Region Corner
Northeast
The Northeast Regions Bureau of School Improvement and Alachua County Public Schools kicked off the Alachua Transformational Leadership Academy (ATLA) in November. The district selected fourteen current principals and assistant principals from the district that met a criterion developed by the district's leadership team. The purpose of the ATLA is to develop a bench of transformational leaders in Alachua County that will have a deep understanding of school turnaround, leadership development and overall school improvement. The Northeast Region would like to applaud Alachua County Schools for having a vision for leadership development that will make a lasting impact for many years to come! If you or your district are interested in developing a Transformational Leadership Academy please reach out the Dustin Sims, NE Regional Executive Director.
Northwest
Griffin Middle School in Leon County has taken its data discussions to a new level this year. They decided to present data in readable formats such as tables, charts, and graphics to the teachers and students. It was important that they presented a plan for structured discussions that allowed everyone to first make sense of the data and then analyze- data-driven decision making. The administrative team reviews the student data with the teachers in the main conference room. The teachers display the data in their classrooms for the students to monitor their improvement. Teachers, administrators, and additional school staff then have individual student data chats using specific forms to help students determine their strengths and opportunities for growth. Thank you Mrs. O'Banner, Dr. Pollitt, & Mrs. Ellrich for your data-driven leadership!
Southeast
As the Southeast Region enters into this holiday season, student achievement continues to guide our work. Our partnership with districts and schools to improve student performance through refining and enhancing systems and protocols continues to provide opportunities for celebrations and requires continued planning to sustain. Hats off to each of the schools that attained their school grade and met your instructional goals. Our “soft-touch” SI Support visits have provided opportunities to transfer knowledge of what supports improved student achievement and allowed opportunities for the team to align systems that will sustain continued growth through collaboration. Beverly Shores ES, Dixieland ES, Indian Pines ES, Pinewood ES, Phillip O’Brien ES, McLaughlin MS, and Thurgood Marshall ES “soft-touch” support visits provided evidence of transformational learning guiding acceleration. Happy holidays and our team looks forward to the continued work in the New Year focused on purposeful and intentional collaboration that will yield improved outcomes for all.
Southwest
On November 9, 2021 the SW Region team, in collaboration with Dr. Kisha Jarrett from the NW Region, provided an opportunity to “have a moment of science.” This professional development session titled, “Let’s Have a Moment of Science,” focused on tools and resources for implementing standards-aligned lessons through a science instructional framework. Participants interacted with methods and strategies to make the shift to student-driven science learning using daily hands-on experiences. We were excited to see close to 125 participants, with representation from Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota districts. We want to thank Hillsborough County School District for hosting this session! We look forward to continuing to support the SW Region with implementing best practices in science.