Leader 2 Leader

Earl Johnson, Principal, Matzanas High School, Diversity Committee member For years educational professionals have been trying to close the achievement gap. The achievement gap, which exists between Caucasians and African Americans, Caucasians and Hispanics, Economically Disadvantaged and the Non-Economically Disadvantaged, Students with Disabilities and Students without Disabilities, and English Language Learners and Non-English Language learners. Through the years, there have been improvements; however, the achievement gap still exists. There have been several types of reforms put in place including the addition of preschool,There has been a slight change over the past 50 years; however, the achievement gap disparity still has educational professionals wondering how to mitigate that allusive gap. Before I continue, I would like to pose a question. If your doctor diagnosed you with a broken femur bone, and he prescribed over the counter aspirin, will the aspirin heal

Brent Brummett Principal, Ransom Middle School, Escambia County FASSP President Connection with students is very important, acceptance of students is just as important, and d ecisions made for students is supreme.   This month we celebrate Mid Level Education Month.  I have spent over half my career in middle schools as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.  Here are a few things I have learned along the way.  Connection with students: Recently a principal friend of mine went to step in as the lead administrator for a school when both administrators for that school had to be off campus.  As he walked down the hall a student asked him, “Are you our principal?" Middle school students are all about connection. As the leader of a middle school it is very important that students know you, see you, and respect you. This can be strategic. Here are a number of ways that I have accomplished this. 1.        Go to the lunchroom.  You might think that you wan