http://www.nassp.org/podcasts en-us Copyright 2011 NASSP Stay up-to-date on the most important issues in school leadership, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals NASSP Stay up-to-date on the most important issues in school leadership with this podcast series, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the preeminent organization of and national voice for leaders in U.S. middle level and high schools. Stay up-to-date on the most important issues in school leadership with this podcast series, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the preeminent organization of and national voice for leaders in U.S. middle level and high schools. Bob Farrace farraceb@nassp.org no http://web7.streamhoster.com/nassp9/UpdatedPrincipalsPodcast.png http://www.nassp.org/podcasts NASSP Interview with Ms. Marci Shearon, principal of 2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Arkansas City High School, Arkansas City, Kansas Ms. Marci Shearon, Principal. Although over 50% of its 9-12 students are living in poverty, this highly involved rural community is committed to offering access to college to every student. The belief that the students are at the center of the community has resulted in strong student academic performance, with the entire school community working closely together to assure this success. This school of 811 students enjoys a four-year 87% cohort graduation rate. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/ArkansasCityHSFinal.mp3 Dec 2008 05:05:00 GMT 16:31 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, poverty, graduation rate NASSP Interview with Ms. Delic Loyde, principal of 2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Stelle Claughton Middle School, Houston Texas Ms. Delic Loyde, Principal. This 6-8 suburban school of 1500 believes that excellence is about creating an environment for each student to succeed. To achieve this goal, the entire staff shares leadership responsibilities, while the students and community also have a voice. Although there are challenges with 74% of its population eligible for the Free or Reduced Meals program, high expectations have been set. The school has more than met those expectations and believes the goal of college for every student is attainable. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/StelleClaughtonMSFinal.mp3 Dec 2008 03:05:00 GMT 10:55 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, poverty, goals NASSP Interview with Mr. Steve Ramsey, principal of 2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Crockett County High School, Alamo, Tennessee In danger of being taken over by the state, the teachers at this rural 9-12 school of 819, with 50% of its students eligible for the Free or Reduced Meals program, led a successful change effort resulting in a collaborative process focused on student achievement, graduation and preparation for life. Knowing that the achievement of each individual student is important, the school became a model of collaboration and personalization and the level of success on the state exams demonstrates the results of this philosophy. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/CrockettCtyHSFinal.mp3 Dec 2008 05:05:00 GMT 12:58 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, collaboration NASSP Interview with Mr. Trevor Strawderman, principal of 2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Loris High School, Loris, South Carolina With a Free or Reduced Meals eligibility rate of 73%, this rural 9-12 school of 884 is a turn-around success story. Ranking near the bottom of state high schools several years ago, systematic changes required strong leadership and focused teaching. School wide literacy instruction was implemented along with professional learning communities and differentiated instructional strategies. Results are impressive: greater retention, fewer dropouts, high exam pass rates, increased graduation rates, and a school ranking near the top of all high schools in South Carolina http://www.principals.org/Content/158/LorisHSFinal.mp3 Dec 2008 05:05:00 GMT 17:11 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, turn-around school NASSP Interview with Mrs. Stephanie Smith, principal of 2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Seaford Middle School, Seaford, Delaware In tackling its "needs improvement" designation for this 6-8 rural school of 791 with 62% of the students living in poverty, the staff turned to a model of distributive leadership, now imprinted on every aspect of the school's programs. This thrust was coupled with a focus on changing the climate through a reward system for appropriate student behavior. Equally important, staff turn-over has decreased dramatically. The overall results include improved student achievement, a more positive climate and increased outreach to parents and community. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/SeafordMSFinal.mp3 Dec 2008 05:05:00 GMT 14:20 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, distributive leadership NASSP Interview with Dr. William Truesdale, principal of 2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Douglas Taylor School, Chicago, Illinois This school's unusual structure - 770 students in Pre-K through grade 8 - allows for planning by grade level based on the belief that all students can achieve academic excellence. As a part of this vision, grade level meetings are held to review student data and discuss instructional strategies. With 97% of its students eligible for the Free or Reduced Meals program and a 88% Hispanic population, the staff has created school-wide literacy and math programs as part of the academic focus. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/DouglasTaylorlFinal.mp3 Dec 2008 05:05:00 GMT 15:34 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement NASSP Interview with Mr. Ronnie Rowell, principal of 2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Theodore High School, Theodore, Alabama Located in a rural area, this 9-12 school of nearly 1600 students is one of the largest in Mobile County and has approximately 50% eligibility for the Free or Reduced Meals program. Theodore's instructional design centers around the use of data to improve student performance combined with a rigorous curriculum, diversified methods of learning, and the involvement of all stakeholders giving students the skills and tools needed to succeed in tomorrow's world. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/TheadoreHSFinal.mp3 Dec 2008 04:30:00 GMT 16:20 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, rural NASSP Interview with Dr. Joan Brixey, principal of 2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Daniel Webster Middle School, Waukegan, Illinois Nearly 650 students - 84% Free or Reduced Meal program eligible - attend this 6-8 urban school. Pride is a key word encompassing not just the improvements recently made to the physical plant, but also the attention given to student achievement. Action has been taken to involve more staff members in leadership roles in the school's initiatives. School wide teams have been formed in the categories of operations, teaching and learning, and data analysis resulting in improved student achievement. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/DanielWebMSFinal.mp3 Dec 2008 06:30:00 GMT 26:03 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, urban NASSP Interview with Ms. Sharon Johnson, principal of 2009 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Withrow University High School, Cincinnati, Ohio The focus of this school of 720 students is on providing a quality college preparatory program by offering gender-specific classes designed to remediate skill deficiencies and prepare the students for higher level courses. Although not a selective high school - over 60% of its students qualify for the Free or Reduced Meals program - every student is expected to attend college or a post-secondary program. To that end, the school provides the support necessary to see that they are successful. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/WithrowHSrev.mp3 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT 20:20 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, college prepratory program NASSP Interview with Tom O'Brien, principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Brentwood High School, Brentwood, New York Tom OBrien, Principal. The Brentwood community views this 3,600-student school as a school of hope and opportunity. This sprawling 10th-12th grade complex on Long Island, New York, is home to students from 47 different countries. Six hundred of the students are English Language Learners, 500 receive special education services, 125 are students with interrupted formal education and 62% are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. Five years ago, the school was identified as a school in need of improvement by the state of New York. Being identified as a failure became a wake-up call to raise expectations for students and teachers. Focusing on student instructional needs has resulted in dramatic gains on all accountability indicators and earned the school a designation of in good standing. http://www.brentwood.k12.ny.us http://www.principals.org/Content/158/BrentwoodHS10Final.mp3 Dec 2009 05:05:00 GMT 18:27 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, diversity NASSP Interview with Moriah Dollarhite, principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School, Collinsville, Virginia It is no accident that the staff at Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School adopted a central tenet of Breaking Ranks in the Middle (BRIM) to banish anonymity by creating a personalized learning environment for all of its students. The school was created six years ago when the four middle schools in Henry County, Virginia, were consolidated into two middle schools. The difficulties associated with the consolidation were compounded by the closing of many of the areas manufacturing plants, which left unemployment at 29%, with almost 50% of the students eligible for meal subsides. Today, the school stands as a shining example to the power of a personalized learning environment for all students. The results - continuously improving student achievement and the reduction of gaps between groups of students - demonstrate how when adults trust each other, work together strategically, and focus on student outcomes all obstacles can be overcome. http://henryva.schoolwires.com/fieldalems http://www.principals.org/Content/158/FieldaleMSFINAL.mp3 Dec 2009 01:00:00 GMT 12:28 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, consolidation, unemployment NASSP Interview with Patrick Field, former principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School: Franklin Towne Charter High School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Jason Kegel, Principal and Patrick Field, Former Principal. Founded in 1999 and located within the historic Frankford Arsenal grounds in the Bridesburg section of northeast Philadelphia, this charter school serves the needs of area students seeking a non-traditional educational experience with an emphasis on providing a strong academic foundation for success in college and beyond while encouraging participation in a broad range of extracurricular activities. Since 2006, when a new team of administrators, parents, staff and community lead a change in focus and direction, Franklin Towne has moved from one of the lowest-performing schools in Philadelphia to one of the highest-achieving schools public or charter in the state. www.franklintowne.org http://www.principals.org/Content/158/FranklinHS10FINAL.mp3 Dec 2009 01:00:00 GMT 8:46 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, high achievement NASSP Interview with Judith Marty, principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School: Mater Academy Charter Middle School, Hialeah Gardens, Florida Mater Academy is located in a commercial/industrial area in the city of Hialeah Gardens, just outside the city limits of Miami, Florida, in what once was an abandoned big box store. The energy that transformed a vacant store and garbage dump into a thriving, multi-building campus for a grades 6-12 school is apparent in every classroom. Students, parents, community members and staff all speak of the magic that is Mater. Striking as the physical transformation was, the continuing academic transformation is what draws people to the school. The Florida Grade A middle school leads the way on this campus. The school, a Title 1, public charter school, is funded by the state of Florida. The middle schools current enrollment is more than 1,500 students, 94% of whom are Hispanic and 76% qualify for free and/or reduced-price meals. http://materacademymiddle.dadeschools.net http://www.principals.org/Content.aspx?topic=Mater_Academy_Charter_Middle_School_Consistent_Expectations Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT 13:58 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, transformation NASSP Interview with Stephanie Feldner, principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School: Menominee Indian Middle School, Neopit, Wisconsin Stephanie Feldner, Principal. This 130-student public school is unique within the state of Wisconsin as its attendance area is almost entirely on Menominee tribal lands. This uniqueness is reflected in the schools mission to ensure that each student has the opportunity to succeed culturally as well as academically. The school, located in the poorest county of the state and the 9th poorest county in the United States, has seen significant growth in both of these areas in the last four years. However, the school has moved from being classified as needing improvement to being named a Wisconsin School of Excellence. Staff and community attribute this success to the principals commitment to give everyone a voice in school operations. Teams oversee all facets of the school from student behavior to curriculum development. http://www.misd.k12.wi.us/schools/mims.shtm http://www.principals.org/Content/158/MenomineeMS10FINAL.mp3 Dec 2009 03:30:00 GMT 11:43 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement NASSP Interview with Gary Higginbotham, principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School: Ravenswood Middle School, Ravenswood, West Virginia The unassuming exterior of this small middle school belies the warm, caring environment that it provides for its 344 students and its record of continued academic growth and achievement. The school has moved from a position of corrective action to being recognized as an NCLB National Blue Ribbon School. The key to Ravenswood's success is no secret. Students, parents, community members, and graduates consistently confirm that teachers care and treat every student as an individual. The professional learning community of teachers serves as an extended family network that is designed to support each student academically and emotionally. http://ravenswoodms.jack.k12.wv.us/ http://www.principals.org/Content/158/RavenMS10Final.mp3 Dec 2009 03:30:00 GMT 21:48 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, NCLB NASSP Interview with Dr. Virginia Minshew, principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School: Park View High School, Sterling, Virginia Dr. Virginia Minshew, Principal. This suburban high school is located in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Over the past five years, an influx of second-language students from 80 countries, representing 25% of the Park View population, has prompted a need for change in curriculum, instruction and the culture of the school. Numerous classes, programs, strategies and opportunities are now in place to identify and support those in need, and to help all students build a highly personalized school experience that allows them to pursue a meaningful and purposeful path in their post-high school life. While facing the challenges of such a diverse population, Park View has exceeded all expectations by meeting both annual AYP requirements and by producing significant, ongoing upward trends on the Virginia Standards of Learning exams. www.loudoun.k12.va.us/pvhs http://www.principals.org/Content/158/ParkVwHS10FINAL.mp3 Dec 2009 04:30:00 GMT 15:25 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, suburban, diverse NASSP Interview with Mildred Phillips, principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School: San Diego Met High School, San Diego, California The San Diego Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical High School (The Met) is a public 9-12 college-preparatory school of 200 students located on the San Diego Mesa Community College campus. The mission of this school is to prepare students for college and the workforce through active learning, academic rigor, and community involvement in a small-school setting. Students work in advisories of 20-25 students with the same teacher/advisor for all four years. Advisors, parents, and students design a customized academic learning plan focused on California State Content Standards and students career interests. In addition to the strong academic focus, students are exposed to the workforce through internships scheduled two days per week and earn college credits by attending classes at Mesa beginning in their sophomore year. http://sandiegomet.webs.com http://www.principals.org/Content/158/SanDiegoHSFINAL.mp3 Dec 2009 02:30:00 GMT 17:09 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, college-preparatory school, college credit NASSP Interview with Brother Nick Gonzales, principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School: San Miguel High School, Tucson, Arizona This school was created to fill a vacuum in its south Tucson neighborhood, the poorest in the city. San Miguel High School was designed to integrate academics and career goals. A corporate internship program is the anchor for this vision. All 9-12 students work in an internship each week. Four students share a job and work once a week. Teachers weave the academic and career concepts of persistence with new tasks, teaming and collaboration, productivity and self-direction, complex reasoning (compare, classify, analyze, and construct and support), and precision and accuracy into their lessons so that they can daily reinforce the schools mission of preparing every student for college and career. www.sanmiguelhigh.org http://www.principals.org/Content/158/SanMig10FINAL.mp3 Dec 2009 06:30:00 GMT 18:42 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, internship NASSP Interview with Lavonne Smiley, principal of 2010 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School: Tefft Middle School, Streamwood, Illinois Evolving from a school where teachers teach to a school where students learn is an intense process that demands honesty, collaboration and focused effort. Tefft Middle School in Streamwood, Illinois, a suburban/urban area west of Chicago, has made that effort. Its 760 students in grades 7-8 are highly diverse, both economically and ethnically. As long-time Principal Lavonne Smiley said, with the advent of No Child Left Behind we had to look in the mirror. Our students were not learning what we were teaching. We owed our students much more. We had to changewe had to embrace accountability. The subsequent operational and instructional changes at Tefft were systematic and strategic and have become embedded in the schools culture. http://schools.u-46.org/tms http://www.principals.org/Content/158/TefftMSFINAL.mp3 Dec 2009 06:30:00 GMT 18:35 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, collaboration, NCLB NASSP Interview with Steven R. Jameson, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Columbus Unified High School, Columbus, Kansas The Columbus Unified High School Site Council expects every student to receive the tools and supports necessary to achieve a high school diploma. This isolated, rural southeast Kansas community is fierce in its loyalty to the school. The 358 students come from an over 400 square mile attendance area: many riding a bus for an hour each way to get to school. While poverty (45%) and unemployment (25%) are widespread in the community they do not dampen the schools learning environment. Last year, 97.8% of the four-year cohort of students, including special education students who compose 12% of the enrollment, graduated. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/ColumbusFinal.mp3 Dec 2010 05:05:00 GMT 7:50 principal, breakthrough school, poverty, unemployment, school loyalty, diploma NASSP Interview with Matt S. Saferite, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School M.O. Ramay Junior High School, Fayetteville, Arkansas Ramay Junior High School is an 8th through 9th grade school of 592 students. Students come to Ramay from multiple community middle schools and articulate with students from the districts other junior high school into one high school. More than 50% of the students come from low-income homes and nearly 15% of the students receive special education services. The challenges inherent in this structure necessitate a high degree of collaboration, as well as significant attention to the needs of every student. In this setting, for academic growth to be demonstrated, instruction must and does begin before the students reach the building. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/RamayFinal.mp3 Dec 2010 02:05:00 GMT 10:59 principal, breakthrough school, low income, collaboration NASSP Interview with Laurie Barron, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Smokey Road Middle School, Newnan, Georgia Seven years ago, a new principal at Smokey Road took on the challenge of turning around this underachieving 6-8 middle school located in suburban Atlanta. Overcoming obstacles, including a skeptical staff, unresponsive community and a challenging student body, was the first order of business. Through collaboration around a common philosophy, the progress since that time has been remarkable. With an enrollment of 840 60% economically disadvantaged and 15% special education the seven-year trend (2003-2010) for academic achievement demonstrates improvement in all subgroups. The school has achieved AYP status for five consecutive years and qualifies as a Title I Distinguished School. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/SmokeyFinal.mp3 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT 13:04 principal, breakthrough school, economically disadvataged, collaboration, academic improvement NASSP Interview with Anael Alston, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Robert M. Finley Middle School in Glen Cove, New York The entire Glen Cove community has embraced its middle school. Everyone from the mayor to small business owners to clergy and parents, teachers and students alike feel that this school is important and successful. The school is a microcosm of America that works hard to celebrate its diversity and prevent any student from feeling disenfranchised. With almost half of the 652 students considered economically in need, gaps in student achievement have decreased significantly just as all student achievement has improved over the last five years. This improvement is attributed to targeted professional development that has focused on differentiated, hands-on classroom instruction. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/RFinleyFinal.mp3 14 Dec 2010 01:05:00 GMT 14:17 principal, breakthrough school, personalization, student achievement, diversity, school improvement, improvement model, differentiation, turn-around, school turn-around, academic achievement NASSP Interview with Vera Wehring, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School B.F. Terry High School in Rosenberg, Texas In the words of one of the school's coaches, "we have education by the tail in this building and we're proud!" This is an apt way to look at B.F. Terry's journey over the last four years. While the change in academic achievement is proudly mounted outside the building on a sign that proclaims B.F. Terry High School a "Texas School of Distinction," it's the change in attitude inside of the school that is most striking. Six out of 10 of the school's 1,654 students live in poverty in this rural/suburban community southwest of Houston. Four years ago everyone blamed everyone else for poor performance; today, Ranger Pride rules! http://www.principals.org/Content/158/BTTerryFinal.mp3 14 Dec 2010 01:05:00 GMT 11:51 principal, breakthrough school, personalization, student achievement, school improvement, improvement model, turn-around, school turn-around, rural/suburban school, academic achievement NASSP Interview with Sheila M. Harrity, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Worcester Technical High School, Worcester, Massachusetts Worcester Technical High School, a presence in Worcester for more than 100 years, describes its mission as educating and preparing students, academically and technically, to meet the challenges of a global society. This 9-12 school enrolls 1,400 students in 24 technical programs housed within four small learning communities. Working with a population that is 65% economically disadvantaged and 21% special education, Worcester Technical made AYP four years in a row, increased graduation rates and decreased the dropout rate, while adding honors and AP classes. In August 2006, Worcester Vocational High School moved from the original buildings to a new $90-million facility and became Worcester Technical High School, now the highest-performing high school in the district. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/BTTerryFinal.mp3 14 Dec 2010 01:05:00 GMT 8:06 principal, breakthrough school, personalization, student achievement, school improvement, school turn-around, academic achievement, AP, Honors, graduation rate NASSP Interview with Sheila Kahrs, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Haymon-Morris Middle School in Winder, Georgia Opening in 2005 as a new school in a rural area northeast of Atlanta, this middle school serves 760 students in grades 6-8. With more than 50% of the population qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, the staff found many of the students in need of additional assistance. Together, the principal and staff created a school that understands the needs of its students and where the adults believe that all students can succeed. Today, numerous strategies and opportunities are in place to support those in need and to help all students grow in a highly personalized, respectful environment. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/HaymonMSFinal.mp3 14 Dec 2010 01:05:00 GMT 13:20 principal, breakthrough school, personalization, student achievement, school improvement, improvement model, rural school NASSP Interview with Angela Smith, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Franklin Middle School in Champaign, Illinois After undergoing years of instability, Franklin Middle School found its footing several years ago and has flourished under the leadership of its current principal. The staff and community have learned to work as a cohesive unit, mastering the art and science of blending a diverse 558 student body of 52% economically disadvantaged, 18% special education and 62% minority students into a cohesive, caring family. Franklin Middle School strives each day to meet its primary goal: to be an exemplary school in the areas of academic achievement, developmental responsiveness and social equity. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/FranklinMSFinal.mp3 14 Dec 2010 01:05:00 GMT 7:29 principal, breakthrough school, personalization, student achievement, school improvement, improvement model, turn-around, school turn-around, social equity, developmental responsiveness NASSP Interview with Scott Andrews, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Amityville Memorial High School in Amityville, New York 2004 marks the beginning of the turn-around of this 10-12 high school of 670 students, which had been identified by New York State as a school "in need of improvement." As the new principal, Andrews put everything on the table for review and modification from raising student achievement for the 86% minority population to improving communication and relationships to attending to the neglected physical plant. By dispelling the notion that students should be afraid of the administrators, supporting positive relationships between teachers and students and giving students needed school supplies so as not to interrupt their education, Amityville is now not only a school "in good standing," but through a continuous improvement model, maintains its progress each year. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/AmityvilleHSFinal.mp3 14 Dec 2010 01:05:00 GMT 8:00 principal, breakthrough school, personalization, student achievement, school improvement, improvement model, physical plant, turn-around, school turn-around NASSP Interview with Mickey Landry, principal of 2012 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Bloomfield High School, Bloomfield, New Jersey Mickey Landry, Principal. Established as a public charter school in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans community it serves, the true rebirth of this Pre-K through Grade 7 school of 800 occurred in 2007 with the appointment of a new Head of School. Since then, the student body, which is nearly 100% economically disadvantaged, has been the beneficiary of a shared leadership model, intensive staff development, strengthened community connections and equal access to rigorous coursework. The results are an impressive upward trend from the disappointing 33% passing rate on the required 4th grade state tests in 2006 to a 100% passing rate in 2010 and 2011, earning the state’s top designation as a “Center of Excellence.” http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/LafayetteFinal.mp3 May 2012 05:05:00 GMT 9:51 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, poverty, graduation rate, passing rate NASSP Interview with Thomas Dodd, principal of 2012 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Lesher Middle School, Fort Collins, Colorado Thomas Dodd, Principal. Lesher Middle School is a school of choice as are all of the schools in the Poudre (Colorado) School District. In 2004 it was a traditional junior high school with a declining enrollment. The school had an International Baccalaureate Middle Years (IBMY) program that was open to select students. Today, it is a thriving middle school, at capacity enrollment with 700 students, 40% of whom are economically disadvantaged, coming from 29 elementary schools. Now all students are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program experiencing a global perspective to their studies. Lesher’s transformation and very survival was built on the belief that in order to ‘break ranks’ every adult needed to commit to the success of every child. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/LesherFinal.mp3 May 2012 05:05:00 GMT 14:25 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, poverty, graduation rate, passing rate NASSP Interview with Linda Scott, principal of 2012 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Oscar F. Smith Middle School, Chesapeake, Virginia Linda Scott, Principal. Tucked into the historic South Norfolk section of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia, Oscar Smith is home to a diverse student body of nearly 950 sixth, seventh and eighth graders. With a high unemployment rate and pervasive poverty in the community, 84% of the students are considered economically disadvantaged and 25% are enrolled in special education. Seven years ago, the staff at Smith, under the leadership of a new principal, initiated a systematic process to address student needs. Targeting poor academic performance through a data-driven differentiated instruction model, notable progress has been made. The school community has reviewed and refined the numerous changes and supports, collaboratively institutionalizing the processes and procedures that made it possible. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/OscarSmithFinal.mp3 May 2012 05:05:00 GMT 13:45 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, poverty, graduation rate, passing rate NASSP Interview with Rod Lowe, principal of 2012 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Vallivue Middle School, Caldwell, Idaho Sitting at a high point overlooking a beautiful valley near Boise in Southern Idaho, this rural 6-8 middle school has recently experienced tremendous growth and challenges in all facets of the school. Through teamwork implementing a highly developed strategic planning process, Vallivue move from the state designation of “Needs Improvement” to "New School" status in four years. With a more clearly defined emphasis on discipline and attendance issues, as well as a collaborative restructuring of the curriculum, the introduction of best practices instructional methods and adoption of a data driven assessment model, an environment has been created where the 700 students, of which 70% are economically disadvantaged and 30% are LEP learners, excel. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/ValliviueFinal.mp3 May 2012 05:05:00 GMT 11:17 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, poverty, graduation rate, passing rate NASSP Interview with Ryan Tomolonis, principal of 2012 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School West Carter Middle School, Olive Hill Kentucky West Carter Middle School has not retained a student in the last five years. Staff proudly points to this fact as evidence that their decision to not permit zeros is working. Coupled with the ‘no zero’ policy were a number of programmatic supports in mathematics and reading/language arts as well as a strong tutorial program offered multiple times during the day that allowed all students to meet state standards and demonstrate significant academic growth. Six years ago, the school with 475 students in 6th through 8th grade, 69% of whom are economically disadvantaged, was one of the lowest performing middle schools in Kentucky; today, the students outperform 90% of the students in the state. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/WestCarterFinal.mp3 May 2012 05:05:00 GMT 9:17 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, poverty, graduation rate, passing rate NASSP Interview with Skyles A. Calhoun, principal of 2012 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Woodbridge Middle School, Woodbridge, Virginia Woodbridge Middle School’s transformation is a story about strong principal leadership working collaboratively with the entire school staff to teach each student. This was not a school in need of a transformation; rather it was a school that due to boundary shifts experienced a rapid demographic change necessitating a close examination of instructional practices to meet the needs of entering students. Today’s school in no way resembles the school that was in existence in 2005. Then the students were mostly white and middle class; today, there is no majority group among the 1038 students and almost 50% of the students are economically disadvantaged. Then, student achievement was average; now it is significantly above average. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/WoodbridgeFinal.mp3 May 2012 05:05:00 GMT 8:59 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, poverty, graduation rate, passing rate NASSP 2011 MetLife-NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year Cathy Carnahan on the successes she has achieved in her school. The 2011 MetLife-NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year Cathy Carnahan of Duniway Middle School in McMinnville, Oregon, discusses how she worked with staff to personalize the school environment, helped foster a collaborative spirit of respect, and leadership lessons she has learned from others. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Cathy_Carnahan.mp3 9 Nov 2010 01:05:00 GMT 12:22 principal, principal of the year, personalization, collaboration, middle school, school environment NASSP 2011 MetLife-NASSP National High School Principal of the Year Wesley Taylor on the successes he has achieved in his school. Wesley Taylor, the 2011 MetLife-NASSP National High School Principal of the Year, has high expectations for both teachers and students at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, GA. Listen as he discusses how he worked with staff to personalize the school environment, increase engagement, and foster a culture of collaboration among teachers to achieve dramatic gains in graduation rates and AP participation. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/TaylorPOY2010Final.mp3 9 Nov 2010 01:05:00 GMT 15:16 principal, principal of the year, personalization, collaboration, engagement, high school, lowndes high school, lowndes HS, graduation rates, advanced placement, AP, school environment NASSP Principal Erik Sheninger on utilizing social media and integrating mobile learning devices into instruction. Once instrumental in blocking social media and the use of distracting electronic devices in his school, Erik Sheninger, principal of New Milford High School in Bergen County, NJ, has had a change of heart. Sheninger now embraces those tools and recommends that other principals do the same. He regularly communicates with students and parents through his Twitter and Facebook pages and effectively integrates mobile learning devices into instruction. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/EricSheninger.mp3 1 Oct 2010 01:05:00 GMT 10:18 principal, mobile device, mobile learning, social media, web 2.0, technology, principal, administration NASSP Principal Judith Marty on data analysis, parent involvement, and presence in the classroom. MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School Principal Judith Marty of Mater Academy Charter Middle School in Hialeah Gardens, FL, discusses the importance of analyzing data with students, bringing parents into the process, and--most important--being present in classrooms regularly. Read more about Mater Academy at www.principals.org/breakthrough. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/SLRMaterAca10FINAL.mp3 27 Jul 2010 06:00:00 GMT 7:29 School leadership, student poverty, school improvement, federal policy, high school, secondary school, principal, administration, breakthrough school, diversity NASSP Principal Richard Drolet on preparing and training teachers to use more common planning time Winner of the Dr. Ted Sizer Middle Level Dissertation Award Richard Drolet, principal of North Cumberland (RI) Middle School, discusses how middle level principals can properly prepare and train their teachers to use more common planning timeand to help them make the most of the time allotted http://www.principals.org/Content/158/RDroletFINAL.mp3 6 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT 13:14 School leadership, school improvement, federal policy, middle school, secondary school, principal, administration, Middle Level Dissertation Award, award, planning NASSP Principal Virginia Minshew vowed not to let her students' poverty and diversity hinder their ability to achieve. Principal Virginia Minshew of Park View High School in Sterling, VA, discusses how her 1,300-student school has overcome the challenges of poverty and diversity to exceed all expectations by meeting AYP and by producing significant, ongoing upward trends on state testing. Park View has been honored as a 2010 MetLife-NASSP Breakthrough School. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/SLRParkVwHSFinal.mp3 11 May 2010 06:00:00 GMT 15:47 School leadership, student poverty, school improvement, federal policy, high school, secondary school, principal, administration, breakthrough school, diversity NASSP NASSP Executive Director Gerald N. Tirozzi interviews Sen. Al Franken about his recently introduced bill, the Principal Recruitment and Training Act, and the prospect of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization. NASSP Executive Director Gerald N. Tirozzi interviews Sen. Al Franken about his recently introduced bill, the Principal Recruitment and Training Act, and the prospect of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/FrankenFinal.mp3 05 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT 6:23 School leadership, education policy, school improvement, principal preparation, federal policy, middle school, middle level, principal, nclb, esea, no child left behind, administration NASSP For new U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Safe and Drug-Free Schools Kevin Jennings, safety means much more than just the assence of violence. We've made great strides in the reduction of violent incidents in public schools over the years. But for new U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Safe and Drug-Free Schools Kevin Jennings, safety means much more than just the assence of violence. In this interview Jennings discusses his priorities as the safe-schools chief in the Obama administration and how those priorities fit into the administration's school-improvement agenda. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/jennings1.mp3 02 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT 10:25 School leadership, safe schools, school safety, glsen, bullying, school violence, high school, middle school, middle level, principal, nclb, esea, no child left behind, administration NASSP Patti Kinney highlights the importance of ensuring middle level schools receive the support they need in the reauthorization of ESEA. On the heels of the reintroduction of the Success in the Middle Act, NASSP's Patti Kinney speaks to the need of this important legislation and why the nation can no longer afford to leave out the middle level. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/KinneyMissingM.mp3 21 Aug 2009 06:00:00 GMT 10:39 School leadership, middle school, middle level, principal, success in the middle, school, nclb, esea, no child left behind, administration NASSP Mel Riddile discussed ED's plan for the H1N1 flu outbreak and the impact it will have on schools. NASSP's Mel Riddile reports on a briefing at the U.S. Department of Education that made it clear that schools will play a central role in the dissemination of information and immunization of students for the anticipated outbreak of H1N1 flu. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/H1N1flu.mp3 10 Aug 2009 06:00:00 GMT 11:57 School leadership, crisis management, swine flu, immunization, H1N1, school, administration, principal NASSP U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan called for a cadre of "warrior principals" during his remarks to the nation's school leaders. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan called for a cadre of "warrior principals" for our nation's neediest schools during his remarks to the leaders of the state and national principals organizations at the 2009 National Leaders' Conference. http://web7.streamhoster.com/nassp9/duncannlc09.mp3 19 Jul 2009 06:00:00 GMT 33:31 School leadership, duncan, nclb, principals, school, administration, esea NASSP Mexico City Principal Rick Herrig's discussion of managing the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak holds lessons for school leaders everywhere. Principal Rick Herrig didn't know what would hit him when he took the reins of an American school in Mexico City. His discussion of the experience of managing the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak holds lessons for school leaders everywhere. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Herrig.mp3 15 Jun 2009 06:00:00 GMT 10:28 School leadership, crisis management, swine flu, H1N1, school, administration, principal NASSP 2009 NASSP-Virco National Assistant Principal of the Year Melissa Shindel discusses how she makes professional growth and instructional leadership priorities. 2009 NASSP-Virco National Assistant Principal of the Year Melissa Shindel discusses how she makes professional growth and instructional leadership her priorities in a job that often emphasizes management and student discipline. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/MelissaShindelAPOY.mp3 15 Apr 2009 06:00:00 GMT 7:31 School leadership, assistant principal, AP, urban, school, administration, principal NASSP Judith Richardson, NASSP's new diversity director, discusses what diversity and equity mean in today's schools. Judith Richardson, NASSP director of diversity, equity, and urban initiatives, discusses what diversity and equity mean in today's schools and the kinds of tools principals need in schools that are increasingly diverse. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/diversity.mp3 01 Apr 2009 06:00:00 GMT 7:39 School leadership, diversity, social equity, urban, city, culture, school, administration, principal NASSP John Nori discusses how school leaders can sustain deep meaningful improvements in schools with the Breaking Ranks framework. NewsLeader editor Sarah McKibben speaks with NASSP director of program services John Nori about the latest book in the Breaking Ranks series, Breaking Ranks: A Field Guide for Leading Change and the process that moves schools beyond structural change to deeper, sustained improvements. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/brfieldguide.mp3 25 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT 13:30 School leadership, change process, school, administration, principal NASSP Debbie Phelps, middle school principal and mother of greatest Olympian of all time discusses the wisdom she has gained from the experience of raising a son with ADHD and how that has influenced her as a principal. Debbie Phelps is probably best known as the mother of greatest Olympian of all time. But to the 600 students at Windsor Mill Middle School in Baltimore County, MD, she is Mrs. Phelps, the principal. Listen to Debbie discuss the wisdom she has gained from the experience of raising a son with ADHD, how that has influenced her as a principal, and her new support network for parents of kids with ADHD. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Phelps.mp3 09 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT 14:24 Schools leadership, add, adhd, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, school, administration, principal, bureaucracy, blame NASSP Is your school a polling place on election day? School safety expert Ken Trump offers tips for principals who must open their doors to voters on November 4. Is your school a polling place on election day? School safety expert Ken Trump offers tips for principals who must open their doors to voters on November 4. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/trump.mp3 14 Oct 2008 06:00:00 GMT 15:11 Schools leadership, school, administration, principal, bureaucracy, blame NASSP Doug Reeves identifies the three Bs--blame, bureaucracy, and baloney--that often get in the way of effective teacher leadership. Doug Reeves, founder of the Leadership and Learning Center, identifies the three Bs--blame, bureaucracy, and baloney--that often get in the way of effective teacher leadership and provides guidance for how schools can overcome them. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/DougReevesSLR.mp3 15 Sep 2008 06:00:00 GMT 8:02 Schools leadership, school, administration, principal, bureaucracy, blame NASSP Assistant Principal Aaron Steinly discusses 'Principals for Change' (www.principalsforchange.org), a new initiative that promotes the greening of U.S. schools. Assistant Principal Aaron Steinly discusses the new initiative, Principals for Change (www.principalsforchange.org), he and his colleagues launched to promote the greening of U.S. schools. Steinly offers tips for what principals can do right now to make their schools more energy efficient. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/PrincipalsforChange.mp3 27 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT 8:15 Schools leadership, school, administration, green, environment, energy NASSP A discussion on the greatest challenges facing high school principals today and the primacy of literacy as a "gateway skill." Mel Riddile, 2006 MetLife/NASSP National High School Principal of the Year and new NASSP associate director for high school services, discusses the greatest challenges facing high school principals today and the primacy of literacy as a "gateway skill." http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Riddile.mp3 15 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT 10:18 Schools leadership, school, administration, principal, priorities, priority, prioritize, literacy NASSP Lynnell Theard Gibson's discusses her research on the challenges urban educators face in working with ninth grade transition programs. Urban schools continue to fall short in yielding immediate and continued increases in ninth to tenth grade promotion rates, according to the results of Lynnell Theard Gibson's research. Gibson was selected as the 2008 NASSP High School Dissertation Award winner for her research on the challenges educators face in working with ninth grade transition programs. The complete text of her dissertation is available at www.principals.org/dissertation. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Gibsonpodcast.mp3 10 Jun 2008 06:00:00 GMT 26:05 Schools leadership, school, administration, principal, dissertation, urban, challenge, promotion NASSP Principal Carolyn Custard discusses her Principal's Advisory Council composed of faculty, students, and parents that represent the school population. Carolyn Custard, principal at C.D. Hylton Senior High School in Woodbridge, VA and finalist for the 2009 MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year Award, has a Principal's Advisory Council composed of faculty, students, and parents that represent the school population and help to make sure the school is meeting the needs of the entire school family. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Custard.mp3 11 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT 10:47 leadership, school, administration, principal, advisory, faculty senate NASSP Principal Pat Schmidt discusses how her school has helped students to see the path to college. Pat Schmidt, principal of Hopkins North Junior High School in Minnetonka, MN, and finalist for the 2009 MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year award, discusses how her school has helped students to see the path to college. She also talks about the process of reforming her school, or as she says, turning the cruiseship. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Schmidt.mp3 11 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT 12:14 College Middle school, middle level, leadership, school, administration, principal, postsecondary NASSP Principal Stacey Locke talks about how positively changing the atmosphere of schools can increase graduation rates The graduation rate at Eisenhower High School in Yakima, WA, has grown from 68% to 88% because of the atmosphere of leadership, trust, and teamwork, according to principal Stacey Locke, finalist for the 2009 MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year award. In this podcast, she talks about how students are encouraged to complete school, even if it takes them more than four years. It's working. The extended-time graduation rate at Eishenhower is 97%. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Locke.mp3 11 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT 13:29 Dropout, urban, gang, gangs, leadership, school, administration, principal NASSP Principal Mark Wilson discusses radical school schedule changes to create a more personalized learning environment. Mark Wilson, finalist for the 2009 MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year award, and his staff at Morgan County High School in Madison, GA, have been able to close the achievement gap by radically altering the schedule to create a more personalized learning environment. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Wilson.mp3 11 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT 8:11 leadership, school, administration, principal, school time, block schedule, block scheduling NASSP Principal Ray Landers talks about reform efforts to reach students from low socio-economic backgrounds. A discussion with Ray Landers, principal at Boaz Middle School in Boaz, AL, and finalist for the 2009 MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year award, about the reform efforts he has implemented at his school to reach students from low socio-economic backgrounds http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Landers.mp3 11 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT 9:52 leadership, school, administration, principal, poverty, middle school NASSP Principal Sheryl Kempain discusses the myriad of professional development opportunities she provides for her staff. As principal of Killingly Intermediate School, in Dayville, CT, Sheryl Kempain, finalist for the 2009 MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year award, provides a plethora of professional development opportunities for her staff to build their leadership capacity. She has brought in high profile speakers, taken groups to conferences, and helped to train staff members to increase student achievement. How does she do it? She'll tell you. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Kempain.mp3 11 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT 11:07 Development leadership, school, administration, principal, professional development, school reform NASSP Linda W. Robinson discusses improving student achievement through data assessment The effective analysis and use of data significantly impacts a schools ability to improve student achievement. Linda W. Robinson is an educational consultant and former president of National Middle School Association. Leading for Student Achievement was the third workshop in the Middle Level Leadership Series. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Linda%20Robinson.mp3 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT 9:56 Schools leadership, school, administration, educational consultant, data assessment, middle school NASSP Nancy Doda discusses school leaders establishing a collaborative culture to promote professional conversations Directly linked to the establishment of a highly effective collaborative culture is the school leaders ability to facilitate ongoing professional conversations . Nancy Doda is a professional development consultant and an outstanding educator who lead a workshop on this topic as part of the Middle Level Leadership Series. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/NancyDoda.mp3 Mar 2008 06:30:00 GMT 8:40 Schools leadership, school, administration, professional development consultant, collaboration, school, middle level NASSP Rick Wormeli discusses differentiation of instruction to enchance student achievement. Differentiation of instruction is a proven strategy for enhancing student achievement. Rick Wormeli, an accomplished teacher, internationally sought after consultant, and prolific author on the topic of middle level education, discusses this topic which was one of the seminars of the Middle Level Leadership Series. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Rick%20Wormeli.mp3 Mar 2008 05:30:00 GMT 9:49 Schools leadership, school, administration, consultant, middle level, teacher, student achievement NASSP Education consultant and author Rick Wormeli discusses the consequences of counting an F as a zero when using a 100 point scale. Education consultant and author Rick Wormeli discusses the consequences of counting an F as a zero when using a 100 point scale. He explains that a minimum grade of 50 or 60 is still an F, yet keeps a student from shutting down because it allows the student a chance to mathematically recover from one or two poor grades. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/RickWormeli.mp3 21 May 2008 06:00:00 GMT 18:44 Middle school, education, middle level, personalization, advisories, research NASSP Middle School Principal Sarah Shulkind, shares the findings of her research and underscores how much students value advisories--even when advisors themselves might not see the value Advisories have long been considered a key tool for personalizing schools, and some recent research bears that out. Middle School Principal Sarah Brody Shulkind, the 2008 NASSP Middle Level Dissertation Award winner, shares the findings of her research and underscores how much students value advisories--even when advisors themselves might not see the value. The complete text of Shulkind's dissertation is available at www.principals.org/dissertation. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/SarahBrodyShulkind.mp3 15 May 2008 06:00:00 GMT 21:46 Middle school, education, middle level, personalization, advisories, research NASSP James Dierke, principal at Visitacion Valley MS in San Francisco, CA, discusses what it takes to lead and urban middle school. What does it take to lead an inner-city middle school? Learn the keys to success firsthand from James Dierke, principal at Visitacion Valley Middle School in San Francisco, CA, and 2008 MetLife/NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year. Dierke is interviewed by Patti Kinney, principal of the NASSP National Center for Middle Level Leadership--and a former national principal of the year. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/James_Dierke.mp3 18 Mar 2008 06:00:00 GMT 21:32 Middle school, education, middle level, school leadership, urban schools NASSP Two Utah high school vice principals, Pamela Drake and Scott Neilson, profile their concurrent enrollment partnership programs Two Utah high school vice principals, Pamela Drake and Scott Neilson, profile their concurrent enrollment partnership programs and highlight the impact they have had on schoolwide academic rigor, particularly for traditionally low-performing populations. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/Concurrent_Enrollment.mp3 25 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT 23:23 concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, college, high school NASSP Robert Marzano shares his thoughts on principals supporting instruction and related topics Renowned education researcher and author Robert Marzano shares his thoughts on how principals can best support classroom instruction and discusses the phases in a process for systematically improving teaching and learning schoolwide http://www.principals.org/Content/158/marzano.mp3 27 Nov 2007 06:00:00 GMT 17:34 School leadership, teachers, instruction, instructional leadership, middle school, high school NASSP A discussion with Judith Richardson, the author of Making the Mathematics Curriculum Count, about improving mathematical literacy, or numeracy, at the middle and high school levels. This latest book in the Breaking Ranks series, Making the Mathematics Curriculum Count: A Guide for Middle and High School Principals, provides principals with a guide for leading a school wide initiative to address student numerical literacy or numeracy. Numeracy refers to the set of computational and advanced problem solving skills necessary for success in all areas of life. This is a unique opportunity to assist school leaders in their efforts to improve numeracy with an approach that will significantly impact the mathematics mastery and assessment scores of their students. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/numeracy.mp3 30 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT 07:28 Mathematics, math, middle school math, high school math, mathematics reform, breaking ranks, numeracy, curriculum reform NASSP Author Robert Ramsey demystifies "school culture" and provides guidance on improving it. Transforming a school's culture is the principal's greatest challenge, yet it's essential; to any real improvement in schoolwide achievement. Robert D. Ramsey, author of Don't Teach the Canaries Not to Sing: Creating a School Culture That Boosts Achievement, points to some key strategies for identifying and adjusting a school's culture and underscores the importance of principal leadership if any real improvement is to take place. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/ramseyint.mp3 17 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT 13:49 school, culture, achievement, transforming, changing, principal, leader, education, students NASSP Two community school principals explain how community schools work and what makes them effective. Jason Dial, principal of William Chrisman High School in Independence, MO, and Carlos Azcoitia, founding principal of Spry Community School in Chicago, IL, demystify the role of the principal in leading a community school. Both schools and their districts have been recognized with Community Schools National Awards for Excellence. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/dial.mp3 10 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT 23:33 demystify, principal, leaders, community, mystery, schools, education, students NASSP NASSP's John Nori discusses the results of a poll that gauges how middle schoolers see their future. In May 2007, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Phi Delta Kappa International released the first-ever nationwide poll of students in middle level schools, called 'A Voice from the Middle', to gauge young adolescents' hopes, dreams, and aspirations and they prepare for high school and beyond. In this interview, NASSP Director of Instructional Leadership Resources John Nori discusses the poll's findings. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/nori.mp3 3 Sep 2007 05:00:00 GMT 14:56 middle, level, schools, education, students NASSP Interview with Sheila Grady, principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School North Brunswick High School, Leland, North Carolina This school in rural southeastern North Carolina has a diverse student population of more than 800 students, including nearly 13% who receive special education services and 57% who are considered economically disadvantaged based on free and reduced-price lunch eligibility. During the 2006-2007 school year, North Brunswick was designated as a "priority school" by the state because only 48% of the students were proficient on required exams. However, by expanding instructional leadership throughout the building, creating professional learning communities, and targeting student interventions, the school was able to dramatically close gaps and improve achievement and graduation rates. The schools efforts resulted in a 85% proficiency rate in 2010. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/NBrunswickHSGrady_Final.mp3 Dec 2010 05:05:00 GMT 8:08 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, economic disadvatage, graduation rate NASSP Interview with Bob Grady, previous principal of 2011 MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School North Brunswick High School, Leland, North Carolina This school in rural southeastern North Carolina has a diverse student population of more than 800 students, including nearly 13% who receive special education services and 57% who are considered economically disadvantaged based on free and reduced-price lunch eligibility. During the 2006-2007 school year, North Brunswick was designated as a "priority school" by the state because only 48% of the students were proficient on required exams. However, by expanding instructional leadership throughout the building, creating professional learning communities, and targeting student interventions, the school was able to dramatically close gaps and improve achievement and graduation rates. The schools efforts resulted in a 85% proficiency rate in 2010. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/NorthBrunswickGrimes_Final.mp3 Dec 2010 05:05:00 GMT 10:25 principal, breakthrough school, school improvement, economic disadvatage, graduation rate NASSP Interview with Maria Bradley, principal of Gladden Middle School in Chatsworth, Georgia Maria Bradley was the Georgia Middle Level Principal of the Year in 2007. Her school, Gladden Middle School in Chatsworth, Georgia is a Georgia School to Watch and was designated as a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School in 2006. She has served as president of the Georgia Association of Middle Level Principals and has been a member of NASSPs middle level task force. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/bradley.mp3 Dec 2010 05:05:00 GMT 12:13 principal of the year, voices of experience, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Jim Dierke, principal of Visitation Valley Middle School in Californias San Francisco School District Jim Dierke is principal of Visitation Valley Middle School in Californias San Francisco School District. This urban school has been called an island of safety in a sea of trouble by the San Francisco Chronicle. Jim was the 2008 Met-Life/NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/dierke.mp3 Dec 2010 05:05:00 GMT 10:29 principal of the year, voices of experience, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Annette Fante, Assistant Superintendent in Douglas County School District, Colorado Annette Fante is the Assistant Superintendent in Douglas County School District, Colorado. Prior to her appointment as Assistant Superintendent, she served the district as a middle level principal and as the Director of Middle Schools. She is a past member of the NMSA Board of Trustees. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/fante.mp3 Dec 2010 05:05:00 GMT 14:01 voices of experience, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Theresa Hinkle, a retired teacher from Greensboro, North Carolina Theresa Hinkle is a retired teacher from Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has served in a variety of school and district leadership roles. She was also a member of the U.S. Department of Education Teacher-to-Teacher cadre and is a past president of the National Middle School Association. She is a consultant for NMSAs on-site staff development program and a member of NASSPs professional development faculty. She has presented at numerous state and national conferences and worked with schools and school systems across the country. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/hinkle.mp3 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT 8:05 voices of experience, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Randy Jensen, principal at William Thomas Middle School in American Falls, Idaho Randy Jensen is principal at William Thomas Middle School in American Falls, Idaho. William Thomas has been featured in several national publications and has received the Idaho Exemplary School Award 10 out of the past 15 years. Randy has served on the NMSA Board of Trustees and was the 2005 MetLife/NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/jensen.mp3 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT 10:02 voices of experience, principal, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Ned Kirsch, principal of Essex Middle School in Essex, Vermont Ned Kirsch is the principal of Essex Middle School in Essex, Vermont. He also serves as principal of the Edge Academy that is housed at Essex. This new, cutting-edge program was launched in the fall of 2009 and is designed to help individualize the learning process for nine- to 14-year-old students. Since 2005, Essex has been designated a Spotlight School by the New England League of Middle Schools and in 2003 was a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School. Ned was the Vermont Middle Level Principal of the year in 2003. He has served on the NASSP Board of Directors and on their middle level task force. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/kirsch.mp3 Dec 2010 06:05:00 GMT 8:59 voices of experience, principal of the year, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Doug Lowery, principal at Hilliard Memorial Middle School in Hilliard, Ohio Doug Lowery is the principal at Hilliard Memorial Middle School in Hilliard, Ohio. In 2008, his school received Ohios highest rating of schools: Excellent with Distinction. Doug was the 2004 MetLife/NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year and has served on NASSPs Board of Directors. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/lowery.mp3 Dec 2010 04:05:00 GMT 10:13 voices of experience, principal of the year, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Nancy Poliseno, an 8th grade teacher at Orange Middle School in Lewis Center, Ohio Nancy Poliseno is an 8th grade teacher at Orange Middle School in Lewis Center, Ohio. She has been a classroom teacher for more than 25 years and has been recognized as Ohio Middle Level Educator of the Year and as an American Legion State Teacher of the Year. She has also served as president of the Ohio Middle Level Association and as a member of NMSAs Board of Trustees. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/poliseno.mp3 Dec 2010 05:05:00 GMT 11:14 voices of experience, Middle Level Educator of the year, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Juan Rodriquez, principal of Fuller Middle School in Framingham, Massachusetts Juan Rodriquez is principal of Fuller Middle School in Framingham, Massachusetts. Fuller serves a very diverse population of students, with more than 30 languages spoken at the school. Juan, himself a second language learner, has been a faculty member of NMSAs Institute for Middle Level Leadership and was the 2005 Massachusetts Middle Level Principal of the Year. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/rodriguez.mp3 Dec 2010 04:05:00 GMT 11:29 voices of experience, Principal of the year, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Hilca Thomas, principal of Floridas Howard D. McMillan Middle School in the Miami-Dade School District Hilca Thomas is the principal of Floridas Howard D. McMillan Middle School in the Miami-Dade School District. Prior to leading this middle school of nearly 1,000 students, she was an assistant principal of another middle school in the district. Her work at that school led her to be named as the 2008 Virco/NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/thomas.mp3 Dec 2010 04:05:00 GMT 13:47 voices of experience, National Assistant Principal of the Year, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with William Truesdale, principal of Douglas Taylor School in Chicago, Illinois William Truesdale is the principal of Douglas Taylor School in Chicago, Illinois. Douglas Taylor educates young adolescents in a PK-8 setting. Its middle level program was named a 2009 Met Life-NASSP Breakthrough School, a program that recognizes middle level and high schools that serve large numbers of students living in poverty and are high achieving or dramatically improving student achievement. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/truesdale.mp3 Dec 2010 06:05:00 GMT 7:57 voices of experience, Breakthrough School, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Ed Vittardi, superintendent of the North Royalton City School District in Ohio Ed Vittardi is the superintendent of the North Royalton City School District in Ohio. Prior to that, he was the principal of North Royalton Middle School as well as several other nationally recognized middle level schools in Ohio. In 2002 he was one of three finalists for the MetLife/NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year and in 2005 received NMSAs Distinguished Educator Award. He currently serves on NMSA's Board of Trustees. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/vittardi.mp3 Dec 2010 06:05:00 GMT 9:08 voices of experience, National Middle Level Principal of the Year, distinguished educator award school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Terry Wolfson, principal of Hopkins West Jr. High in Saint Paul, Minnesota Terry Wolfson is principal of Hopkins West Jr. High in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Hopkins West serves students in grades 7- 9 and has been recognized in numerous publications, including Breaking Ranks in the Middle and Creating a Culture of Literacy. Terry is a consultant for NMSAs on-site staff development program, is a member of the NASSP professional development faculty and has served several times on NASSP's middle level task force. http://www.principals.org/Content/158/wolfson.mp3 Dec 2010 06:05:00 GMT 9:28 voices of experience, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Sherrel Bergmann and Judith Brough Sherrel Bergmann and Judith Brough are the authors of Lead Me, I Dare You! and Building a Collaborative Culture in the Face of Resistance. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/Collaboration.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 9:59 collaboration, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Sherrel Bergmann and Judith Brough Sherrel Bergmann and Judith Brough are the authors of Lead Me, I Dare You! and Building a Collaborative Culture in the Face of Resistance. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/Resistance.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 18:23 resistance, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Sherrel Bergmann and Judith Brough Sherrel Bergmann and Judith Brough are the authors of Lead Me, I Dare You! and Building a Collaborative Culture in the Face of Resistance. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/LeadershipCapacity.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 12:13 leadership capacity, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Vicki Petzko Vicki works at a principal preperation program. In this interview she discusses leadership and vision in regards to principalship at the middle level. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/VickiePetzko1.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 11:51 principal, leader, insight, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Gayle Andrews Gayle (Davis) Andrews is an Associate Professor at the University of Georgia where she coordinates the Middle School Education Program. She is a well-known researcher in the field of middle level education and along with Tony Jackson, co-authored Turning Points 2000 – Educating Adolescents in the 21st Century. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/Andrews.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 12:07 research, leader, insight, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Don and Sally Clark Don and Sally Clark were contributing authors to Breaking Ranks in the Middle © (NASSP, 2006) and recently published Leadership that Makes a Difference: Revitalizing Middle Schools (NMSA, 2008). Both are professors emeritus at the University of Arizona; Don is a recipient of NASSP's Gruhn-Long-Melton Award. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/Clark.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 8:54 Gruhn-Long-Melton Award, leader, insight, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Nancy Doda Nancy Doda is a workshop leader, author, researcher and keynote speaker and is considered to be one of the top middle level experts in the country. She has worked with hundreds of schools and districts all over the world focusing on developing powerful education for young adolescents, transforming schools cultures and cultivating learning communities. She is also a Lounsbury Award winner. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/Doda.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 12:28 middle level expert, Lounsbury Award, leader, insight, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Paul George Paul George is a well-respected scholar, one of the nation's leading authorities on middle level education, and a Lounsbury Award winner. As a researcher, consultant, and teacher, he has, for many years, been actively involved in the search for effective middle school practices. He, along with the late William Alexander, co-authored The Exemplary Middle School. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/George.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 10:44 middle level expert, Lounsbury Award, leader, insight, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with John Lounsbury John Lounsbury is considered to be one of the founding fathers of the middle school movement and has spent his extensive career working to improve the education and overall welfare of young adolescents. He is the Dean Emeritus at Georgia College and State University; their John Lounsbury School of Education was named after him. He is a recipient of NASSP's Gruhn-Long-Melton Award for excellence in middle level leadership and NMSA's prestigious Lounsbury Award was named for him. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/Lounsbury.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 9:52 middle level expert, Gruhn-Long-Melton Award, Lounsbury Award, leader, insight, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Ken McEwin Ken McEwin is a member of NASSP's Middle Level Task Force and a professor at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Ken has done extensive work in supporting middle level education through the years. His research topics include middle level teacher preparation, sports in the middle, effective middle level practices, K-8 schools, and many more. In 1989 his work was recognized with a Lounsbury Award. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/McEwin.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 7:51 middle level expert, Lounsbury Award, leader, insight, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Hayes Mizell Hayes Mizell directed the Program for Student Achievement of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation at a time when the foundation focused its philanthropy on middle grades reform. He is one of the founders of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform and is now a Distinguished Senior Fellow of the National Staff Development Council. Shooting for the Sun: The Message of Middle School Reform is a collection of his insights into the work of improving middle level education. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/Mizell.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 9:29 middle level expert, leader, insight, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Sue Swaim Sue Swaim was the executive director of the National Middle School Association from 1993 to 2007. Prior to working for NMSA, she was a middle level teacher and principal in Colorado. Sue continues to consult for school districts as well as serving as a workshop presenter or keynote speaker at both national and international middle level conferences. She received the Lounsbury Award in 2007. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/Swaim.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 7:05 middle level expert, Lounsbury Award, leader, insight, school improvement, middle level NASSP Interview with Linda Darling-Hammond Improvement of U.S. education requires sound policy that supports educators and won't tolerate inequity. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/darlinghammond.mp3 06:05:00 GMT 29:11 principal leadership, education, policy NASSP Interview with Nicholas Sproull of the NCAA Eligibility Center Nicholas Sproull of the NCAA Eligibility Center reminds principals of three simple things they can do to help streamline the eligibility process for students who aspire to play Division 1 or Division 2 sports. Visit www.eligibilitycenter.org for more information. http://www.nassp.org/Content/158/NCAA_EC.mp3 Aug 02 010:10:00 GMT 10:03 eligibility, students, sports