Name of person interviewed: Middle School Principle

Number of years in district: Eight

Student Population: Approximately 3500 Students

Professional Development

So many teachers regard Professional Development as a "one shot deal". Do you have suggestions to embed Professional Development into the daily lives of teachers?

It¢â¡Ás true we have recycled the same professional development topics a few times over. I, also agree that teachers do not attach much value to the experience. However, we have asked the teachers for input through evaluation of each and every program and inevitably we wind up with a stack surveys filled with positive marks. Now, I know this is because they complete these surveys in a cavalier manner or are simply awarding high marks to a co-worker presenting the class, but we need teachers to take ownership of the program. Of course, there are several other avenues we could explore with an increased financial commitment.

Authentic Curriculum Connections

It seems many students find education disengaging. How can we increase student involvement in the curriculum process?

Well, we do this already with our Student Council Group and Peer-Staff Relations. As far as in the classroom, the teacher must be willing to give up a little control, become more creative, yet be careful not to wander too far....if you know what I mean.

The New 3R's -Research, Reflect and Retain

Many regard standardized testing as an ineffective measure of assessment. How can we change current assessment practices to better evaluate all student learning?

Right this second, after our scores have shown so much improvement. nothing. Then pressed further: You're never going to get rid of standardized testing, it¢â¡Ás here for the long haul. And, I am not against additional alternative assessment practices, but you'll have to sell it to the parents. The minute a student falls victim to a new and unfamiliar type of assessment, be prepared to defend it. Pressed: I agree with addressing as many learning styles as possible, but at the end of the day everyone wants to know the grade.

Community Connections across Contents

We often hear the criticism that students are not making connections across the curriculum. How can we restructure curriculum to prevent subject matter isolation?

In short, communication. Teachers don't talk about curriculum. When I first took over as principle, one of the first things I did was break my back rescheduling so that we could have teams. Now, team meeting are used to determine which kids are a pain in the neck and figuring out what¢â¡Ás going on with the union. Next.

Teamwork: A Personal Commitment:

Teachers often feel isolated in their classrooms. How can we foster a more collegial atmosphere/environment?

See the above. I tried to foster this....I am not sure there is anything else to do. Teachers have to take this responsibility and they are not. I purposely scheduled to provoke collegiality. Contractually, I cannot mandate additional meeting time. Next.

Building Citizenship Through Discipline: Positive Approaches to Traditional Procedures:

Often district disciplinary policies promote the exclusion of students who break rules. How can we make our disciplinary policies more inclusive?

Do we want to?(smile) Seriously, I think you ought to think about what you¢â¡Áre getting into. It's a nice idea on the surface, but let's look at it from a different perspective. I am already spending a ton of resources on the ten to twenty chronic rule breakers. Is it fair to donate additional time and money to this very small group of students? I don't know?