We May Finally Know What It Takes to Improve Schools

WHAT WE GOT RIGHT: When we think about school improvement efforts across the United States, it’s easy to tick off the spectacular, big-budget failures. Yet, while these boondoggles made headlines and dominated air time among policy wonks, a smaller, quieter and more sustainable set of successes began teaching the field some guiding principles for improving schools.…

Here Are 8 Things That Make a Good School

Educators have difficulty agreeing upon what makes a “good school.” My thoughts about this topic have continued to change as I progressed through K-12, earned…

Teacher Strikes Aren’t Just About Pay, They’re About Better Bosses

This past year, we have witnessed an historic number of teacher strikes across the country. The demands of picketing teachers in Arizona, Denver, Los Angeles,…

Being a School Principal and a Parent of a Special Needs Child Took Me Under, But I’m Coming Back

For five years, I was principal of one of the most difficult schools in my urban district. In those five years, I had eight supervisors.…

‘America to Me’ Director Steve James on Having a Real Conversation About Race in Schools

Two summers ago, I wrote an essay called “The challenges of being a black Principal in today’s racial and political climate.” It was a reflection…

13 Years After Hurricane Katrina, My School Is Returning to Local Control

On July 1, the Recovery School District (RSD) will return control of our schools to the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSD). The shift back is…

This Small Federal Investment in Principals Could Pay Off Big

Here’s the good news: The field of education has the knowledge to make schools better. Not just a little better. A lot better. I know…

If You’re an Educator Who Thinks We Need to Hold Parents Accountable, You Need to Do Some Soul Searching

Time and time again, I’ve heard educators say that the lack of parental engagement in their schools is what is holding them back. But, when…

Principals Can’t Build Strong Schools When They Have to Spend So Much Time on Discipline

Recently, East Providence High School’s wrestling team was caught with alcohol, drugs and vaping products on a team trip. As punishment, the wrestling season came…

Here’s How ESSA Can Create Strong, Diverse School Leadership

When I became principal of Ranson IB Middle School in 2011, one of the first challenges I faced as principal was one that never came…