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I had the opportunity to participate in the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) 67th Annual Fall Conference (Oct 25-29) in the beautiful and vibrant city of San Diego, CA. Education professionals, policymakers, and industry experts gathered to engage in meaningful discussions, share innovative practices, and explore the latest trends in urban education. The conference served as a vital platform for over 1,500 attendees to connect, learn, and work collectively toward the common goal of improving educational outcomes for students in our nation’s largest urban school districts.

This year’s conference theme, “Sailing Into the Future of Education,” reflects the aspirations of CGCS and emphasized the importance of collaboration and solidarity in facing the myriad challenges that urban schools districts encounter. The conference offered a plethora of sessions and workshops spanning various focus areas, including educational equity, innovative teaching practices, leadership development, and effective governance.

More than 200 breakout sessions were integral components of the conference, providing in-depth discussions and hands-on learning experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into specific topics, exchange ideas, and gain practical tools to enhance their work in urban education. Topics ranged from addressing the achievement gap, supporting English Language Learners to developing principal pipelines, implementing technology in the classroom, and fostering socio-emotional learning.

The conference also featured a diverse group of keynote speakers who provided valuable insights and inspiration to include former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney (R-WY); Emmy Award Winning Journalist and Detroit native, Jemel Hill; and actor/playwright John Leguizamo. National Public Radio (NPR) education reporter Sequoia Carrillo moderated an all student Townhall with eight students hailing from urban school districts nationwide, delving into the urgent concerns facing students today. Renowned educators and thought leaders addressed attendees, sharing their experiences, research, and strategies to foster a more equitable and effective education system. The keynote sessions served as a powerful catalyst for reflection, dialogue and action, motivating participants to implement changes in their respective districts.

Several honorees recognized during the conference included: School board member Michael O’Neill of Boston Public Schools, honored as the 2023 Green-Garner Award recipient, the nation’s highest honor in urban education leadership recognizing an outstanding superintendent and school board member in alternating years, along with Dr. Christina Kirk, 2024 Queen Smith Award recipient from Oklahoma City Public Schools for her commitment to urban education.  But the honoree who resonated most with me was Sylvia Mendez (age 87, civil rights activist, retired nurse, and 2011 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient) for her contributions in desegregating public schools (i.e., Mendez, et al v. Westminster School District), a 1947 federal case involving a 9-year-old girl, the first successful federal school desegregation decision in the nation shielding children of Mexican ancestry from public school segregation in California.

One of the conference’s major strengths was its ability to bring together a diverse group of individuals committed to improving urban education. The networking events and informal gatherings provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect, share experiences, and build relationships. These connections are vital in creating a supportive community and fostering collaboration beyond the conference.

As Stephen Covey, author and educator says in his most popular book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Habit 7: Sharpening the saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have—you. It means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual.”

Last night, Oklahoma Christian University hosted an enthralling public lecture by the esteemed David Grann, author of the critically acclaimed book, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” and soon to be released as a movie in just a few days. The event drew attendees from all over the state, eager to delve into the dark recesses of American history that Grann so painstakingly researched and illuminated in his book.

The Osage Nation, once the wealthiest people per capita in the world due to the oil beneath their land, suffered an unimaginable series of murders in the 1920s. Grann’s narrative non-fiction work sheds light on this little-known but devastating chapter of American history, revealing a tale of greed, prejudice, and a chilling conspiracy that rattled the very foundations of the emerging FBI.

Grann began his talk by expressing gratitude for the invitation to speak at such a prestigious institution. One of his pivotal themes was the importance of truth and reconciliation. He also acknowledged the sacredness of the story and the responsibility he felt in telling it. “These were not mere pages in a book, but real histories,” he reminded the audience.

The lecture encompassed not just the chilling details of the murders but also Grann’s journey in uncovering them. He recounted trips to the Osage Nation, visiting the national museum, pouring over old FBI case files, photographs, and newspaper articles, and the emotional weight of interviewing the descendants of the victims. The investigative effort taken to pen “Killers of the Flower Moon” became a tale of its own, showcasing Grann’s dedication to unveiling the truth.

What was particularly moving about the evening was the poignant connection between past atrocities and present-day issues. Grann emphasized that while the events took place almost a century ago, the repercussions of prejudice, exploitation, and corruption are still felt by indigenous communities today. He urged the audience to not just view this as a tragic piece of history but as a call to awareness and action in the present.

Grann’s lecture didn’t just restrict itself to the narrative of his book. He expanded on the larger implications, drawing connections to the broader themes of indigenous rights, corporate greed, and the role of federal agencies in protecting citizens. Highlighting the sheer scale of the conspiracy, where many local officials, businessmen, and even family members were involved in the murders and cover-ups, his account paints an alarming picture of how systemic prejudice can breed injustice.

The lecture served as a stark reminder of the tragedies that can arise from unchecked power and prejudice. Yet, amidst the somber atmosphere, there was also a message of hope – the power of truth-telling, the importance of recognizing past wrongs, and the potential for healing.

As attendees filed out of the auditorium, there was a palpable buzz, with many discussing the profound impact of the lecture. David Grann’s visit to Oklahoma Christian University not only shed light on a dark chapter of American history but also ignited a spark for change, awareness, and understanding among all who listened with an obligation to remember and learn from our past.

“Won’t it be wonderful when black history and native American history and Jewish history and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just U.S. history.”  Maya Angelou

October is here and as the amber leaves fall, we are once again reminded that it is National Principals Month—a month dedicated to celebrating the leaders who shape the educational journey of our nation’s most precious resource. These leaders, our beloved school principals, play an integral role in sculpting the future by guiding the present.

From the first bell of the school year to the final farewells of graduation, principals are the forefront of every school decision, ensuring that the institution runs smoothly. Their roles often go unnoticed, but their impact is undeniable. They wear many hats: they are visionaries, disciplinarians, collaborators, mentors, and above all, they are pillars of strength and guidance.

Principals often work behind the scenes, setting the tone for the school’s environment. They ensure a safe, conducive teaching and learning atmosphere for students and teachers. Their decisions and policies prioritize the welfare of the students, making sure every child, regardless of background or ability, gets an equal shot at success. They champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

But their job isn’t just about making decisions and implementing policies. It’s about connection. Every student, at some point, knows the reassurance of a principal’s nod, the weight of their advice, or the warmth of their praise. They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, showing an unwavering commitment to the institution they serve.

Beyond administrative tasks, principals also play a pivotal role in nurturing the professional growth of teachers. Through mutual respect, teamwork, trust, and transparency, they inspire educators to reach new heights, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional teaching methods. Their leadership is a beacon, guiding their teams towards innovation, creativity, and excellence.

In this month of appreciation, it’s essential to understand that the success stories of students are not just their own but are also reflective of the dedication and passion of their principals. Every achievement, every hurdle overcome, every dream realized—behind them all, stands a principal who believed, supported, and led.

Let’s use this month to give back to these remarkable individuals. Whether it’s a simple “Thank you” note, a gesture of appreciation, or even just taking a moment to acknowledge their hard work, let’s make sure our principals know how much they mean to us. Two that I would like to recognize from my secondary school experience are: Mr. Allan Halper, Barber Middle School in Highland Park, MI and Mr. Joe Dulin (deceased), St. Martin De Porres Catholic High School in Detroit, MI. Both men created learning environments that had a profound impact on my life’s journey.

In closing, to every principal out there—thank you. Thank you for your sleepless nights, your tireless days, and your boundless dedication. Your impact goes beyond the walls of the school and ripples out into the world, shaping future leaders, innovators, and dreams.

Happy National Principals Month! Here’s to all the school leaders who are making a difference in the lives of students and their families, teachers, and the communities they serve.

September is National School Attendance Awareness Month. Exacerbated by COVID, chronic absenteeism remains persistently high and has reportedly more than doubled since the start of the pandemic, from 8 million to an estimated 16 million students nationwide. Chronic absenteeism represents lost instructional time for students and has obvious consequences. Teacher effectiveness is the strongest school-related determinant of student success, but chronic absenteeism diminishes even the best teacher’s ability to bring about student success.

The concept of truancy and chronic absenteeism are often used interchangeably but signify different aspects of student absenteeism, thus necessitating distinct solutions for school system leaders. Truancy refers to unexcused absences without the knowledge or permission of parents and school authorities. Chronic absenteeism, however, encompasses both excused and unexcused absences, referring to a student missing a significant amount of school days, typically 10% or more in an academic year.

Truancy usually involves students deliberately skipping school, often without parental knowledge. It’s not just playing hooky; truancy can be indicative of underlying issues such as academic struggles, school phobia, or family problems. Truant behavior can lead to academic decline, decreased graduation rates, and increased risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Solutions for Truancy

Early Identification and intervention: School system leaders should implement systems to identify truant students early and initiate interventions to address the root causes of the behavior.

Mentorship Programs: Pairing truant students with mentors can provide them with the guidance and support they need to overcome challenges and stay engaged in school.

Parental Involvement: Involving parents as partners in addressing truancy is essential as they play a crucial role in shaping the child’s attitude towards education.

Chronic absenteeism is a broader term that includes all absences, excused or unexcused, and it indicates a student is missing a substantial amount of school time. This can be due to various reasons such as long-term illness, family responsibilities, or transportation issues. Chronic absenteeism can have detrimental effects, impacting academic achievement, social-emotional development, and the likelihood of graduating. Further, research suggests that punitive actions hurt more than they help (e.g., punishing students for missing school by making them miss more school or threatening parents with legal actions).

Solutions for Chronic Absenteeism

Addressing Barriers: School system leaders need to identify and address the barriers that contribute to chronic absenteeism, such as providing transportation solutions or offering flexible scheduling for students with family responsibilities.

Health and Wellness Programs: Implementing health and wellness programs can address physical and mental health issues that contribute to extended absences.

Family Support Services: Offering support services to families facing challenges can help in reducing the rate of chronic absenteeism, ensuring that the family environment is conducive to regular school attendance.

We cannot fix what we don’t understand. Addressing truancy and chronic absenteeism requires a multi-faceted approach, involving not just educators, but also parents, community members, various support services, and city leaders to co-construct solutions. By understanding the differences between truancy and chronic absenteeism while creating problem solving partnerships, school system leaders can tailor their interventions to meet the unique needs of each student and cultivate an environment that fosters consistent attendance and academic success.

Pablo Munoz is a professional acquaintance, and we share a connection as Broad Academy Fellows, an intensive preparation program for aspiring urban superintendents.  From humble beginnings as a first-generation high school graduate, he led and successfully transformed two large New Jersey school districts, Elizabeth, and Passaic, to unprecedented success. Pablo is from a family of Puerto Rican immigrants who leveraged his baseball skills and intellect to attain degrees from Yale University (and Teachers College at Columbia) before working his way up through the most challenging educational environments in a 30-year career, 16 of which he served as a school district superintendent.

In our fast-paced world, rife with unprecedented challenges and shifting paradigms, the definition of effective leadership is constantly evolving. In his groundbreaking book: “The Leader’s Algorithm: How a Personal Theory of Action Transforms Your Life, Work, and Relationships,” Pablo Munoz provides readers with a fresh perspective on leadership, emphasizing the importance of a personal theory of action. But what does that mean, and how can this theory transform every aspect of our lives?

At its core, a personal theory of action is an individual’s set of guiding principles, beliefs, and strategies that shape one’s actions and reactions. It’s a framework, a mental model, that steers decisions in various contexts. While most people operate on an implicit personal theory of action. Pablo suggests that making it explicit and continuously refining it allows individuals to navigate the complexities of life more effectively.

Life: From Autopilot to Intentionality

Many of us, often unknowingly, cruise through life on autopilot, responding to situations based on ingrained habits. Pablo argues that by formulating an explicit personal theory of action, individuals can shift from a reactive stance to a proactive one. The shift involves self-awareness, understanding one’s values, and crafting a vision for oneself. With a solid theory in place, every challenge becomes an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a stress-inducing event.

Work: Elevating Professional Pathways

In the realm of work, a clear personal theory of action functions like a compass. It helps leaders to not just manage but inspire. For professionals, understanding and articulating their theory can clarify career goals, enhance decision-making, and guide them in establishing a personal brand. It can also serve as a foundation for ethical decisions, ensuring that in the face of dilemmas, one’s actions align with their core values. He says, when you dream big, you inspire bold action and exhorts the power of expectations in that expectations guide actions and actions perpetuate expectations.

Relationships: Strengthening Bonds and Building Trust

Pablo highlights how a personal theory of action is not just a tool for individual growth but also for deepening relationships. When we understand our actions and reactions, we can communicate our needs, boundaries, and values more effectively. This in turn fosters understanding and builds two-way trust. Pablo posits by sharing our theories and putting the needs of others at the center of our work, it remakes the whole vision of leadership. Identifying those we serve fuels a passion to serve them well and carries through in all sorts of challenges. The passion to help others flourish will also guide us to relationships and actions that bring our vision to life.

His impetus for writing the book was to help aspiring, new, and current school administrators and to share his learning from a long career as a changemaker in educational leadership. The book also reflects a great deal of knowledge from leadership principles and materials targeted to the business world. Those big-picture insights about human nature and team development don’t usually get translated into formal training for educators.

In short, The Leader’s Algorithm is more than just a book on leadership. It’s a call to introspection and action. With its focus on self-awareness, practicality, and a holistic approach, the book offers a roadmap for how to lead with vision, high expectations, teamwork, skills, resilience, and love. Pablo’s insights will undoubtedly resonate, inspiring readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation in the realm of leadership.

As unique as a fingerprint, every leader encompasses a combination of attributes and limitations. But leaders steeped in the work of tangible change must share one common attribute – courage. As I pause to consider Oklahoma leaders, present and past, who embody the kind of courage that can change the world, Kyle Reynolds, Deborah Gist, and Keith Ballard come to mind. While the world is not ours to conquer as education leaders, I agree with Lindsay Whorton, president of the Holdsworth Center, who asserts that public schools will be a critical arena for courageous leadership and change.

When I reflect on my leadership journey, I recall triumphs and failures in courageous leadership. Courageous leadership requires cultivation and practice. As a superintendent, leading with courage required my getting out of the executive suite. It required connection, and most importantly, courageous leadership required that I showed up authentically and unapologetically.

Connection

We need community. As leaders, it is critical that we understand the need to engage with others as we go about our work. As education leaders, we rely on an organizational structure to populate our innermost circle. Quite literally, the organizational structure is a chart that defines who comprises our community and their roles within it. But the tentacles of leadership connections must extend far beyond our chiefs and executives. Courageous leadership brings with it a skill of meeting communities where they are. Stripping learned vernacular and highbrow language of the boardroom to plain, easy-to-understand language and descriptions invites ideas and perspectives that are fresh and valuable. Making these connections yourself as a leader eliminates that old game of telephone, where the original message loses integrity through varied interpretations and variations of the messengers. Closely aligned with connection is an openness to solicited and unsolicited feedback offered by your community.

Authenticity

The Harvard Business School defines authenticity as a leadership style exhibited by those with high standards of integrity, taking responsibility for their actions, and making decisions based on principle rather than short-term success. They use their inner compasses to guide their daily actions, which enables them to earn trust. For me, a personal breakthrough in this area took the form of three little words – “I don’t know.”

For years, I held the notion that as a leader I needed to have the answers to all things. Through my practice of courageous leadership, I have learned the power of “I don’t know.” Inevitably, a statement of my intention to research and learn more about what is unknown follows. It has been my experience that showing up authentically in this small way builds trust in me as a leader and cultivates a healthy work environment.

While connection and authenticity are foundational to my personal practice of courageous leadership, University of Houston research professor, author, and podcast hostBrené Brown’s work has helped me identify vulnerability, clarity of values, trust, and rising skills as the pillars of courageous practice.

Vulnerability – Brown defines vulnerability as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. She says leaders exhibit courageous leadership when they are willing to be vulnerable even though it means they may fail. There is ample room for vulnerabilities in the field of public education. The dedication that educators have to their craft often lends itself to a lifetime career. It is not unusual for our dedicated educators to spend 30 or more years honing their craft. While admirable, the longevity may chip away at the sense of urgency and the openness to change that is absolutely necessary to reimagine public education. As leaders of change, we must expose ourselves to the risk of failure when we implement sweeping, innovative means of change.

Clarity of Values – The future of public education is ripe with controversy. The national debate about disparate educational outcomes and the partisan divide over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 education for example, have been in the news and garnered attention for quite some time. As a nation, we have just barely begun cultivating a climate for honest, constructive dialogue about the ways in which race and racism influence American education. Nothing grounds me more in this work than the immense value I place on equity in education. It is the lens through which every decision I make is evaluated. Courageous leaders are not silent about hard issues that threaten the system of public education.

Trust – Cultivating a culture of trust takes intentional and hard work and it is a long game. Transparency is the building block of trust for education leaders. It takes courage for a leader to share their inner workings with stakeholders at all levels from cabinet, faculty and staff to families and the community writ large. The effort involved includes strategic outreach, genuine collaboration, honest communication, and most importantly, demystification. People fear what they do not understand, so it is the duty of a courageous leader to help them understand and transparency is the tool.

Rising Skills – “Don’t judge me by my successes. Judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” This quote by Nelson Mandela gets to the heart of courage. Courageous leadership is not about fearlessness or perfection. It is built upon a foundation of relentless dedication that embraces the unknown, the untested, and that which may seem impossible. Courageous leadership is as unique as a fingerprint, rooted in an individual’s hope and belief and the fire burning deep within them to dare greatly.

Reprinted from CCOSA Better Schools Summer 2023

The decision by the Supreme Court’s conservative majority against race-conscious college admissions, also known as affirmative actions, has sparked intense debate and controversy. While proponents argue that it promotes diversity and equal opportunities, a recent poll conducted by the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and WCVB, found that 42% of all respondents said they somewhat opposed, opposed, or strongly opposed consideration of race in college admissions, and 33% said they somewhat supported, supported or strongly supported the policies. I firmly believe that this decision is a step backwards for equality in our society.

Affirmative action in college admissions has often been misinterpreted and, in some cases, unduly politicized to fuel misconceptions. Critics argue that it amounts to reverse discrimination or preferential treatment, ignoring its intended purpose of rectifying historical disadvantages. Affirmative action seeks to promote diversity and equal opportunities, not to exclude or discriminate against any particular group. Its aim is to ensure that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds have a fair chance at gaining admission to educational institutions. Misinterpretations not only distort the true purpose of affirmative action but also hinder progress towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

The recent Supreme court decision has undermined this crucial tool. By restricting the ability of educational institutions to consider race in admissions, the Court disregards the ongoing effects of discrimination and perpetuates existing disparities. We cannot expect to achieve true equality without acknowledging and actively addressing the systemic barriers that certain communities face.

Diversity is not just a buzzword; it has tangible benefits for our society. By fostering diverse educational environments, we expose students to different perspectives, cultures, and life experiences. This exposure enriches the educational experience of all students and prepares them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The Supreme Court decision fails to recognize the value of diversity in educational settings and disregards the immense benefits it brings, not only to individual students but also, to society as a whole.

Unconscious bias is an unfortunate reality that permeates our society. By taking race out of the equation entirely, the Supreme Court decision fails to acknowledge the implicit biases that influence decision-making processes. Admissions processes that consider race as one of many factors can help counteract these barriers, ensuring fairer opportunities for underrepresented groups. The Court’s decision overlooks the need to address and mitigate the unconscious biases that hinder true equal access to education.

In a society where inequalities persist, affirmative action is a necessary tool to level the playing field and promote equal opportunities. The recent Supreme Court decision not only undermines the fight for equality but also disregards the benefits that diversity brings. We must recognize the importance of affirmative action in building a more just and inclusive society.

Photo courtesy of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA)

This past week I had an opportunity to spend time at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, networking and learning or as Stephen Covey says, “sharpening the saw”. The Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration’s (CCOSA) Summer Conference 2023, Courageous Leadership (June 14-16), brought together over 1,400 passionate educators and administrators from across the state for a transformative event. Through insightful sessions, dynamic speakers, and interactive breakout sessions, participants were inspired to embrace bold initiatives, foster innovation, and champion positive change in the education system. The conference served as a catalyst for empowering leaders to navigate challenges with resilience and to help create a brighter future for Oklahoma’s schools.

While there were a wide variety of great professional learning opportunities and rich content offerings, I was particularly drawn to the Opening General Session and the presentation of the keynote speaker, Inquoris “Inky” Johnson, a former University of Tennessee football player and Atlanta, GA native. Inky’s leadership story is one of turning pain and tragedy into purpose. Admittedly, I’m partial to biographies, keynote presentations, and real-life stories that are grounded in inspirational leadership and overcoming challenges. They connect with people on a personal level to help us think and feel empathetically, to bring people together, and to envision a future we all want to be a part of and make real. His remarks had many salient points but one theme that stuck with me most was his commitment to, as he says, “finish the dream”.

Inky Johnson’s leadership story is one of unwavering determination, caring adults, and resilience in the face of adversity. A talented college football player destined for a potentially promising NFL career, his life took an unexpected turn during a game on September 9, 2006. A devastating tackle left him with a paralyzed right arm and ended his football dreams. Rather than succumbing to despair, Inky used this life-altering event as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.

Inky’s leadership journey is marked by his ability to find strength in adversity. He didn’t allow his circumstances to define him; instead, he embraced a mindset of perseverance and unwavering faith. Through his powerful speeches and motivational talks, Inky inspires individuals to rise above their own challenges and to push past their perceived limits.
What sets Inky apart is his genuine authenticity and his ability to connect with others on a deep level. His humility and gratitude for life’s blessings shine through his words, touching the hearts of everyone who hears his story. Inky teaches us the importance of embracing our struggles, using them as fuel to propel us forward.

Inky Johnson’s leadership story serves as a reminder that true leaders are not defined by their accomplishments, but by their ability to inspire and uplift others. His unwavering spirit and determination to make a positive impact in the world make him a beacon of hope and a role model for aspiring leaders everywhere.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Lisa with one of her former 5th grade students, Adriana, a violinist and music major at the University of Central Oklahoma for her Junior Recital (April 2023).

My wife, Lisa, is a 6^th grade English Language Arts teacher and has been teaching for 29 years at the same school in Oklahoma City. After all this time, there is still a gleam in her eyes when she talks about her students. There is still a pep in her step as she leaves for school in the morning. So, you see, I have a front row seat and a daily reminder of how special teachers truly are.

As a twice renewed National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), Lisa is committed to providing her students with an environment in which they can grow academically and acquire meaningful habits of mind that will serve them well in life. In addition to her teaching duties, Lisa is also passionate about being a teacher leader and supporting both new and experienced teachers. Her contributions were recently recognized as she was selected as one of nine finalists for 2023 Teacher of the Year for Oklahoma City Public Schools. I’m so proud of her achievements and endless contributions to her students.

There is an adage: “Kids don’t care what you know, until they know how much you care.”  As a district superintendent, deputy education commissioner at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and even now in my role as an education consultant, I have visited hundreds of classrooms. For each visit, that sentiment rings loudly in my mind. Within moments of walking through the doors of a classroom, the quality of the teacher standing before me will crystallize into focus. Of course, I am armed with rubrics and standards, but my key “look-for” is always the level of student engagement and teacher expectations for students. I am pleased and proud that most visits affirm my beliefs as to how much teachers do indeed care about their students.

The elevated level of teacher dedication and commitment is also apparent in their demands for equity and inclusion in public education. Across the country, teachers are taking on the role of advocates and change-makers in their districts, serving as leaders in the ongoing work of bringing about sustainable change in the efforts to close the education gap.

All of this is on top of the evolving demands that encompass teaching, including those that surfaced in the aftermath of COVID-19. Though the pandemic directed the nation towards a new-found appreciation for the challenging work teachers do daily, it leaves in its path a new consequence for teachers to face, student mental health. The American Psychological Association describes kid’s mental health as a crisis. Good teachers throughout the nation are clamoring to find out how they can help students in a meaningful way. It is just another example of how special teachers truly are.

While the challenges before teachers today are unlike anything the profession has experienced in the past, I am confident that this group of professionals is up for the challenge, not because they must, but because they care too much to stand by idly. That is why this week especially, it is important to show our support, love, and appreciation for teachers. And for those of us lucky enough to have one of our own at home, it is a wonderful time to shower them with their favorite things and show them how much we care.

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

Nationally, 68% of all 4^th grade public school students are not reading at a proficient level (The Nation’s Report Card, 2022), and 54% of Americans between the ages of 16-74 read at a level below that of the sixth grade (Gallup 2020). Yet, the debate over how best to teach reading skills to children lingers on. The two main camps in this debate are the phonics-based approach and the whole-language approach.

The phonics approach (structured literacy) emphasizes the importance of teaching children the sounds of individual letters and letter combinations and how they blend together to form words. The whole-language approach (balanced literacy), on the other hand, focuses on immersing children in language-rich environments and encouraging them to learn through context and meaning. Proponents of each approach argue that their method is the most effective, and the debate has often become heated and contentious. Despite this, both approaches continue to be used in classrooms around the world and many educators advocate for a blended approach that incorporates elements of both.

Reading is a complex cognitive process that involves decoding, comprehension, and fluency. Decoding refers to the ability to translate written words into sounds, while comprehension involves understanding the meaning of the text. Fluency refers to the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and expression. These three components of reading are interdependent and mutually reinforcing, meaning that deficits in one can impede progress in the others.

Research in the field of reading science has identified several evidence-based practices that promote effective reading instruction. These practices include explicit instruction in phonics, which teaches students how to decode words by recognizing letter-sound correspondences. Phonemic awareness, which involves identifying and manipulating individual sounds in spoken language, is another important component of early reading instruction.

Other evidence-based practices include building vocabulary, promoting reading comprehension strategies, and providing ample opportunities for independent reading. For example, teachers can help students develop their vocabulary by explicitly teaching word meanings and providing exposure to a wide range of texts. Comprehension strategies such as making predictions, asking questions, and summarizing can also help students better understand what they are reading.

School leaders can support effective reading instruction by providing teachers with professional learning opportunities that focus on evidence-based practices. They can also ensure that teachers have access to high-quality instructional materials and resources, such as decodable books for the beginning reader to build confidence and leveled texts. Additionally, school leaders can promote a culture of literacy by prioritizing reading instruction, such as class libraries and book clubs, and by celebrating reading achievements. Our commitment is often evident not in what we say, but in our policies, resources and investments, and the practices we promote.

Recently while in Washington, DC, I had the opportunity to participate in a screening of the “Right to Read” documentary and a panel discussion about the nation’s literacy crisis featuring LeVar Burton (actor and advocate for literacy and reading science), executive producer Jennie Mackenzie, Emmy-award winning director, and Kareem Weaver, producer and lead character. The documentary is a powerful tool to help galvanize individuals, raise awareness in communities, and highlight the need for action on issues of literacy disparities in education. It’s time for communities and schools to come together around this shared crisis and act now!