When a big city school district has more failing schools than successful ones, they are guilty of having policies that:

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  • Empower the large central administrations and dis-empower the principals of the schools that they exist to serve (pull principals when union complains, principals not allowed to select team, lack of systematic support system for new principals-support is given after noted failures-usually provided when discipline is imminent)
  • Benefit employees at the expense of the students and families they service
  • Interfere with the efficient and effective operations of the schools that they serve
  • Pull funds from the schools that provide service to students and families to fund jobs for friends, family and political patronage.  
  • Neglect to provide resources and make the substantive changes necessary to support for achievement of its neediest students.  (teacher turnover and    inexperienced teachers).
  • Design blanket interventions, professional development, etc as if all schools are the same

This lack of responsiveness or sensitivity to the school and the already challenging job of the principal makes it even more challenging to make my school successful in terms of student achievement.  Share with me how your district supports (does not) the work of the principal. Does your district operate the same as mine?