Thanks for being patient," "You gave me the jolt I needed", What the don't realize is that they continue to give me the jolt I need.

This work is for the love of the game...I love this work, I love my children, I love my job. And in the darkest moments, and those will come, especially as long as there is FCAT, I remember the real reason for showing up everyday.

Do Urban Student Require More?

While completing our agenda during our weekly administrative staff meeting, we entered into a healthy debate about ACT/SAT scores, standardized tests and G.P.A. During our discussion, a novice administrator asked the question, " Why is it the students can have a 3.5 G.P.A but they cannot pass our state test." I sat in dismay searching for the most diplomatic way to answer the question. The truth is, I have no diplomacy for this answer. Not making excuses for our students, but the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is one of the most rigorous in the nation. Not having the data readily accessible to benchmark us against the rest of the nation I opted to look at average

ACT

/SAT scores by state. In doing so, I was pleased with the progress of our students. Do we have a long way to go, yes! But we have truly come a long way. Our action plan. Increase preparation style activities to help the students become more comfortable with the format of the SAT and ACT. Educate them on the value of the test for college entry and lastly, encourgae them not to settle for the 18 but continue to work towards the 24. Do they require more...ABSOLUTELY...but it's worth every moment.

As we work to close this year and begin planning for the year ahead, I am researching information about Differentiation and Response to Intervention. In reviewing Mindstep I found several resources that would be of assistance to me and my staff and we begin to facilitate this work.

In the presentation, the writer states that if 75% or more of students are not performing at or above grade level then there is a problem with the core curriculum not in the types of safety nets being offered to students. So how do we find just the right balance between core curriculum...remediation.....and safety nets. Today as I was posting a tweet, I stated that it is our responisibility to grow because our students are counting on it. If we close our eyes to the facts, our students, my students, continue to sink further into the "whole of no return."

Can we all just get along

So many amazing occurrences in the life of a high school principal. Last week alone, state track meet on Saturday, PTA meeting on Monday, meeting with seniors on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, band Spring Concert on Friday and ROTC Ball on Saturday. When does it end? Graduation? The Summer? Maybe July vacation.

Every event has its own unique appeal. So many say, "Wright, you shouldn't do all that....you should share the wealth." Even when I try to share the activities with my administrators, who often attend also, I still find something tugging at me to "be there; be present; be supportive."

No one could have replayed for me the the true depth of what I saw at the event last night.

Our band director decided to have a FREE band concert. I thought he was insane, but having the entry be a canned good being donated to the Clara White Mission, was a way to help our children give back to our community. So I supported his choice. Each day as I read the announcement during our morning routine I thought, wow, he has to be kidding me; "a mass band performance by the Andrew Jackson Tigers, Ed White Commanders, William M. Raines Vikings and Ribault Trogans." Their vision became a reality last night. I found out the performance was the brainchild of one of the Drum Majors. He made the request, the Band Director made it happen.

I was so overcome by excitement while sitting there I thought I would SCREAM. The auditorium easily had 500 people: parents, students and faculty, all from sister schools---all in the name of music. Well, words are not adequate in my vocabulary to express how powerful the Grand Finale really was. All four schools marched, danced, played, twirled...in synchronation. They were all TIGERS. Not to slight their high schools, but they showed that rival schools, in the same place at the same time can "all just get along." They were one....a real "We are the world" performance.

Of course the media was not there (yes they were invited) to capture the coehsiveness of this group. They were not there to see the students as one family. They were not their to capture them walking out hand-in-hand congratulating each other on a fabulous performance, proudly displaying their preferred HBCU paraphenalia. They weren't there to see the joy that eminated throughout the event. They weren't there to see the peace.

You must know us, all of us, to appreciate what this post really means. You must know us to love us.

Better Late Than Never

I couldn't resist getting my thoughts out today. I spent the day conversing with seniors who have a long way to go to complete their graduation requirements by the initial May 21st senior deadline. Even though this is a process I started last week, each day seems more and more amazing. I cannot help but wonder WHAT SOME OF THEM ARE THINKING. It's as if they expect an angel to swoop down from the sky and save them. Well, they get no angel, they get stuck with me instead saying, "what were you thinking?", "no, you are not going to work today, do I need to call your boss?", "call me tonight after you get signed up for the course that you must finish by the deadline." While I sit in amazement, I know I will be hugging and crying with the ones that pull it off and walk across the stage as a graduate on June 3rd. However, what about the 5 out of 25 that I put a star by after I finished speaking with them to symbolize, "it's gonna take a miracle."

WELL as I was going through my mail tonight before leaving work, I ran across my current edition of American School: The Source For School Leaders. Not really trying to read it, as I had pulled another 14 hour day, I laid it on my desk as I continued. Slowly it opened to the center of the magazine....the words "Better Late Than Never" were plastered in white blocks across the middle of the page. Jim Hull proceeded to tell me the importance of finishing, even if more than 4 years. His research showed that "4.6 percent of the students who started high school in the fall of 1988 needed more than 4 years to finish." He gave additional statistics on the long term residuals for students who finish vs. students who drop out.

I have 12 more students to see tomorrow and even though I am committed to get them across the stage on June 3rd, I am more committed to getting them across the stage. It would be nice if others recognized the work of schools in getting students to graduation, however, even if no one notices, we have always been a group of professionals who were intrinsically motivated. We do this work for the love of the game. So to all the teachers, administrators and guidance counselors who will be working to keep the students motivated after the excitement has waned, help them remember their options. Help them realize that down is not out.

Staying Connected

While checking out ASCD on Twitter, I began to follow several other links for topics that seemed to be of interest to me. I stumbled across a twitter for principals. I followed another link to The Practical Principal which included several wikis, but one dedicated to new principals. While reading this it occurred to me that there are many principals and fellow administrators who embrace learning the way I do.

Learning to Collaborate is a blog all about sharing. If we do not "work on the work" together, we will never find the answer. Only talking to those who you work with or around can become incestuous. Take the time...reach out to those in other areas, from other states, from other countries and let's figure out,TOGETHER, how to reach our children.

Follow me on twitter and see who I follow. Our connection is necessary. Collaboration is not just a good thing; it's a requirement.

You can make a difference?

ou


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Well On Our Way

This week, like last, has been a week of affirmations. The high school office descended on us Wednesday....visiting classrooms, talking to students and making notes about our progress. After a 2 hour process I was greeted with the synopsis of each individuals' observations. As my boss read her findings, she emphatically stated that I was the "Learning Leader"....ah, music to my hears. It is my goal to Lead Learning for the Tiger Family; to find a way or make a way to help us achieve our mission....quality instruction for every child every day. Not all children learn the same....nothing new, not all adults learn the same. But we cannot stop trying to reach them because they are older and think they know more than us.

I talk to students A LOT!!!!! My principal taught me, as I try to share with other administrators, every conversation becomes an academic one. It really does not matter what we start out talking about, we end talking about academics and what their next steps need to be. Well, in one of my conversations last week, I asked a student (who was not with me on a friendly visit) how were her grades. What she said next sent me soaring. She said, "Ms. Wright, I made the best grades I have ever made. I made all B's and a C and I was trying to make all A's and B's." Now to know the student you could appreciate the statement. But even without knowing the child, the knowledge that she has made a goal to prioritize her grade performance was music to my ears.

Our kids want it. Like all children...they want to be acknowledged, they want recognition, they want someone to say "Good Job", they want to do well. It's our job to pull it out of them. It is our job to believe in them until they believe in themselves.

This week challenge yourself to show a student, by your actions, how much you believe in them. Make them know that you are not giving up on them. Let them know that you love them in spite of them loving themselves.

This is the real reason we do this work.

DIFFERENTIATION AGAIN?

I knew I had to post this week when one of my teachers stopped me on Friday and said, "I looked at your blog for the book you recommended in training, but I did't see it." Another colleague commented to me earlier in the week. "I really like your blog, you just don't post enough. I was really on a roll, then I fell off the wagon. :) But the truth of it is, this has been such a great week professionally, I would be remissed not to write.

OK. I know how to plan pretty good "professional development" sessions---at least I think so. They are engaing and interactive. My goal is always to have teachers walk away with something they can use in the classroom.....immediately.

Well Wednesday was exceptionally good if I do say so myself. I was so proud of my teachers. I have never seen them more engaged in quality conversations about "best practices." I used as the basis for my training session Differentiation: From Planning to Practice by Rick Wormeli. The teachers reviewed their lesson plans...decided on recommended activities and discussed the potential interest level of the students. They engaged in healthy debate about what activities were good, i.e., engaging, and which activities may get the point across but would bore the students to tears. (To view a podcast on DIFFERENTIATION by Rick Wormeli click chere)
Our students are everchanging. We do them a disservice by not trying to meet them where they are. Sure, students must also know that every single day will not be wii or PSP oriented...but we can work hard to HOOK them.