On Friday I had the opportunity to listen to Ray McNulty speak to our high school and junior high staff about the work of the Successful Practices Network. He was here because our high school is one of five in the state that was invited to participate in this national program. They received this honor for the programs that were in place at the time, student achievement, and the potential for continued growth. Also in attendance were representatives from three other state high schools in the program.
Mr. McNulty shared data gathered over the last four years from survey’s given to students and staff in the participating high schools. His message was basically that students are bored and that there is a significant disparity between what students and staff report about their school experiences. If given the chance, I wonder what our high school staff would tell Mr. McNulty about our school in comparison to this national data? Though I know there is some data that is similar, much of what he shared I do not perceive as prevalent in the high school’s culture.
In the afternoon we heard from each of the high schools. After hearing the stories I left feeling even greater pride in what is being done at Tahoma High School. Terry set the stage by focusing on Classroom 10 and the supportive documents created by the Teaching and Learning Department. The wonderful work of Outdoor Academy was represented by Mike and Jamie. Chris then shared the rationale for closing Maple Valley High School and beginning a new program at Tahoma. The focus of his message was the support that students receive from the quality staff at his school. What is most impressive to me is that these three stories could have been replaced by any number of additional impressive stories in place at our high school. Great kids, great teachers, and supportive leadership results in quality learning every day, in every classroom, for every child.
Once again, one of our schools is given an opportunity to share and they steal the show. Our young people are fortunate to be in the culture created and nurtured by Terry, Tony, Julie, Will, and the teachers and support staff that make up Tahoma High School. Thank you!
1 comment:
I'm not part of most of these staff meetings and trainings, but I do feel honored to be part of a team that supports these students and that allows me to work with excellent teachers. From one who works behind the scenes most of the time, I say, "Keep up the great work you're all doing."
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