Interview with Ms. Sandra Dungee Glenn, Chairwoman, School Reform Commission, School District of Philadelphia Being Part of the Change Process in  Our Urban Schools

 Ep 35 Ms. Sandra Dungee Glenn: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Categories: Parents and Community  Change Process  Coaching School Leaders  Communication  Partnerships  High Stakes Testing  Leadership  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education   Urban Education  ARCHIVE

Description

In this insightful and engaging interview, Ms. Sandra Dungee Glenn discusses her experiences through her life as first a community organizer and then a member of the Philadelphia school board, highlighting the differences between seeking change from the administration and then becoming part of the administration itself. In her interview she discusses the importance of public accountability, the necessity to letting parents know whatâs going on in their schools, and the general state of public education throughout both her own state and the nation as a whole.

Sandra Dungee Glenn has been actively involved in public education for nearly a decade. In September 2007, Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell appointed Ms. Dungee Glenn to the position of Chairwoman of the School Reform Commission (SRC), the governing body of the School District of Philadelphia. As the nationâs eighth largest public school system, the District commands a $2 billion dollar operating budget, manages 20,000 employees, and currently has 167,600 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The SRC was formed in December 2001 through an unprecedented partnership involving the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which sought to address what was at that time a school system in financial and academic distress. Since then, under the SRCâs leadership, the District has experienced five straight years of test score gains and continues to be engaged in Americaâs most sweeping and innovative public school reform initiative.

Thanks to initiatives that flowed from the task forceâs recommendations, the District has seen a significant decrease in the number of teacher vacancies; there were 38 vacant positions at the start of the 2007-2008 school year, compared to 51 at the start of 2006-2007 and 112 at the beginning of 2005-2006.

Biographical Background
Ms. Dungee Glenn graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Since then, she has had a career spanning more than 20 years in public policy, electoral politics and community organizing. She served as Associate Director with the Philadelphia Area Project on Occupational Safety and Health and Regional Director of Pennsylvania Citizen Action, receiving an outstanding service award from both organizations. From 1991 to 1994 she served as Chief of Staff to State Senator Chaka Fattah.

Ms. Dungee Glennâs electoral and political experience is extensive. In 1983, she developed and implemented a voter registration drive for farm workers in South Jersey. Ms. Dungee Glenn served as: Field Director for the Hughes for State Representative campaign in 1986; Voter Registration Director for Goode for Mayor campaign in 1987; Campaign Manager for Fattah for State Senate in 1988; Philadelphia Voter Registration/GOTV Coordinator for Dukakis for President in 1988; Campaign Manager for Fattah for Congress in 1994 and 1996; and was Campaign Manager for Blondell Reynolds Brownâs campaign for Philadelphia City Council in 1999.

In 1988, Ms. Dungee Glenn was elected Delegate to the Democratic Convention from the Second Congressional District in Pennsylvania, and served as Director of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee from 1996 to 1997. She was appointed to the Platform Committee of the Democratic National Convention in 1996 and to the Credentials Committee in 2000. Ms. Dungee Glenn also served as Pennsylvania State Director with the NAACP National Voter Fund from August 2000 until June 2001 and led a successful non-partisan statewide voter mobilization campaign.

Ms. Dungee Glenn currently serves as President of the American Cities Foundation, an organization committed to the development and implementation of a national urban policy and to defining a new relationship between cities and the federal government. She is the recipient of various awards including: the 2003 Leon J. Obermayer Distinguished Graduate Award; the Arts & Entertainment Network 2002 Biography Community Heroes Award; Women Making a Difference Award, 2001; and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Pennsylvania Chapter Women of the Year Award. In 2002, Ms. Dungee Glenn was selected as a Robert Wood Johnson Urban Health Initiative Fellow and by the Philadelphia Tribune as one of 2007 Most Influential African-Americans.

An alumna of the Philadelphia public schools, Ms. Dungee Glenn graduated from the School Districtâs Philadelphia High School for Girls. This native of West Philadelphia now plays an active role in the SRCâs initiatives to build schools and renovate others, including plans for a new West Philadelphia High School.

Related Web Links:

• School Reform Commission, School District of  Philadelphia

• The School District of Philadelphia

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2009. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 Ep 35 Ms. Sandra Dungee Glenn: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Retention and Graduation  School Board Member  Parents and Community  Partnerships  Change Process  High Stakes Testing  Leadership  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  ARCHIVE  Urban Education

Interview with Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, Dr. Joe Hairston Community Partnerships and Student Achievement: âBlueprint for Progressâ in Baltimore

 Ep 34 Dr. Joe Hairston [25:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (56)

Topics: Parents and Community  Coaching School Leaders  Communication  Partnerships  High Stakes Testing  Leadership  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education   Urban Education  ARCHIVE

In this podcast episode, Dr. Hairston discusses what the presidency of Barack Obama means to him and to education. Dr. Hairston shares how he has been able to maintain a superintendency position in the same school district for nine years and the great successes he has led.

A visionary and progressive leader, Dr. Joe A. Hairston has served since 2000 as Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, one of the nationâs 25 largest school systems. In February 2008, the Baltimore County Board of Education approved a third four-year term for Dr. Hairston. His 12-year tenure will make him the countyâs second-longest-serving superintendent.

Dr. Hairstonâs results-based leadership has yielded a growing list of achievements including greater student participation in and success on Advanced Placement and SAT exams and greater accountability and resource conservation.

A career educator, Dr. Hairstonâs ascent in education administration began and is rooted in the classroom. Over the years, he has developed and refined strategies that have proven successful in raising student achievement.

Our podcast host Carolyn Pearson says, âI loved this interview with Dr. Hairston. He was thoughtful in answering the questions, comfortable and clearly proud of the efforts of his district including the community whose trust he has won. When we finished the interview Dr. Hairston felt there was so much he did not cover and so many partnerships he has spearheaded so we agreed the meet again at the end of the school year.â

Enjoy this inspiring and visionary interview with one of the nationâs foremost educational leaders.

Biographical Background

Dr. Hairston began his career in 1969 as a teacher in Prince Georgeâs County. Within two years of entering the classroom, he was appointed department chairperson and five years after that he became administrative assistant to a principal. He was appointed vice principal in 1977 and was named a principal in 1981.

Dr. Hairstonâs success in high school reform raised his profile within the education community and in the media. In 1987, Dr. Hairston was selected as one of 30 U.S. principals to participate in the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Urban Principal Project, which was designed to establish a profile of the skills necessary for effective school management, and one of 10 U.S. principals to participate in an Urban Principal Conference at Harvard University. In 1988, he was cited in Time magazine and featured in Maryland Magazine and Baltimore Sun Magazine.

In 1989, Dr. Hairston was named assistant superintendent of Prince Georgeâs County Public Schools. Then in 1995, he became the first appointed (rather than elected) superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools in Jonesboro, Georgia. During his tenure in Clayton County, he earned praise for infusing technology into the administration and schools, increasing business partnerships, and developing community advocacy and fiscal support for the school system.

After an intensive search, the Baltimore County Board of Education selected Dr. Hairston to serve as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools. In his first year, Dr. Hairston charted a direction for the school system through the Blueprint for Progress, which presents key strategies and concrete performance indicators. The Blueprint also provides structure for the BCPS Master Plan.

In addition to his demanding role as Superintendent, Dr. Hairston has numerous professional and civic affiliations. He serves on the College Boardâs Superintendent Advisory Panel, Governorâs Task Force to Study Raising the Compulsory School Attendance Age to 18, Johns Hopkins University School of Education Advisory Board, Blackboardâs K-12 Advisory Board, Maryland Partnership for Teaching and Learning K-16 Leadership Council, and many other educational and community organizations.

A native of Virginia, Dr. Hairston earned a doctorate in education administration from Virginia Tech (1993), a masterâs degree in administration and physical education from American University (1976), and bachelorâs degree in biology and physical science from Maryland State University (now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore) (1969).

Related Web Links:

• Baltimore County Public Schools

• Office of the Superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools

• The Education Channel: Baltimore County Public Schools

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2009. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 

 Ep 34 Dr. Joe Hairston [25:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (56)

â No CommentsTags: Parents and Community  Coaching School Leaders  Communication  Partnerships  High Stakes Testing  Leadership  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  ARCHIVE  Urban Education

2009 National Superintendent of the Year and Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta, GA: Dr. Beverly Hall Transformation of Schools to a New History of Success

 Ep 33 - Dr. Beverly Hall: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (44)

Categories: High Stakes Testing  Teacher Training  Retention and Graduation  Parents and Community  Leadership  Urban Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  Professional Development  ARCHIVE

Join District Leaders Podcast for an inspiring interview with  2009 National Superintendent of the Year Dr. Beverly Hall as she sits down with Arthur Griffin. Dr. Hall reveals her insights on the large task which faced her as she and her team transformed the Atlanta Public Schools into their new found standard of success.

Dr. Beverly Hall was named the 2009 National Superintendent of the Year on Feb 20th at the AASAâs National conference in San Francisco. She is the 22nd recipient of the award.

Dr. Hall candidly discusses how, after starting as a teacher in difficult neighborhoods, she found herself entering into school administration.  She quickly moves into discussing the importance of national standards, essential strategies necessary for a school districtâs success, and her experiences in her award-winning tenure as superintendent of the Atlanta Public School system Dr. Hall provides several insightful examples from her years of experience as leader and change agent in urban public schools.

Tune in to listen to an inspiring story and

explanation of transformational leadership.

 Articles about Dr. Hall and her  2009 national recognition

•  AASA The Conference Daily
• AASA Press Release

Biographical Background
When Dr. Beverly L. Hall became the 15th appointed superintendent of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) on July 1, 1999, she promised to transform the district into a world-class school system, using nationally proven reform models, facility upgrades and business operations redesign. Under her leadership, standardized test scores have risen, aging facilities have been renovated and a new blueprint for business operations is being implemented. The districtâs vision is that APS will be one of the nationâs highest performing urban school systems, where 90 percent of its ninth-graders graduate from high school in four years ready for success in college or career.

In addition to setting an aggressive reform agenda to accelerate student achievement, Dr. Hall has worked actively with the community to gain support for public education in the city of Atlanta. She has developed relationships with the business community, civic organizations, nonprofits and government leaders. As a result, APS has an extensive network of partners who donate time, resources and volunteers to help individual schools.

Prior to her post in Atlanta, Dr. Hall was state district superintendent of the Newark Public Schools, the largest school district in the state of New Jersey. Before then, she served as deputy chancellor for instruction of the New York City Public Schools; superintendent, Community School District 27, Queens, New York; and principal, Junior High School 113 and Public School 282, Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Hall is the recipient of several local and national honors. Most recently, she was named the 2009 Superintendent of the Year by the Georgia School Superintendents Association, becoming the first superintendent in Atlanta to receive the honor in the 22-year history of the award. She has also been recognized with the Council of the Great City Schools National Urban School Superintendent of the Year Award (Richard R. Green Award); the Institute for Student Achievement Distinguished Leadership Award; the National Alliance of Black School Educators Superintendent of the Year Award; the Concerned Black Clergy Education Award; the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Ground Crew Service Award for Education; and the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta Legacy Award. Furthermore, she was saluted by the Carnegie Corporation for being an immigrant who represents the âpride of America.â

Born in Jamaica, West Indies, Dr. Hall immigrated to the United States upon completion of her high school education. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Oglethorpe University and Doctor of Education from Fordham University. Dr. Hall is married and has an adult son.

Related Web Links: 

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
  

• Photo Gallery from APS

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2009. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 Ep 33 - Dr. Beverly Hall: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (44)

Tags: High Stakes Testing  Teacher Training  Retention and Graduation  Parents and Community  Leadership  ARCHIVE  Urban Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  Professional Development

Interview with Superintendent of Plainfield Public Schools in NJ Dr. Steven Gallon III Making the Adjustment as a New Superintendent

 Ep 32 Dr. Steven Gallon III: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (44)

Categories: Leadership  Author  Trends in Education  Improving Student Performance  Urban Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Professional Development   ARCHIVE Â

 On February 16, 2008, the School Board of Plainfield, NJ concluded its national search with the support of one of the nationâs largest educational executive search firms, Hazard, Young, and Attea, and unanimously selected Dr. Steve Gallon III as its Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Gallon, whose official tenure began on July 1, 2008, is a lifelong educator who has dedicated his entire life and career to the education and uplift of students, and the cause of urban education.

In the podcast interview conducted by Carolyn Pearson on in December, 2008, Dr. Gallon discussed at length the challenges of being a new superintendent. Dr. Gallon described how he positioned himself for change in Plainfield, New Jersey with a new team, in a different region of the United States and with support of his board.

Dr. Gallon is a seasoned educator and author who offers a clear perspective to what it takes to make a huge leap into a superintendent position and land ready for success.

 Enjoy this inspiring and visionary interview with one of the nationâs foremost educational leaders.

Biographical Background
Dr. Steve Gallon III was born and raised in Miamiâs renowned Liberty City. After graduating from the public school system in Miami, he later attended and graduated in three years from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, FL, earning Magna Cum Laude Honors with a degree in English Education. Though his parentâs youngest child, he became the first and only of six siblings to graduate from college. While raising his son and daughter as a single father, he worked full-time and furthered his education at Florida International University receiving a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision. He has also participated in postdoctoral leadership institutes on Large-Scale School Reform and Management at Harvard and Stanford University.

Dr. Gallon, after serving as an English teacher entered the administrative ranks as Assistant Principal and was later appointed principal of Holmes Elementary School, a Pre-K through grade 6 school with a 1,180 student population at the time. In his third year and after marked improvements in student outcomes and community involvement, he was tapped to become principal of Miami Northwestern Senior High School, where he would serve for seven yearsâearning the third longest tenure in the schoolâs 50-year history. Under his leadership, student attendance, student performance, and graduation rates increased, as well as the provision of programs in honors, advanced placement, and the arts for the over 3,200 students in the comprehensive urban high school housed in a state-of-the-art facility.

Dr. Gallon has received numerous awards for his outstanding professional and community service. He was recognized as Region IIIâs âRookie Principal of the Yearâ, Elementary School âPrincipal of the Yearâ, District Finalist for Principal of the Year, and âEducator of the Yearâ by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Gallon was also the recipient of the NAACP Mary McCloud Bethune Educatorâs Award. The College Board recognized Dr. Gallon as one of eight Americans featured nationally in their publication entitled âHeroes of a Different Kindâ for leadership and service in education. In 2003, Dr. Gallon released his first book entitled The Principalship: Tribulations and Triumphs which was featured in the national educational publication Education Week, as one of three new titles for principals. His second book, When Morning Comes: Moments of Struggle, Strength, and Salvation provided the second installment in his urban education trilogy, which marks a work of personal and professional revelation. It was released in the fall of 2006. Having been featured in numerous media venues, and because of his spirit of enthusiasm, intellect, and dynamism, Dr. Gallon has served as an educational consultant, guest lecturer, and motivational speaker.

Growing up in one of Miamiâs toughest neighborhoods, and becoming not only a survivor of those streets, Dr. Gallon learned early that only education can offer options beyond poverty and prison. His ability and dedication to galvanizing the school and community to enhance the educational opportunities of economically challenged and at-risk students has been recognized and applauded at the local, state, and national level.

Related Web Links:

• Plainfield Public Schools

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 Ep 32 Dr. Steven Gallon III: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (44)

Tags: ARCHIVE  Leadership  Author  Trends in Education  Improving Student Performance  Urban Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Professional Development

Interview with Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District Superintendent
Dr. David Anthony

Coping Successfully with Financial Hardships

 Ep 31 Dr. David Anthony [31:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (30)

Coping Successfully with Financial Hardships

In this interview, Dr. David Anthony of the Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District, of Cypress Fairbanks, Texas, is interviewed by District Leaderâs podcast host Jason Marshall. Dr. Anthony, considered to be one of the stateâs most knowledgeable, and active leaders in the issue of public school finance and funding in Texas.  Dr. Anthony speaks about the funding crisis in Texas, and what is being done at the state legislative level, and local level. The Texas Education funding crisis is seen by many to be dire, and has hit Cypress Fairbanks particularly hard. This piece provides educational insight into the Texas public school finance issue, and how it relates to larger districts. Cypress Fairbanks is the largest school district in Texas given the rating of âRecognizedâ.

Dr Anthony is also well known and respected for bond referendum success and community satisfaction. Dr. Anthony discusses strategies related to the communication, planning, management, and expectations in dealing with bond elections. Enjoy this podcast with one of Texasâs most respected educational leaders.

Large, geographically spread out districts can also fall prey to communication failure. Dr. Anthony discusses his philosophy related internal and external communication in a way that will be enjoyed by all.

Cypress Fairbanks is the 3rd largest school district in Texas, and the 29th largest district in the nation with 97,000 students. There are 186 square miles of land within the boundaries of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. This makes it the second largest school system in land area out of the 22 districts in Harris County. Bordered by seven other school districtsâHouston, Spring Branch, Katy, Klein, Aldine, Tomball and Wallerâit is also the second largest district in terms of student enrollment. There are more than 96,000 students enrolled in CFISD for the 2007- 2008 school yearâsecond only to Houston ISD.

Biographical Background
Dr. David Anthony began his career as superintendent of schools in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD on July 1, 2004. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from East Texas Baptist College in 1974, a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Northwestern State University in 1977 and a Doctor of Education degree from NSU in 1986. Prior to accepting the position of superintendent in CFISD, he served as superintendent in McKinney ISD, Texas City ISD, Mount Pleasant ISD, and High Island ISD.

Related Web Links:

• Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District, of Cypress Fairbanks, TX

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Interview with District Superintendent of Schools of Eastern Suffolk BOCES and the First Supervisory District of Suffolk County, NY, Mr. Ed Zero

Cost Effective Strategies Striving to Improve Student Performance

 Ep 30 Mr. Ed Zero : Play Now

Categories: Parents and Community  Online Learning  Coaching School Leaders  Diagnostic Protocols  Retention and Graduation  Career and Technical Education  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  Teacher Training  Professional Development  ARCHIVE

In a most insightful discussion, Ed Zero, District Superintendent of Eastern Suffolk BOCES, and District Leaderâs Podcast host Dr. Ed Milliken reveal the vital role and impact of regional Educational Service Agencies (ESAâs). A regional ESA, such as a New York BOCES, supports student improvement in local school systems and assists in developing cost effective strategies for funding school improvement programs for districts in need.

Listen in for details of this educational model which includes powerful strategies and features such as :

The Medical Model: Through its area-wide structure, an ESA has the power to harness diverse education support initiatives and offer a unified array of programs and services that can be customized for the specific needs of a local school district. Analogous to the medical model of assistance, an ESA can diagnose a problem and prescribe the learning âmedicineâ that will generate the desired remedy.

Comprehensive Services: An ESAâs efforts are comprehensive. Included programs would involve direct support for classroom instruction, technological support, staff development for effective teaching, training for school learning leadership, and cost reduction approaches. In addition, the regional design of ESAâs permits the creation of unique alternative schooling experiences and can resolve time constraints which affect learning by offering online learning programs.

Level Performance: ESAâs occupy a vital position in supporting school district goals for standards level performance among all pupils.

 and many more.

This is an episode which promises to provide new strategies, perspectives and paradigms for some districts to consider, as well as build upon the success others already use.

 

District Leaderâs Podcast provides vibrant interviews with superintendents on topics such as district Leadership, Improving Student Performance, Trends in Education and Making the Tough Decisions.

• We are pleased to have such varied perspectives from people who serve different constituencies and in different settings.

• Enjoy this free rich resource, conveniently via your computer, or  make it mobile on your TREO, MP3 player, or some cell phones..

Biographical Background
Mr. Ed Zero serves as District Superintendent/Executive Officer for Eastern Suffolk BOCES as well as the Interim District Superintendent at both Western Sufolk BOCES and Nassau BOCES. Eastern Suffolk BOCES is the largest ESA among New York Stateâs thirty eight BOCES serving eastern Long Islandâs fifty two school districts. Ed works closely with the Commissioner of Education, the New York State Department of Education, and school districts across Long Island to ensure that all students receive a high quality education. His career in education has spanned more than 35 years.

Previously, Ed was the Executive Director of the Long Island Regional School Support Center. The LIRSSC has been the technical strategy of the NY State Education Department for supporting the instructional needs of high poverty, low wealth, and weak performing school districts. By marshalling various school support resources, New Yorkâs Regional School Support Centers possess the capability of delivering essential instructional support resources to school districts in need.

Also, Ed served as the Regional Manager of the Effective Schools Consortium Network. His responsibilities encompassed several hundred school districts that extended from the lower Hudson Valley (north of New York City) throughout Long Island. The Effective Schools Consortium was committed to advancing school improvement initiatives throughout the region.

Ed spent his early career working in the field of environmental education where the programs he administered earned numerous awards and recognition including, the Outdoor Environmental Education Program, an alternative education program. During this time, he was appointed to serve as the Chairman of the Governorâs Environmental Education Task Force for Governor Coumo.

Although Ed remains passionate about environmental issues and solutions through education, his focus of late has been his work on school improvement and student achievement. While serving as the Regional Manager of the Effective Schools Consortium Network for the Metro Region and the Executive Director of the Long Island Regional Support Center, Ed has been a staunch supporter of initiatives and programs that address the regionâs high need, low wealth school districts.

Ed received his B.A. in Biology with a minor in marine sciences and secondary education from Long Island University, Southampton College. He earned his Master of Science in Applied Science from Stony Brook University, College of Engineering. Ed also attended New York University, Department of Organizational & Administrative Studies, where he obtained his School District Administration certification.

Related Web Links:

• Eastern Suffolk BOCES

• EMSC-NY State Education Department

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Tags: Parents and Community  online learning  COaching school leaders  diagnostic protocols  Retention and Graduation  Career and Technical Education  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  ARCHIVE  Teacher Training  Professional Development

Interview with Executive Director of the America Association of School Administrators, Dr. Dan Domenech Maintaining a Solid Foundation on the Eve of a New Administration

 Ep 29 Dr. Dan Domenech: Play Now |

Topics: High Stakes Testing  Retention and Graduation  Parents and Community  Leadership  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  Urban Education  Archive

Dr. Daniel A. Domenech has served as executive director of the American Association of School Administrators since July 2008. A native of Cuba who moved to the United States at the age of nine, Domenech has more than 36 years of experience in public education.

In this podcast episode Dan explores the challenges of his new position as executive director in these stressful economic times. Dan talks in detail about the challenges that not only he is experiencing but what superintendents are faced with also. We also learn what direction the new Obama administration will take education for at least the next 4 years. Dr. Domenech is candid, thorough and very easy to talk and listen to.

 

Enjoy this inspiring and visionary interview with one

of the nationâs foremost educational leaders,

the executive director of AASA.

 

Biographical Background
Daniel A. Domenech has served as executive director of the American Association of School Administrators since July 2008.
A native of Cuba who moved to the United States at the age of nine, Domenech has more than 36 years of experience in public education.

Prior to joining AASA, Domenech served as senior vice president of the Urban Advisory Resource for McGraw-Hill Education. In this role, he was responsible for building strong relationships with large school districts nationwide and increasing awareness of McGraw-Hillâs educational programs and services. Prior to his position at McGraw-Hill, Domenech served for six years as superintendent of the Fairfax County, Va., Public Schools, the 12th largest school system in the nation with 168,000 students.

Domenech began his teaching career in New York City, where he taught sixth grade in a predominantly black and Hispanic community in South Jamaica, Queens. He then became program director for the Nassau Board of Cooperative Educational Services, which is the largest intermediate school district in the State of New York. Following this, he was first named superintendent of schools for Long Islandâs Deer Park Schools and then became superintendent of schools for the ethnically diverse South Huntington School District, also on Long Island â a position he held for 13 years. From 1994 to 1997, he was district superintendent of the Second Supervisory District of Suffolk County and chief executive officer of the Western Suffolk BOCES.

Domenech, AASA member since 1979, served as president of AASA from July 1998 to June 1999. He is also a past president of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, the Suffolk County Superintendents Association, and the Suffolk County Organization for Promotion of Education. He was the first president and cofounder of the New York State Association for Bilingual Education.

In addition, Domenech has served on the U.S. Department of Education National Assessment Governing Board, on the advisory board for the Department of Defense schools, and on the board of directors of the Association for the Advancement of International Education. He currently serves on the boards of the Institute for Educational Leadership and the Education Policy Institute.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College in New York City and a Ph.D. from Hofstra University in Uniondale, N.Y.

Related Web Links:

• American Association of School Administrators

• Article about Dan in The School Administrator

 

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2009. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 

Tags: High Stakes Testing  Retention and Graduation  Parents and Community  Leadership  ARCHIVE  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  Urban Education

Interview with Chief Academic Officer of the Houston Independent School District
Dr. Karen Garza

Large District Academic Success and Leadership Development

Systematically Identifying and Pursuing Value in Every Aspect of Public Education

In this episode, Dr. Karen Garza, Chief Academic Officer of the Houston Independent School District, is interviewed by District Leaderâs Podcast host Jason Marshall. Dr. Garza discusses the academic vision of the Houston Independent school district. District success related curriculum and alignment to Texas state academic standards.

Communication and Leadership Development are then discussed, including the implementation of HISDâs 3rd annual summer Leadership Institute which takes place at Reliant Center. There are thousands participants in this Leadership Institute in which best practices, planning, strategy are discussed.

HISD has a unique, and very successful, professional development apparatus, which is connected to the priorities of the district. Dr. Garza discusses the professional development program, and how it has evolved over the last few years. Dr. Garza goes on to discuss how HISD determines which teachers are most successful with students over time, and which are struggling. What follows is a discussion related to how HISD evaluates value in all of its processes.

Lastly, Dr. Garza shares her philosophy on the role of districts leaderâs visibility in the district and the community.

Enjoy this power packed interview with one of the nationâs foremost academic leaders.

HISD educates approximately 202,000 students within the greater Houston metropolitan area. The district serves a diverse student population, which is 58 percent Hispanic, 30 percent African-American, 9 percent White, and 3 percent Asian/Pacific Islander.

Approximately 78 percent of HISD students participate in free or reduced-price meal programs. HISD also serves more than 55,000 limited-English-proficient students who, combined, speak more than 90 different native languages.

Biographical Background
Dr. Abe Saavedra, Superintendent of Houston Independent School District, recruited Dr. Garza in the summer of 2005, and she has directed the steady academic improvement of the district since then. After her first year on the job, the average reading scores of HISD students on the SAT test increased five points while the Texas and national averages fell. The progress continued in 2007, with HISDâs reading and math scores rising again while the national averages fell and the Texas average made smaller gains.

Since Dr. Garza began leading HISDâs academic effort, her work with the board and Dr. Saavedra to focus on establishing a âcollege-bound cultureâ at every HISD school has helped lead the district to significant improvement in college-level work by high-school students. HISD students took and passed record numbers of college-level Advanced Placement courses in 2006 and again in 2007.

HISD now has 84 âExemplaryâ or âRecognizedâ schools this year, a record number of high-rated schools for the district since the start of the new Texas accountability system in 2004. The number of âAcademically Unacceptableâ schools in HISD was cut by more than half in 2007, from 33 in 2006 to 15. Most other urban districts in Texas saw an increase in their number of unacceptable schools, so HISDâs improvement under the leadership of Dr. Garza, the superintendent, and the school board is bucking the statewide trend.

Houston ISD hired Dr. Garza in June of 2005. She had been the deputy superintendent of the Corpus Christi Independent School District since August 2004, was associate executive director for governmental relations at the Texas Association of School Administrators from 2002 to 2004, and was executive director for curriculum, staff development, and accountability for the Katy Independent School District from 1999 to 2002.

Dr. Garza holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masterâs and Bachelorâs in Education from the University of Houston-Victoria.

Related Web Links:

• Houston Independent School District, Houston, TX
  

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Interview with Aldine Independent School District, Houston, TX, Superintendent
Dr. Wanda Bamberg

A Districtâs Winning Strategy and Philosophy

 Ep 27 Dr. Wanda Bamberg

Topics:   Leadership  Bilingual Education  Trends in Education  Urban Education  Improving Student Performance  Professional Development  ARCHIVE

In this episode, District Leaders Podcast Host Jason Marshall interviews Dr. Wanda Bamberg Superintendent of the Aldine Independent School District (ISD). With a broadly diverse urban population,  Dr. Bambergâs insights on the philosophy and strategies that has made Aldine a finalist for the Broad Prize for Urban Education 3 of the last 5 years, including 2008 will be helpful for many school leaders.

Aldine ISD of Houston Texas is over 60% Hispanic, and over 30% African American, and becoming increasingly more diverse. The school district has been recognized for itâs effectiveness at meeting the needs of all students.

This interview includes discussions about how the following items have contributed to bringing Aldine schools to their current place: curriculum alignment, professional development, and internal communications.

In addition Jason and Dr Bamberg delve into the school districtâs  philosophy on ELL instruction, bilingual education, and flexible grouping.

Aldine ISD ranks among the stateâs high performing school districts according to data from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The district has earned seven Recognized ratings since 1996 and was one of five 2004 and 2005, and 2008 National Finalists for the Broad Prize for Urban Education. Aldine is also the second best large school district in Texas for educating African American students and is ranked third among large school districts in Texas in educating Latino students, according to recent studies conducted by Texas A&M University and the University of Texas-Pan American.

Do not miss this opportunity to benefit from the advances experienced in this school-

Leadership Today, for Leading  Tomorrow.

Always with District Leaderâs Podcast!

Biographical Background
Serving as the school districtâs executive officer, Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg implements and administers the adopted policies of the Board in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Texas Education Agency and state laws. She is also charged with the responsibility of devising means and ways of efficiently executing the educational policies adopted by the Board to accomplish the districtâs mission. Dr. Bamberg is also responsible for the daily management and operations of the school district and the supervision of its employees.

Dr. Bamberg began her teaching career in the Tuscaloosa County School District in 1977 where she was assigned to teach English at Boteler Junior High School. In 1981, she transferred to Hillcrest High School where she continued to teach English. In 1982, Dr. Bamberg moved to the Houston area and joined Aldine ISD. She was assigned to teach English and reading at Hoffman Middle School. In 1987, she was named the program director of middle school language arts and in January, 1997, she was promoted to the position of Director of Curriculum and Instruction. In 1998, she was named Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction and in July 2001, she was named Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. In June of 2007 she assumed the duties of Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. Bamberg has 31 years of experience in the field of education and she has spent 27 of those years in Aldine ISD.

Related Web Links:    

• Aldine Independent School District, TX                                                          

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

â No CommentsTags: Leadership  Bilingual Education  ARCHIVE  Trends in Education  Urban Education  Improving Student Performance  Professional Development

Interview with Lamar Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle Capturing Student Hearts, and Making Tough Decisions in Tough Times.

 Ep 25 Dr. Thomas Randle: Download

Tags: Leadership  Parents and Community  Trends in Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Urban Education  ARCHIVE

Dr. Thomas Randle, is one of the most respected Superintendents in Texas and past President of the Texas Association of School Administrators. And it is easy to understand why when you listen to the impressive discussion about the the tough decisions that face school leaders today. Join us for an impressive and informative episode as podcast host Jason Marshall interviews one of our leading superintendents.

At the onset of this episode of the District Leaderâs Podcast, Dr. Thomas Randle discusses the Texas state funding crisis is discussed. They also address some of the difficult decisions that have to be made during this time of public school finance challenges.

In addition, the theme of Making Tough Decisions decidedly emerges in this conversation as the colleagues share the challenges of making personnel and other and professional decisions. As an example of vital, practical resources and insight included in this episode on this topic, Dr. Randle discusses âCapturing Kidsâ Hearts,â a training that empowers his teachers to understand and relate to every student on a more personal level, thus increasing student participation level and success.

Listen in and find out why today more and more schools in LCISD are receiving the highest ratings of âExemplaryâ, and âRecognizedâ by the Texas Education agency. The superintendent of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District has decide opinions about how athletics, extracurricular activities, and academics need to be combined and coordinate.

Notable School Leaders Supporting and Guiding the Field!

Always on The District Leaderâs Podcast

Biographical Background
Dr. Thomas Randle has been the superintendent of Lamar CISD since July 2001. Prior to coming to Lamar CISD he served as superintendent in the LaMarque ISD for six years. Dr. Randle received his Bachelorâs and Masterâs degrees from Texas A&M University. He began his career in education as a teacher in Sweeny, Texas. After receiving his Doctorate from Oklahoma State University, he held administrative positions in the Conroe ISD serving as Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education.

Dr. Randle is active in civic, community and professional organizations and serves on numerous boards, including Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Texas Academic Decathlon, and the Texas Business and Education Coalition. He is currently President-Elect of the Texas Association of School Administrators, and Past President of the Texas Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. He served on the Commissionerâs Cabinet of Superintendents, Policy Committee on Public Education Information, an advisor for the Recommended High School Plan with the Texas Education Agency and is an adjunct professor with the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Dr. Randle was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House to the Select Committee on Public School Accountability.

Dr. Randle has received the honor of being named the 2001 Superintendent of the Year for Region IV and a state finalist for Superintendent of the Year. He was named a Distinguish Student, Outstanding Graduate and Notable Graduate Nominee at Texas A&M University. He was an Oklahoma Regent of Higher Education Fellowship recipient, and served on a focus group for the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington DC. He received the Leslie Hayley Community Service award given by the Texas City/La Marque Chamber and was named Texas Educational support Staff (TESA), Administrator of the Year in 2004.

Related Web Links:

• Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, TX
  

 District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 

 Ep 25 Dr. Thomas Randle:

Tags: Leadership  Parents and Community  ARCHIVE  Trends in Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Urban Education

Interview with Chancellor of District of Columbiaâs Public Schools, Dr. Michelle Rhee A Mandate for School Change and Student Achievement

 Ep 24 Dr Michelle Rhee: Download

Key Topics include: Leadership  Teacher Training  Parents and Community   Trends in Education  Urban Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Professional Development  ARCHIVE

Join our host Carolyn Pearson as she interviews the highly visible Chancellor of Washington, DC Public Schools, Dr. Michelle Rhee. While in the midst of a busy day in the schools, Dr. Rhee makes time to stop to answer tough questions about her highly publicized agenda and approach over the past year.

Their revealing discussion ranges across many areas including tough financial choices, conflict and opposition to change, teacher recruitment, changing and vision making. Looking ahead, we also benefit from a glimpse of her future years as Chancellor in DC.

 

Her district aptly describes Dr. Rheeâs dedicated professional initiative and visionary work:

She had these results in mind when she founded The New Teacher Project (TNTP) in 1997, and it is now a nationally recognized leader in understanding and developing innovative solutions to the challenges of new teacher hiring. As Chief Executive Officer and President, she partnered with school districts, state education agencies, non-profit organizations, and unions, to transform the way schools and other organizations recruit, select, and train highly qualified teachers in difficult-to-staff schools. Her work implemented widespread reform in teacher hiring, improving teacher hiring in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Miami, New York, Oakland, and Philadelphia. Thanks to TNTP, 23,000 new, high-quality teachers were placed in these schools across the country.  [From the District of Columbia Public Schools website]

Biographical Background
Chancellor Michelle Rhee was appointed by Mayor Adrian Fenty June 12, 2007. She leads D.C. Public Schools, a district numbering 50,000 students and 144 schools. In the Mayorâs search for a change agent for schools in the District, experts in education recommended Ms. Rhee, who had already transformed many urban public school systems through her work with The New Teacher Project (TNTP). Chancellor Joel Klein, whose work in New York Cityâs public schools is a model for effective change, said of her appointment that it was âthe choice D.C. needs, given that, year in and year out, they have not gotten results.â Results drive the Chancellor every day.

Ms. Rheeâs commitment to excellence in education began in a Baltimore classroom in 1992, as a Teach-for-America teacher. The lesson she learned at Harlem Park Community School informs her mission today: with the right teacher, students in urban classrooms can meet teachersâ high expectations for achievement, and the driving force behind that achievement is the quality of the Educator who works inside it.

Chancellor Rhee currently serves on the Advisory Boards for the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ); the National Center for Alternative Certification (NCAC); Project REACH of the University of Phoenixâs School of Education. She is an Ex-Officio Member of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. Chancellor Rheeâs expertise on education is also informed by a Bachelorâs degree in Government from Cornell University, and a Masterâs degree in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University

 

.

Related Web Links:

•  Washington DC Public Schools : http://www.k12.dc.us/

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 

 Ep 24 Dr Michelle Rhee: Download

â No CommentsTags: Leadership  Teacher Training  Parents and Community  ARCHIVE  Trends in Education  Urban Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Professional Development

Interview with District Superintendent and CEO of Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, NY, Dr. Joseph Marinelli

The Role of Educational Services Agencies and Student Performance

 Ep. 23 Dr. Joseph Marinelli: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Vocational Education  Career and Technical Education  Retention and Graduation  Teacher Training  Leadership  Trends in Education  ARCHIVE  Improving Student Performance

Dr. Joseph Marinelli District Superintendent and CEO of the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) in New York joins host Ed Milliken for an informative discussion about such critical topics as student achievement, school support services and the changing definition and power of Career and Technical Education.

Listen in as these colleagues, gather around the District Leaders Podcast mike to share how the the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES demonstrates the services that can benefit schools across the nation.

From

• bridging the achievement gap, to
• sharing resources,
• creating scalability of services,
• higher retention, graduation, and college continuation rates, and
• more

these programs are not what we are accustomed to ISD services  and âvocational education.â

Might ISD and/or CTE be a vital considerations for your schools and district needs?What impact can result? What programs have emerged recently.

Join us for Episode 23 of the series to find out and enrich your professional learning today. Always,

Leading Today for Success Tomorrow

Biographical Background
Since 1994, Dr. Joseph J. Marinelli has been the District Superintendent of the New York Stateâs supervisory district of Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties and Chief Executive Office of the Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). He is the chief regional officer for the Stateâs Commissioner of Education. The Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES is an educational service agency for twenty-five Rochester area suburban, small city, and rural school districts with a total of 45,000 students and 87 schools.

Previously, Dr. Marinelli served as superintendent of the Livonia Public Schools in suburban Detroit, Michigan. Prior to that, he was Associate Superintendent for Planning and Governmental Relations for the Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, FL.

He has been President of the Association of Educational Service Agencies, National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators and the Florida Association of School Administrators.

Dr. Marinelli was awarded a doctoral fellowship with the University Council for Education Administration and was the first Washington-based lobbyist for Floridaâs Commissioner of Education.

Dr. Marinelli holds a B.S. degree in psychology and a M.Ed. in guidance and counseling from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Related Web Links:

• Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, NY

 District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 Ep. 23 Dr. Joseph Marinelli: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Vocational Education  Career and Technical Education  Retention and Graduation  Teacher Training  Leadership  Trends in Education  ARCHIVE  Improving Student Performance

Interview with Bay Shore School District Superintendent, Bays Shore, Long Island, NY, Dr. Evelyn Holman Improving Student Performance in a Diverse School District

Vision and Community: Critical Keys for Improvement

In this episode, Dr. Evelyn Holman discusses her approach to achieving success in a diverse school district with District Leaderâs Podcast host, Ed Milliken.

Have you ever had to communicate your vision? Balance the needs and directives of the school board with the needs of student, parents and community? How do you handle these situations in ways that can build greater and new perspectives of community ?

This interview provides vital examples of how the superintendentâs leadership is key across the many constituencies which need to be represented and served in our schools. Listen in as these colleagues discuss the insights she offers about the success at Bay Shore School District on Long Island in New York State in changing the educational reputation, establishing vision and building community support.

As an example of the interconnections with schools and vital role of educators, Dr. Holman also discusses the role of good teachers, recruiting, and training in helping students reach their peak performance. Join us as she shares how all school districts can improve through a leadership style that focuses on their vision, stresses pupil success, accepts accountability, and communicates with all stakeholders. You also will find she is speaking on your needs and contributions as she speaks about the viability of the position of superintendent of schools for the future, and the role of mentoring and support for new and colleague superintendents.

Donât miss this vital episode of direction, vision, and encouragement

from The District Leaderâs Podcast!

Biographical Background
Dr. Evelyn Blose Holman is Superintendent of Schools of the Bay Shore School District on Long Island in New York State. With 15 years of experience in Bay Shore, Dr. Holman is one of Long Islandâs senior superintendents. Credited with revitalizing the diverse Bay Shore School District, Dr. Holmanâs leadership has yielded increased student achievement, a higher college attendance rate, and stronger community support.

Previously, Dr. Holman served as superintendent of Marylandâs Wicomico County Schools. Combining her experience as a superintendent in New York and Maryland, Dr. Holman has served as a superintendent of schools for 25 years. Chosen Maryland Superintendent of the Year and elected President of the Maryland Superintendentsâ Association, she was selected to represent Maryland at the National Gallery of Artâs 50th Birthday Celebration.

On three occasions, Dr. Holman was named one of the Top 100 Educational Executives in North America. Under her leadership, the Bay Shore School District received the National School Boards Magna Award. Leadership in Arts Education Awards have been presented to Dr. Holman from the New York state Alliance for Arts Education and the New York State Council of School Superintendents. She is President of SCOPE Educational Services and President of the Century Club, a national superintendentâs leadership group whose membership is limited to two superintendents from each state. Dr. Holman is a Fulbright China scholar.

Related Web Links:

• Bayshore School District, Bay Shore, NY

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

WEB: www.districtleaderspodcast.org 

BLOG for EPISODES: http://blog.districtleaderspodcast.org

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Tags: Retention and Graduation  Parents and Community  Teacher Training  Leadership  Trends in Education  ARCHIVE  Improving Student Performance

Interview with Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Dr. Rudy Crew: Initiatives for Improving Schools and Vision

Key Topics include: Leadership  Vocational Education  Career and Technical Education  Parents and Community  Trends in Education  Urban Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  ARCHIVE

Description

The 2008 winner of the AASAâs National Superintendent of the Year award, noted author, accomplished leader and superintendent, and dedicated educator, Dr. Rudy Crew is our guest in this 1st episode of the second year of The District Leaderâs Podcast.

Dr. Rudy Crew shares insights about the initiatives at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (FL) with District Leaderâs Podcast host Carolyn Pearson. In this most unusual opportunity, a former student and teacher from his system (Carolyn) interviews the superintendent and they discuss the many initiatives which are drawing national recognition. Dr. Crew is transparent about the challenges of the superintendency, the system-wide efforts for improvement and the rewards of serving individuals and communities.

• What and who inspires a Superintendent of the Year?
• How do you engage 100,000+ parents over 3 years in classes at the schools?
• What are your toughest decisions?
• How do âcredit card repairâ and âhouse buyingâ influences parent involvement? and
• What happens when former student interviews the superintendent?

Tune in to hear Dr. Rudy Crew shares recent strategies for improving schools and

his vision for school leadership, worldwide!

This excerpt from Dr. Crewâs official biography highlights several of his and the districtâs achievements,

Dr. Crew is transforming Miami-Dade through such innovations as The Parent Academy, the School Improvement Zone, and Secondary School Reform initiative. On the horizon is the Education Council of International Cities (ECIC), which will focus on identifying international benchmarks for a world-class education, considering not only the academic outlook but the economic implications as well. Among the highlights are rising student achievement levels, higher academic and conduct standards, and dramatically reduced overcrowding, including a 91 percent decrease in the student-station deficit. This success has been acknowledged by the Broad Foundation which has recognized the District as a 2006 and 2007 Broad Prize for Urban Education finalist, and the system is now viewed as a model for other districts across the nation. (M-D Superintendent web site)

Join the District Leaderâs Podcast for another informative and inspiring episode as you listen to Episode 21 on your computer, or take us âon the roadâ with you via MP3 player, iPod or cell phone.

Enjoy the flexibility for 24/7 access and mobility with your school leadership podcast community.

Biographical Background
On July 1, 2004, The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida appointed Dr. Rudy Crew as Superintendent of the nationâs fourth-largest school district. Dr. Crew is a lifelong educator whose career has spanned from the classroom to the chancellorship of the nationâs largest school district, New York City Public Schools, where he served from 1995-1999. He has worked closely with a gamut of stakeholders to craft a strategic plan that has set a clear and compelling vision and direction for the District. Under his leadership, the District is progressing dramatically on several fronts.

Prior to his appointment in Miami-Dade, Dr. Crew served as director of district reform initiatives at the Stupski Foundation, a private philanthropic foundation created in 1996 to support the improvement of public education. In that role, Dr. Crew led a team that supported selected school districts in comprehensive systems improvement.

Before joining the Stupski Foundation, Dr. Crew served as executive director of the Institute for K-12 Leadership, a partnership of the University of Washington in Seattle and WestEd, based in San Francisco. As chancellor of New York City Public Schools, Dr. Crew led a number of reforms, including adoption of curriculum standards for all schools, elimination of tenure for principals, and introduction of school-based budgeting. He was instrumental in closing failing schools and replacing failing educators. Dr. Crew established the Math and Science Institute, an after-school and Saturday program to help poor black and Latino students boost their academic performance. He created a Superintendentsâ and Principalsâ Institute to cultivate and nurture school leadership.

Dr. Crew is a nationally-acclaimed educator and author. His recent publication, Only Connect: The Way to Save Our Schools, is guiding a public discussion. Dr. Crew has received many honors, including the 2008 AASA National Superintendent of the Year; the Florida Association of Partners in Education Superintendentâs Award (2007); the Spirit of Excellence Award from the Minority Development & Empowerment, Inc. (2007); the Vann Miller Award for Outstanding Educational Administrator presented by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (2003); the Living the Dream Award presented by New York Governor George Pataki (1997); and the Arthur Ashe Leadership Award (1996). Dr. Crew on several boards and task forces including the Carnegie Foundationâs Commission on Mathematics and Science Education, Al Shanker Institute, USC Rossier School of Education Board of Councilors, the National Superintendents Roundtable, Public Education Network, Black Equity Alliance, the National Research Councilâs Committee on Scientific Principles of Education Research, and the Education Task Force. Dr. Crew is an associate in education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he has been part of the Urban Superintendent Program since 1992.

Dr. Crewâs ability to connect with youth has made him a popular figure among students in the classrooms he visits. A believer in participatory teaching, he enjoys interacting with students and sharing in their challenges and successes. Dr. Crew has long believed in passing on to others the opportunities that have been afforded him throughout his childhood and his adult life. He credits his father with encouraging him to excel. Dr. Crew was the first male in his family to go to college.

A native of Poughkeepsie, New York, Dr. Crew holds a doctor of education degree in educational administration and a master of education degree in urban education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in management from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Related Web Links:

• Miami-Dade Schools Superintendentâs Site
  
  
• Miami-Dade School

• AASA- National Superintendent of The Year- Article

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

August 19th, 2008

We are very excited to celebrate our first year of production of District Leaderâs Podcast.

We are taking a short summer break, as many of you have also been!

To kick off the second second year of production we will have a ground breaking episode:

• What happens when a former teacher and district student interviews the superintendent?
• What do you learn from a Superintendent of the Year?
• How do you engage 100,000+ parents over 3 years in classes at the schools?

Dr Rudy Crew Superintendent of Miami-Dade Schools is the center of our Sept 2, 2008 interview.

Tune in to hear his recent strategies for improving schools and his vision for school leadership.

In the meantime, this is a great time to  catch up on previous District Leaderâs Podcast episodes.

We hope you take advantage of all the riches we have created for you and  make a decision to be part of our virtual community of  professionals.

Thank you to each of our listeners for making this such a successful first year!

Your District Leaderâs Podcast hosts,

Arthur Griffin         Sheryl Neal

Stan Paz                Carolyn Pearson

Jason Marshall

=====================================

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Interview with Superintendent of School District U46, Chicago, IL: Dr. Jose Torres

 Ep 20 Dr Jose Torres [28:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1)

Key Topics include: ARCHIVE  Leadership  High Stakes Testing  Trends in Education  Improving Student Performance  Urban Education  Making the Tough Decisions

Description

 Leadership and Student Achievement in Urban Schools

In this episode of the District Leaders Podcast, Dr. Jose Torres, Area Superintendent of Area 14 in Chicago Public Schools, talks about his challenges and triumphs during his time there with  podcast host Carolyn Pearson. He discusses the educational leaders and his fellow superintendents who inspire him and the many initiatives of which he is the most proud. Dr. Torres also talks about some of his plans for his new endeavor as superintendent in Elgin School District U46 in Illinois.

In CPS, Dr. Torres improved SAT composite scores (reading, math, science) in grades 3-8 by 18 percentage points. He partnered with the New Teacher Center; UC Santa Cruz, California to implement a full induction model to support beginning teachers (retained 78 teachers out of 82 new to teaching during the first year of implementation

Join us for a fascinating insights into this educational leader. We know that as you hear Dr. Torres discuss his role and vision for education you will find much from which gain ideas, support, and to identify with compared to your leadership role

Biographical Background
Prior to joining District U-46, Dr. Torres served as a Regional Superintendent (Area Instruction Officer) for Area 14 in the Chicago Public Schools where he oversaw 26 schools with over 14,000 students (98% African American and 93% free and reduced lunch) serving 5 communities (Englewood, West Englewood, Chatham, Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham). In CPS, Dr. Torres was responsible for a budget of over $104 million. In CPS, Dr. Torres improved ISAT composite scores (reading, math, science) in grades 3-8 by 18 percentage points. He partnered with the New Teacher Center, UC Santa Cruz, California to implement a full induction model to support beginning teachers (retained 78 teachers out of 82 new to teaching during the first year of implementation.

In Anne Arundel County Maryland, Dr. Torres saw dramatic results in academic achievement across the board in reading and mathematics during his tenure as Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services for Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland. In his role as Assistant Superintendent for a district with over 120 schools and 75,000 students, he oversaw a budget of more than $135 million and was responsible for the special education, alternative education, pupil services and the human relations departments. Increases in academic achievement, coupled with decreases in student discipline and decreases in the number of students placed in special education were possible because of the strong partnerships created between parents, teachers, staff, community, business community, social service agencies, faith based communities, and local elected officials.

Before joining the Anne Arundel district, Dr. Torres was Superintendent of the San Ysidro School District near the Mexico/California border in San Diego County. Dr. Torres also served as a human relations specialist in Montgomery County Public Schools, as coordinator in the Baltimore City Public Schools in Maryland, and as an associate superintendent of instructional services for the San Jose Unified School District in California.

Related Web Links:

• School District U-46
• The Broad Academy

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Tags: ARCHIVE  Leadership  High Stakes Testing  Trends in Education  Improving Student Performance  Urban Education  Making the Tough Decisions  Blogroll

Interview with Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, Norristown PA, Exec Dir/CEO, Dr. Jerry W. Shiveley:
Special Education and the Potential for IU Services to all Public Schools

Key Topics Include: special education, leadership, teacher training and equity, parent involvement

 Description:

This interview provides a prime example of the impact and process of leveraging services to support special needs in public schools. Join District Leader's Podcast host Ed Milliken and Dr. Jerry W. Shiveley, Executive Director/CEO of the Intermediate Unit of Montgomery County, Norristown PA, as they discuss how schools can offer an increased variety of instructional, support, and management programs and services through the collaboration among school districts created by the intermediate agency. The discussion ranges from leadership, to teacher education, equity, student special needs, cost-effective services, parent involvement, and beyond!

The Intermediate Education Agency is an important agency in providing local school districts with strong learning and management programs is a very cost effective structure. Programs and services of an intermediate agency are market driven based upon need and cost, therefore, an I.A. can be responsive to school districts. Delivered through an I.A., special education programs offer the performance objectives required for disabled students while controlling costs through shared school strategies. Similarly, other offerings such as staff development, equity initiatives, advocacy, and Response to Intervention programs are regionally provided by the I.A. While many challenges confront education, Dr. Shiveley provides an exciting and promising future for education. Educational leadership is both demanding and satisfying. As such, it is a worthy career goal with many rewarding experiences and growth opportunities.

Biographical Background
Montgomery Dr. Jerry W. Shiveley has served as the Executive Director/CEO of the County Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania since July 2004. In this position, he oversees the operation of the MCIU in Norristown, PA which serves the 22 component school districts in Montgomery County and more than 170 non public schools.

Prior to his position at the MCIU, Dr. Shiveley served in the dual role of Chief Executive Officer of the Nassau Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and District Superintendent of Schools in New York for five years. He spent the previous seven years as the Deputy Superintendent of the Multnomah Education Service District in Portland, Oregon.

In addition to more than 15 years of experience in educational administration in New York, Oregon, and Washington, Dr. Shiveley also taught Vocational Agriculture. He earned his bachelorâs degree in Agricultural Education and masterâs degree in Administration and Vocational Education from Oregon State University. He later received a doctorate in Educational Administration from Brigham Young University.

Related Web Links:

• Montgomery County Intermediate Unit: http://www.mciu.org/
  

District Leader's Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org

or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

View th complete site at

http://blog.districtleaderspodcast.org

Interview with Pittsburgh PA School Board President, Mr. William H. Isler: President and CEO, Family Communications, Inc. Exec. Dir., The Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning & Childrenâs Media: School Board Public Service as Leadership for Students and their Future, Is it Achievement?

Join us for a compelling interview with a prominent school board member who has served education through many organizations. Mr. William H. Isler offers a broad and deep view on several critical issues from his history of deep involvement involved in early childhood education and public service, from his role as school board president in Pittsburgh PA in this conversation and interview with District Leaderâs Podcast co-host Arthur Griffen Jr..

Mr.Islerâs education service experiences spans service on this urban school board and Saint Vincent Collegeâs Board of trustees, but also leadership of  Family Communications, Inc., and The Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Childrenâs Media at Saint Vincent College (to name just a few of the outstanding areas of service).

Topics in this episode include leadership development and vision, student achievement, closing the achievement gap, equity, urban education, child development, breaking trends in education, and funding of educational programs.

Mr. Isler argues passionately about community responsible to early childhood education: from equity, to research  evidence, demographics and funding.

His vision of the power of substantial early childhood foundation is heard in the quote he refers to  âYou can give children ABCâs and 123âs or you  can give them tools for learning..â

Join us for another not-to-be-missed episode of the District Leaderâs Podcast to be encouraged about the future of our schools and servant leaders.

Biographical Background
Bill Isler is a longtime professional educator and advocate for children. He began his career as a teacher and administrator, then served the Pennsylvania Department of Education as Commissioner of Basic Education and Senior Program Advisor for Early Childhood Education before joining the Family Communications, Inc., staff in 1984 and becoming the inaugural Executive Director of The Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Childrenâs Media at Saint Vincent College in 2005.

Under his leadership, FCI continued to produce the award-winning MISTER ROGERSâ NEIGHBORHOOD, longest running program on PBS, while expanding into the development of training materials for individuals who work with children. FCI also publishes books for children and for adults and produces materials related to MISTER ROGERSâ NEIGHBORHOOD. A significant accomplishment of the last two decades is the growth of partnerships with non-profit agencies and institutions. These collaborations have attracted more than $30 million in support from foundations and governmental agencies for innovative programming such as the Girlsâ Math, Science and Technology Project, developed cooperatively with Carnegie Mellon University to engage young girls in math and science for the technology demands of the 21st century workplace.

In addition to his leadership role at FCI and The Rogers Center, he is President of the Pittsburgh School Board, President-elect of the Council of Great City Schools, and advisor to the National League of Cities Council on Children, Youth, and Education, Rand Promising Practices Network, Hillman Cancer Institute, and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth & Families. He is a Board member of The Grable Foundation, Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Institute, and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a member for more than three decades of the Association for the Education of Young Children. He received The Pittsburgh Foundationâs Isabel P. Kennedy Award for child advocacy and was named âPerson of the Yearâ in 2007 by the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He is also âAlumnus of Distinctionâ of Saint Vincent College, and currently serves on the collegeâs Board of Trustees.

Related Web Links:

• Herricks Union Free School District

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

FULL SITE at: http://blog.districtleaderspodcast.org

Interview with Superintendent for Pasadena Independent School District, Texas, Mr. Kirk Lewis: Career Paths of the Superintendent, Improving Graduation Rates and Bilingual Education

 Episode 17 Mr. Kirk Lewis Interview [21:56m]: Download (1)

KEY TOPICS Include: High Stakes Testing  Bilingual Education  Retention and Graduation  Leadership  ARCHIVE  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  Urban Education

In this episode, Mr. Kirk Lewis, the Superintendent for Pasadena Independent School District is interviewed by Jason Marshall. Mr. Lewis also discusses Pasadenaâs Bilingual/ELL program. Pasadena currently has over 11,000 students in Bilingual programs, and the numbers are growing.

Interesting features of the interview also include hearing about the non-traditional road to the Superintendent position which Mr. Lewis has traveled.In addition,listeners gain firsthand insight into the Pasadena Initiative called Expectation Graduation, which focuses resources and attention on the 9th grade. This program certainly addresses one of the most critical years for a high school student is entry into the ninth grade. The success of that year sets the tone for the entire high school experience and focuses on connecting instruction with studentsâ interests, learning styles, and aptitudes. These small learning community approaches continue further through a college bound culture which implements greater rigor and relevance, and increases AP enrollment.

Join us for an exciting interview with Mr. Kirk Lewis and Jason as they discuss  the person and impact of the Superintendency. This series always provides more opportunities to hear from your colleagues around the USA, and gain strength and insight from their experiences.

Episode 17 provides a new dimension of these personal, yet professional windows into the life and work of the superintendent.

Biographical Background
Kirk Lewis was named by the Board of Trustees as Superintendent of the Pasadena Independent School District on April 25, 2006. Lewis assumed his new duties in December following the retirement of longtime superintendent Rick Schneider. As 28-year resident of Pasadena, Lewis graduated in 1972 from Ropes High School, a small farming community near Lubbock. He attended Texas Tech University, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising/Public Relations.

He received his Master of Science degree in Education Futures from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1983. Lewis is currently working on a doctorate in educational leadership from Lamar University in Beaumont. Lewis came to Pasadena ISD in 1986 as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent responsible for communications and policy development and has since worked closely with three different superintendents. He was promoted to Executive Director for Communications and Community Relations in 1995 and to his current position as Deputy Superintendent for Administration, Public Relations and Governmental Affairs in 2001. He is a deacon at South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena.

 

Related Web Links:

• District Website: http://www.pasadenaisd.org
• Educational Foundation Website: http://www.pasadenaisd.org/foundation

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 

 Episode 17 Mr. Kirk Lewis Interview [21:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1)

Tags: High Stakes Testing  Bilingual Education  Retention and Graduation  Leadership  ARCHIVE  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  Urban Education

Interview with CEO, Prince Georgeâs County Public Schools, MD
Dr. John Deasy
Turning the Tide: Student Access and Achievement; Support and Collaboration in School Leadership

Turning the tide when a district has been marginalized over a long period of time is a great challenge; Dr. John Deasy is a school leader who is succeeding in changing that tide. Tune in to this episode to get to know a school leader who discusses his district and student struggle, and new pathway of success.

In this episode of the District Leader's Podcast, Dr. Deasy, Chief Executive Officer of Prince Georgeâs County Public Schools (PGCPS) in Maryland, talks with with host Carolyn Pearson about his challenges and triumphs in his first two years in the district. Marylandâs second largest school system and the Nationâs 18^th largest district offers more than 133,000 children and innovative, technology-infused curriculum that has produced significant academic gains. Additionally, PGCPS provides a wide range of âFOCUSâ programs, extended learning opportunities, and support for special needs students. Dr. Deasy also discusses the educational leaders and his fellow superintendents who inspire him and why. This testimony is a great example of the power of support and collaboration in school leadership!

Biographical Background

Prior to this role, Dr. Deasy served as Superintendent of the Coventry Public Schools in Rhode Island for five years. Dr. Deasy also served as a high school principal in two communities, director of personnel, and assistant superintendent of schools. Earlier in his career, he taught biology, chemistry, calculus, and English at the high school level, coached high school sports, and served as an assistant high school principal in New York.

He continues to be a faculty member in university doctoral programs in several states. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Chemistry Education and a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Providence College, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from the University of Louisville.

Dr. Deasy is a Broad Fellow, was an Annenberg Fellow, State Superintendent of the Year, a presenter at numerous State and National conferences, a consultant to school districts undertaking high school reform and district-wide systemic improvement initiatives, and serves on numerous boards including Operation Public Education at the University of Pennsylvania and The Change Leadership Group at Harvard. He works for community and national service organizations, including the National Diabetes Association and his local parish. He is the author of numerous articles and research papers.

Related Web Links:

• Prince Georgeâs County Public Schools http://www1.pgcps.org/
  

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Interview with Waterbury CT Superintendent Dr. David Snead Mobility and Poverty: Urban Education and the Role of the Superintendent

 Episode 15 Dr. David Snead [18:53m]:  | Play in Popup | Download

Dr. David Snead, Superintendent of the Waterbury (CT) Public Schools, joins host Ed Milliken for an interview which discusses vital topics effecting schools, superintendents, students and society today. They particularly focus this session on the topics of pupil achievement from the perspectives of poverty and mobility. In just one example of the depth and relevance of this interview, Dr. Snead emphasizes and explains how standards level performance is difficult to achieve when students live in an environment of poverty and children and families are very mobile. This school leader calls for curricular consistency as a powerful way enable students to progress in a learning sequence. He also points out that many of these same strategies are available to assist struggling students as they are available to educators and school districts, however additional resources are needed.

Join the District Leaderâs Podcast for this 20 minute segment of refreshment and encouragement. Reaching out to superintendents, school leaders and school board members around the world, this series provides support, refreshment, resources, insight and encouragement.

Dr. Snead is optimistic about the future for the next generation of school superintendents and educational leaders. Listen in as we discuss curricular issues, leadership challenges, poverty, racism and teacher professional development within the reality of our schools and society.

Biographical Background

David Snead, Ph.D., is currently the Superintendent of the Waterbury (CT) Public Schools; a position he has held since August, 2000. The district, a department of the City of Waterbury, serves nearly 18,000 students (27% African American, 40% Hispanic, 31% white) with an annual budget of $123.5 million.

After teaching in Detroit, he served as a Detroit high school principal and named Principal of the Year. He became Superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools in 1994, and named Superintendent of the Year in Michigan in 1995. Since his arrival at in Connecticut, the Waterbury Public School district has undergone major changes, including the implementation of K-12 curriculum revisions, the updating of outdated textbooks, the initiation of new staff evaluation procedures, the establishment of diversity training for staff, the opening of a Family Intake Center for new student registrations, among other things. The district has a new inter-district magnet middle / high school for fine and performing arts and created e-mail accounts for all staff along with an extensive web site for parents and the community. Under his leadership, test scores rose significantly across the district. Due to the schoolsâ scholastic improvement, Waterbury received the âOutstanding Academic Leadership Awardâ from the Connecticut Association of Urban Superintendents in 2002-03. The district has begun closing the achievement gap between minority and majority students.

On numerous occasions, Dr. Snead has been recognized for his excellence in education. He was named one of the top ten Administrators in the United States by the National Council of School Safety, âSchool Administrator of the Yearâ by the Michigan Alliance for Arts Education, âExecutive Educator of the Yearâ by the IBM Corporation and the Executive Educator Journal, and âMichigan Superintendent of the Yearâ by the Michigan Association of School Administrators. He is also the recipient of the Septima Clark National Education Award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Related Web Links:

• Waterbury (CT) Public Schools
• Connecticut Association of Urban Superintendents
• National Council of School Safety

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

 Episode 15 Dr. David Snead [18:53m]: | Play in Popup | Download

Interview with Herricks New York School District Superintendent
Dr. Jack Bierwirth
Urban Education and Difficult Decisions

 Episode 14 Dr. Jack Bierwirth [26:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1)

Key Topics include: Leadership  Trends in Education Â
Improving Student Performance  Making the Tough Decisions  Urban Education

Description

Dr. Jack Bierwirth is our guest on The District Leaders Podcast for this episode. Join co-host Ed Milliken as he talks with Dr. Jack Bierwirth about his vast experience in difference school leadership settings. Insights from this interview will help superintendents and school leaders from school districts of all sizes, from suburban to urban.

Note just a few of these points included in this episode:

• Examples of how leadership style can be affected by different organizational structures among school districts,
• Similarities among large and small school district leadership,
• Benefits of using technology to help manage, lead and make decisions,
• The role of listening and receiving advice, and
• The best use of talent for our schools!

Join us for another inspiring and informative episode to help school leaders develop their leadership qualities and skills further.

Notable School Leaders Supporting and Guiding the Field!

Always on The District Leaderâs Podcast

Biographical Background
Experienced as a school superintendent of several diverse school systems, Dr. Jack Bierwirthâs creative leadership has provided a collaborative environment where innovative learning programs have generated consistently high levels of student success.

Dr. Bierwirth is Superintendent of Schools for Long Islandâs Herricks School District, a system that is recognized for the outstanding accomplishments of its students. A âbedroomâ community to New York City, Herricks schools flourish under leadership that develops a vision for learning, sets performance goals, and encourages professional individuality in programs of accomplishment.

Previously, Dr. Bierwirth was Superintendent of the Portland, Oregon schools, one of the largest school systems in the Pacific Northwest. The Pew Charitable Trust selected the Portland schools as one of seven districts in the country to pioneer implementation of standards based education.

Dr. Bierwirth has also served as President of Outward Bound, USA, the largest and oldest wilderness education program in the country. Outward Bound, USA, serves 30,000 teenagers and adults per year. The Outward Bound program focuses on building self confidence, teamwork, and discipline - characteristics that can be found in the school systems lead by Dr. Bierwirth.

Related Web Links:

• Herricks Union Free School District

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Tags: Leadership  Trends in Education  Improving Student Performance  Making the Tough Decisions  Urban Education

Interview with Nassau BOCES District Superintendent
Dr. Alan Groveman
Urban Education and Difficult Decisions

Key Topics include: High Stakes Testing  School Board Member  School Safety  Leadership  Improving Student Performance  Professional Development

Dr. Alan Groveman, Superintendent of Schools for Long Islandâs Connetquot School District, is interviewed about critical school topics by host Edward Milliken for District Leaderâs Podcast Episode 13. Dr. Alan Groveman discusses vital issues that are effecting the superintendents and our schools ranging from school violence and security, to parental involvement, professional development and strategies for improving student learning. A striking characteristic of this episode is how superintendents and school leaders need to effectively balance and meet the demands for all children to achieve learning standards (No Child Left Behind) and the demand that communities have for their schools to be safe havens for their children to attend.

Donât miss this episode of The District Leaderâs Podcast. A prime chance to join your colleagues as they consider these discuss a vital dimensions of the impact of state testing on teaching and learning.

âLeading today for success tomorrowï?

Biographical Background
Dr. Alan Groveman, the Superintendent of Schools for Long Islandâs Connetquot School District serving as the School Superintendent in this large suburban school district. He has placed an academic emphasis on all student programs so that pupils master the standards that are required for graduation in New York State. As a result, Connetquot pupils consistently meet and exceed learning benchmarks for academic performance.

In addition, Dr. Groveman, through extensive volunteer work, has developed an unparalleled expertise in designing and implementing organizational health and safety measures. For example, in the local fire department Dr. Groveman has been both a Captain and a Rescue Safety Officer. In addition, he has been a member of an EMT Team as well as a confined space and tactical rescue leader. With such a background, Dr. Groveman was appointed as a school district crisis management director. This experience has already proven to be invaluable in Dr. Grovemanâs role as Superintendent of Schools.

As an educational leader and a health and safety expert, Dr. Groveman thoughts on student learning and pupil protection are regularly sought out by colleagues and the media.

Related Web Links:

• Connetquot Central School District http://www.connetquot.k12.ny.us/

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

Former US Dept of Education Assistant Sec. of Education, Dr. Henry Johnson:
Student Achievement: Equity and Opportunity

A compelling interview with Dr. Henry Johnson, former Assistant Secretary of Education for the US Department of Education, joins our podcast host Arthur Griffin to discuss issues and potential for student achievement, equity and learning for children today. Dr. Johnson has many years of experience not only as a policy maker and educational leader, but also as a classroom teacher, school leader, superintendent, and state superintendent. We know you will enjoy this lively exchange about the possibilities to leading our school communities to greater opportunities for excellence!

Tune in for this exciting interview with an inspiring school

leader and senior staff member of the U.S. Department of Education.

Brought to you by The District Leader's Podcast.

Leading today for success tomorrow.

Biographical Background

Dr. Henry Johnson is former Assistant Secretary, Elementary and Secondary Education (2005-2007). As assistant secretary, Dr. Johnson played a pivotal role in policy and management issues affecting elementary and secondary education. Specifically, he directed, coordinated and recommended policy for programs designed to assist state and local education agencies with: improving the achievement; helping ensure equal access to services; fostering educational improvement; and providing financial assistance to local education agencies.

Prior to joining the US Depart of Education, Dr. Johnson was the state superintendent of education for the state of Mississippi. Johnson also served as the associate state superintendent of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for both the Johnston County Schools (N.C.), and the Pleasantville School System (N.J.).

He has over 30 years of experience as a professional educator. This includes seven years as a science and mathematics classroom teacher, three years as a principal and two years as the director of middle schools programs for the Wake County (N.C.) School System. For five years, Johnson served as the director of policy development and research for the North Carolina School Boards Association.

Born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Johnson was educated in the public schools of North Carolina. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C., and a master's degree in science education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1990, Johnson received a doctorate in school administration at North Carolina State University.

(Revised from www.ed.gov White House staff biographies 4/11/08)

Related Web Links:

• http://www.ed.gov/news/staff/bios/h-johnson.html
• University of North Carolina Award (2006)
• North Carolina School Boards Association

District Leader's Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

Interview with Superintendent of Humble Independent School District:Greater Houston Texas, Dr. Guy Sconzo
Leadership in Challenging Times, Making the Tough Decisions.

Key Topics include: Leadership  Improving Student Performance  Making the Tough Decisions

In this episode, Jason Marshall, our podcast host, interviews Dr. Guy Sconzo, Superintendent of Schools at Humble Independent School District and delves into matters of budget, student performance, ELL, and leadership. This interview brings to life successful strategies and perspectives in facing the challenges of superintendents and school leaders. In the process, Dr. Sconzo reveals his leadership style, approaches used in successful bond campaigns, and how tough budget decisions get made based on many years of experience with Humble Independent School District, Houston, Texas . The growing population of English Language Learners in the Houston area and how schools are addressing those needs are also explored in this interview! We are pleased to be able to provide this interview with the state of Texasâs nominee for National Superintendent of the Year (2007), Dr. Guy Sconzo.

Our theme, Leading Today for Success Tomorrow, is again exemplified in Episode 11 of The District Leaderâs Podcast! Join your colleagues as we consider these examples of managing, leading and coping with critical topics of school leadership.

Biographical Background

Dr. Guy Sconzo has been the superintendent at Humble ISD since 2001 and has more than 30 yearsâ experience in education. According to Humble ISD, during his tenure, voters have approved approximately $572 million in school facility bonds and the district has opened four new elementary schools and the new Atascocita High School.

Dr. Guy Sconzo was recently recognized by the Texas Association of School Administrators Committee, who selected him to represent Texas in the 2007 National Superintendent of the Year Program. Dr. Sconzo was selected by the committee based on his leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement.

Before coming to Humble ISD, Dr. Sconzo served as interim superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools. He also has been an associate superintendent, middle school Principal and English teacher. He earned a bachelorâs degree from Wagner College, a masterâs degree from New York University and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. He and his wife, Diane, have two grown children, Michael and Jennifer.

Related Web Links:

• Humble Independent School District, Humble, TX
• Humble ISD Foundation: http://humbleisdfoundation.org
  

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Interview with Superintendent of Enlarged City School District of Troy New York, Fadhilika Atiba-Weza Urban Education: Challenges and Success Strategies

Key Topics include: High Stakes Testing  Career and Technical Education  Leadership  Improving Student Performance  Making the Tough Decisions  Urban Education

This exciting episode of the District Leaderâs Podcast features an interview with Superintendent Fadhilika Atiba-Weza and podcast host Ed Milliken. They discuss the great challenges facing superintendents and real strategies for success in serving populations of students with performance disparities. Listen in as this school leader shares insight on balancing the needs for assessment, accountability and evaluation. This exciting discussion also delves into the role of the superintendent in reaching out to the community and parents.

Donât miss Episode 10 of The District Leaderâs Podcast and the chance to join your colleagues as they consider these examples of managing, leading and coping with some of the most critical topics of school leadership.

Biographical Background
Fadhilika Atiba-Weza is the Superintendent of Schools of the Enlarged City School District of Troy, New York. The City of Troy is on New Yorkâs Hudson River, across from Albany, the Capital of the Empire State. Prior to his appointment as superintendent of the Troy schools, Atiba-Weza was the superintendent of Long Islandâs Central Islip School District. Like the Troy School District, the Central Islip School District enrolls a diverse population of students.

Atiba-Weza began his educational career as a New York City school teacher. Over his eleven year tenure, he taught social studies, mathematics, and technology courses. Subsequent to his teaching experience, he was appointed as Principal of Western Suffolk Countyâs (NY) vocational high school.

Related Web Links:

• The Enlarged School District of Troy, New York

TROY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
A small urban school district with approximately 4,300 students, we have programs housed in nine buildings. Troy has achieved remarkable progress in recent years. Our school improvement efforts have not only raised expectations, but also resulted in measurable changes across the district. The districtâs public schools continue to serve as a vital part of the city of Troyâs revitalization. Troy is one of the largest school districts in the Capital Region. The personalized nature of being a small city school district empowers students to excel in an environment that encourages and supports lifelong learning.
(From the School District web site 3/08)

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Tags: High Stakes Testing  Vocational Education  Career and Technical Education  Leadership  ARCHIVE  Making the Tough Decisions  Improving Student Performance  Trends in Education  Urban Education

Superintendent of Beaumont Texas Independent School District Dr. Carrol Thomas:
Vision in Leadership: Urban Education, Improving Student Performance

Key Topics include: Leadership  Improving Student Performance  Urban Education  Teacher Training  ARCHIVE Â

Dr. Carrol Thomas, Superintendent of schools for 19 years and president-elect for the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) is interviewed by Sheryl Neal about his successful work in closing the gap of student performance. This informative interview provides firsthand insight into the strategies used in the Beaumont Texas Independent School District to make them among the TOP 50 schools in student improvement.

From adopting inclusion methods, to data gathering, multiple teaching strategies to teacher instructional feedback and direction, Dr. Thomas fills this podcast interview full of concrete examples of approaches district leaders may explore for consideration to close the student achievement gap. No doubt this is part of the reason he has been successful in his quest and is now best known in Texas for turning around one the lowest performing school districts in Texas in one year. Superintendent Thomas does not shy away from the hard questions of race, special education tracking, nor parent and civic responsibility; however we also hear his vital vision for education of every child to be understood as a civil right.

Tune in to this interview for a very different look at

leadership in our schools on the District Leader's Podcast.

Leading today for success tomorrow.

Biographical Background

Dr. Carrol Thomas has served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Beaumont Independent School District since July 11, 1996. Dr. Thomas came to Beaumont from North Forest Independent School District in Houston, Texas, where his work earned him the Texas Superintendent of the Year in 1999. Under Thomasâ leadership, North Forest I.S.D. was the ï?rst and only school district to move from âAccredited Warnedï?, the lowest level the State places on a district, to âFully Accreditedï? in one year.

When Dr. Thomas came to BISD, the district was one of the lowest performing districts in the state. BISD is now ranked among the top school districts in Texas for improving student performance. The district has gone from only one campus receiving state recognition in 1996, to over one-third of the 32 sites receiving either recognized or exemplary status in recent years. The district also had 12 campuses to receive the prestigious Successful School Award granted by the Texas Education Agency.

Dr. Thomas is the President-Elect for the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE). Thomas will serve as NABSE leader for the two-year term that starts this fall, followed by a two-term presidency from 2009-2011.

Related Web Links:

• ISD Beaumont, Texas
• National Alliance of Black School Educators

District Leader's Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

Superintendent of Jackson Mississippi Public Schools Dr. Earl Watkins: Urban Education, Leadership, Student Success: Schools as Transformation Opportunities

Key Topics include: Improving Student Performance  Urban Education  Leadership ÂTeacher Training

Dr. Earl Watkins, Superintendent of Jackson Public Schools, Mississippi provides an inspirational interview with host Arthur Griffin. Dr. Watkins addresses issues of the difficult challenges of urban education and shares his vision of schools as an opportunity for student transformation. This podcast illustrates the dynamic relationship and impact which authentic leadership can have on student performance and their schools. Bringing all efforts to bear on this purpose can have dramatic results. Donât miss this vibrant exchange which provides strategies from his experience for leadership, improved student performance, teacher training and school change.

Join us for this episode of Vision and Action from

the District Leaderâs Podcast.

Leading today for success tomorrow.

 

Biographical Background

Dr. Earl Watkins, Superintendent of Jackson Public Schools, is a native Mississippian. He was raised in the heart of the Delta and attended the public schools in Belzoni. He has degrees from Mississippi Valley State University and Jackson State University.

He brings a wealth of experience to this post. He has served JPS as a teacher, a math curriculum coordinator, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal and as executive principal for the Jim Hill feeder pattern. He has also been an adjunct professor at Jackson State University in the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership since August 2000.

Dr. Watkins was named superintendent of Jackson Public Schools on June 20, 2002, and became the districtâs youngest superintendent in recent history.

In addition to being a dedicated employee of JPS, Dr. Watkins also is active in the community. Besides serving on several boards for educational entities, he has also been vitally involved in his home church, World Overcomers Ministries Church, where he serves as a lay minister and a board member. He and his wife, Cassaundra, have founded an organization called, Up From the Ashes, a faith-based organization (ministry) that was developed to provide services to people who need help in areas such as education, Biblical teaching, and personal development.

Related Web Links:

• Jackson Public Schools
• Jackson State University

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

â No CommentsTags: Teacher Training  Leadership  Improving Student Performance  Urban Education  Uncategorized

Interview with Jericho School District Long Island, NY Superintendent Henry Grishman Leadership- Innovative Approaches to Curriculum - The Role of the Superintendent

Key Topics include: Vocational Education  Career and Technical Education  Teacher Training  High Stakes Testing  Leadership Â

With the many demands on schools, educational leadership positions are not particularly attractive. These conditions result in fewer career educators aspiring to the position of Superintendent. Interesting information revealed in this interview shows that when asked, some of the elementary pupils in the Jericho School District offer their perception on the role of the School Superintendent.

Join us for another episode filled with insights for leadership success!

Biographical Background

Hank Grishman has been a superintendent of schools for 29 years. In 2008, he will celebrate a 30 year longevity anniversary as a New York State school superintendent. For the last 12 years, Hank has been Superintendent of the Jericho School District which has been recognized for its studentsâ high academic performance.

With his extensive background in educational leadership, Hank serves as the current President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents. Also, he is Vice President of the Nassau County (NY) Council of School Superintendents. An advocate of extra curricular and support programs for students, Hank is a member of the Executive Board of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and Chairman of the Nassau County Superintendentâs Board for Athletics.

He began his education career as an elementary and middle school mathematics teacher. His first administrative assignment was as an Elementary School Principal in the Yonkers City, NY, School District, where he grew up. In 1978, he received his first appointment as a Superintendent of Schools in the Sharon Springs School District.

His collegiate experience includes an undergraduate degree from Penn State, a masterâs degree from William Patterson University, and an educational leadership program at NYU.

Related Web Links:

• Jericho School District Long Island, NY

District Leader's Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

Dr. Rosemary Jones, Superintendent of Sayville, New York joins District Leaders Podcast co-host, Ed Milliken for an interview focusing on student achievement. Dr. Jones shares her recommendations and experiences that teachers and district leaders need to fully understand learning, how the role of classroom teachers have changed and the continuing learning gap among populations of students. This interview shares insights that current accountability programs may increase learning. Examples of programs and success cited in this discussion include the impact of preschool on early grade school adjustment and success and high school pre-engineering experiences.

Biographical Background

Dr. Rosemary Jones, Superintendent of Sayville, New York sits down with District Leaders Podcast co-host, Ed Milliken for an interview focusing on student achievement. Dr. Jones comments that while pupil performance is improving, however, a learning gap still exists among populations of students. That accountability and research on effective learning programs is helping narrow the achievement gap.

Dr. Jones mentions the important of out-of school learning experiences and its benefits to students. With accountability, high stakes test and demands for all students to succeed, the classroom teacher needs to possess an array of instructional strategies. Increase staff development and find strong leaders that can meet the expectations imposed on todayâs education systems.

Related Web Links:

• Sayville Public Schools

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

District Leader's Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

Biographical Background

Dr. William Johnson has served as Superintendent of Schools for the Rockville Centre, New York School District, since 1986. During his years as Superintendent, the Rockville Centre School District has continued to grow in excellence and prestige. It has been part of virtually every list of âbest schools and/or districtsâ? at the regional, State and national level. South Side High School became an all Regents high school seven years before New York State Standards for School Excellence were announced. In addition, South Side High School, an International Baccalaureate school with its rigorous educational program, has achieved a Regents graduation rate of over 97%.

Dr. Johnson was named New York Stateâs Superintendent of the Year in 2005. He is past-president of the Nassau County and New York State (NYS) Council of School Superintendents and is currently co-chairperson of the NYS Council of School Superintendents Curriculum Committee. He served on the Salerno Commission on Financial Reform and was appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the Governorâs Education Reform Commission.

He is also a speaker and lecturer to various state and regional associations concerning teaching, curriculum and instruction, social and emotional learning, and financing public schools, he serves on numerous regional and statewide committees. He has been a member of the Commissioner of Educationâs Advisory Council for more than ten years. He is currently an adjunct professor at Teachersâ College, Columbia University. Named Educator of the Year by the Hofstra University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa and received the Distinguished Service Award from the School Boards Association of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

To contact the podcast cohosts or for more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our cohosts.

Dr. Lowery expresses her thoughts on configuring Christina schools, making the district accountable and teaching civil responsibility.

She has stated, "Having spent over 26 years as an educator, I understand the importance of tailoring my areas of expertise to meet the service needs of the district"s citizenry. I sincerely believe that I possess the capability to work collaboratively with school and community leaders to plan and maintain an inclusive teaching and learning environment that ensures a quality education for students and an attractive lifestyle choice for families and businesses.â?

Dr. Lowery is a member of ASCD, the American Association of School Administrators, and the LEAD Fairfax Program. She also serves as a Board Member for the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. She has been a presenter at state, national, and international conferences, and has received numerous awards. She holds an Ed.D. degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, a master's degree in education from the University of North Carolina, and a bachelor"s degree from North Carolina Central University.

Dr. James Mapes, the District Superintendent of Nassau BOCES, is the Interim District Superintendent for Western Suffolk BOCES. He was appointed to this interim position by the NYS Commissioner of Education.

The Chief Executive Officer and District Superintendent is a salaried educator serving both the State Education Department and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

As the regional representative of the Commissioner of Education, the District Superintendent often called upon to assist in the implementation of NYS Education Law and interpretation of the Regulations of the Commissioner and the rules of the Board of Regents. The District Superintendent has responsibility for providing support and direction for local implementation of statewide school improvement initiatives. The Commissioner of Education may also designate the District Superintendent to represent SED on special assignments.

In the capacity of Chief Executive Officer, the responsibilities include planning, administering, supervising and evaluating regional education programs and support services, provided at the request of the component school districts.

District Leaderâs Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.