I'm reporting to you live this morning from the National Title 1 Conference as I sit in a large break-out session on the subject of Early Childhood Professional Development in Language and Literacy, one of many compelling presentations I've been able to attend over the course of the last three days.
Science Says So
We all know, from our own first-hand experience, as well as from the research that we've read over the years, that there's one proven predominant, over-arching factor that determines how students will succeed in school: socio-economics. Poverty. It's not a judgement, it's a fact: poor students don't usually do as well in school as wealthier ones.
At Marshall, we do a lot to try and counteract the effects of poverty on our students, we feed them, counsel them, create detailed individualized educational plans for them, and ensure they're physically active and healthy. But still, we often find ourselves swimming upstream in this regard, battling the force of the current that is all that's happening (or not happening) to them at home every day. And as they cross the threshold and enter our school each morning, we begin this battle anew.I was encouraged yesterday to hear school improvement expert, Dr. Joseph Johnson, speak on the subject of Leadership in America's Best Title 1 Schools, and share with the assembled teachers and administrators this simple fact: the collective efficacy of a school team can be more powerful than socio-economic factors in predicting student achievement. What does that really mean? It means that you, us, we as a school-team can win this fight. Scientific research says so. But, our experience says so, too. By working together we know we can leverage our experience and effort to counteract any student's socio-economic status. But it's only by working together, with a common sense of purpose and a collaborative approach, that we can accomplish this.
Excellent teaching and excellent teachers working together are stronger than the effects of poverty.
That's powerful. Amazingly powerful.
More about my trip to Title 1 in next week's Blue Note. Stay tuned...
Calendar
- Monday 27 Feb
Coe & White to chaperone Fisher/Baker/Fisk Snowbowl trip, 9:00- Tuesday 28 Feb
- Payday!
- SEI Parent Night, 5:00
- Wednesday 01 Mar
- PTO in the Library, 6:30
- Thursday 02 Mar
- Faculty Meeting CANCELED
- Coe & White to chaperone Arnold/Bergs Snowbowl trip, 9:00
- Friday 03 Mar
- End of third quarter
- Saturday 04 Mar
- Viola Awards at HCCC, 5:00
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