Leading to Change/How Do You Sustain Excellence? (Leadership in Mead Valley School, California)

Mead Valley School is one of the poorest schools in the United States. In almost every conceivable way, its students are very much underprivileged. Yet the school managed to beat the odds and sustain high levels of academic achievement. School leaders turned Mead Valley School around by using five main strategies:

• School leaders developed a common curriculum and an assessment scheme. This approach ensured that all teachers were on the same page and could plan lessons knowing where they fit into a cohesive and meaningful curriculum. Both internal and external assessments were used, the key being that these were more rigorous than the final state assessments.
• School leaders used time effectively to promote literacy. Every day, three hours were set aside to learn English, with special accommodations available for English language learners. No interruptions or other activities were allowed during these hours.
• School leaders made time available for collaboration among teachers. Every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., teachers met to collaborate. All teachers participated, and there was a clear focus on student learning. During this time, data were analyzed, students in need of intervention were identified, and best practices were discussed.
• School leaders worked to develop a school culture that built emotional confidence for both the students and the faculty. Recognition ceremonies and rewards highlighted achievements, success, and hope, which led to feelings of optimism and enthusiasm.
• School leaders evaluated teachers and acted on those evaluations so that inadequate teaching did not hamper the school culture. Teacher employment decisions, including several terminations, were made so as to recognize, reward, and promote professional excellence.