Richland One’s Expectations and Priorities

The good news is that there are large urban school districts across this country that are being recognized for raising the achievement of all students and closing the achievement gaps between student groups. This is good news because since it has been done, then we can do it, too. What did they do? They did what we have set the stage to do this past year in Richland One.

Let me list these best practices:

* Setting high expectations for all students
* Building positive relationships with students
* Following a standards-based curriculum
* Data-driven teaching
* Providing powerful intervention strategies and assessments
* Problem-based learning versus textbook learning
* High quality professional development and coaching
* Frequent collaboration among teachers and principals

None of these are new ideas, but they are a testament to the ability of these successful districts to stay focused over time on what is important. They were able to translate each of the above practices from just nice-sounding words into observable and measurable actions. These are the best practices that all of us who work for Richland One are being held accountable for implementing. Richland One will become a "great" school district once the above best practices become the norm in every school and classroom in Richland One. These are Richland One’s expectations.

As the above best practices become the norm rather than the exception in our schools and classrooms, we will begin to meet our long-term goals: Student achievement will rise, the achievement gaps will begin to close and more schools will show annual improvement. This will not require new programs, but it will require principals to look at instructional leadership differently and teachers to learn what it means to be truly standards-based and data-driven in their teaching. Change is not easy or comfortable for anyone, but the recently published achievement data clearly show that what is occurring in our schools and classrooms on a daily basis is not good enough for the majority of our students.

We will abandon those activities that divert our time, energy and resources (financial and human) from being focused on the above best practices. Consequently, some of the things that teachers, principals and department heads have been used to doing will be challenged. Given the costs, what are the benefits or results of the proposed activity? To what extent does the proposed activity align with the above best practices? Instead, our time, energy and resources in our schools, classrooms and central offices will be focused on defining what we mean by high expectations for all students; on becoming proficient at standards-based and data-driven teaching; and on implementing powerful assessments and intervention strategies to name a few of the above best practices. This redirection of our time, energy and resources on the sustained implementation of the above best practices are Richland One’s priorities.

There is much work to do. But let us all be clear where we are going and celebrate our successes. Have a great year!

Allen Coles
Superintendent