Schools that Shine

Posted Wednesday, June 2, 2010

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Good news in urban education may be difficult to come by, but here's some: despite the challenges of high poverty high need communities, a handful of city schools across the state are outperforming just about everybody. Wednesday morning at 9, host Dan Moulthrop talks with leaders of successful urban schools around the state about how they do what they do. Hear what they have to say on the direction education reform should take.

Guests

Terry Ryan Vice President for Ohio Programs & Policy, Fordham Institute
Rachel Abbey Reporter, Catalyst Ohio
Eileen Stull Principal, Louisa May Alcott, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Barbara Gordon Principal, College Hill Fundamental Academy, magnet school, Cincinnati Public Schools
Victor Johnson, Principal, McGregor Elementary School, Canton City Schools

Please follow our community discussion rules when composing your comments.

John Zitzner 8:59 AM 6/2/10

Hey Dan: i commend you for continuing to bring to light excellent urban schools that don’t use excuses to justify poor performance! Keep goin’!

Wish i could call in, but we’re giving tours of E Prep this morning.
JZ

Richard DeColibus 9:25 AM 6/2/10

Given the concerted attack on teacher seniority, it’s easy to forget the primary purpose of last-hired, first fired is to avoid whimsical and arbitrary decisions by those in authority, exactly the same idea which drove the Declaration of Independence. While seniority has its faults, it at least ensures everyone will be treated equally and fairly by rules everyone understands.

Every high performing school has one thing in common: an exceptional principal. Leadership is what matters, not simply blaming the teacher contract which primarily ensures everyone will be treated fairly.

steve thomas 9:36 AM 6/2/10

Good Morning Dan,
It seems to me these schools have a passion to teach and develop. Which is something that’s difficult to maintain. How are these schools and staff able to fuel their desire and remain engaged in this energy intensive activity.
good luck
Steve

No Name 9:40 AM 6/2/10

How important is it for the demographics of the teachers to reflect the demographics of the students? For example, do the principals find it useful to have young or black or male teachers? Are the students any more responsive to seeking the approval of these type of teachers?

Parent 12:39 PM 6/2/10

I’m so very proud of Collegehill Academy.All of my children were very successful there.I do have a concern.I have noticed that a little before and during my childrens time there,they have never had a BLACK MALE teacher. Now that concerns me because they see white and black women teachers/white male teachers,and BLACK MALE IA’s, Sub’sand Custodians. Does that mean that black men aren’t qualified or they can only step in and clean up? Is it that there aren’t enough graduating from college? Is the leadership intimidated by them? I’m not taking anything from CHFA because the school and their staff are beyond excellent.i just have some thoughts.