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 tomorrowâ

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 ïrst and only school district to move from âAccredited Warnedâ, the lowest level the State places on a district, to âFully Accreditedâ 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.