The Achievement Gap

Closing the gap: next steps

The ad hoc committee on the Achievement Gap began meeting in January 2007 and has heard from a wide range of speakers. More than 50 people attended the Oct. 31, 2008 meeting to discuss what next steps the committee might consider. The questions were asked: Are we adding value and should we continue? And if we continue, what form should it take? The group did not reach a conclusion. Comments fell in five broad categories.....

For minutes of the meeting, see below:

Peter Hutchinson discusses the needs in education

Hutchinson's list of issues included the need for effective teachers, the lack of good data collection, the need for teacher training institutions to set high standards for teachers with a follow-on commitment to stay involved with the graduate who begins teaching....

"It is all about teaching. We have tried every other experiment in the world. It is time to focus on teaching. It contributes most to achievement."

Video: Two High-Performing Principals Talk Achievement Gap Strategy

On October 3rd, 2008 we heard two high-performing Minneapolis principals talk about their work: Ossie Brooks James of Lyndale Elementary School, and Jane Thompson of Loring Elementary School . The presentation was moderated by Katherine Page, former principal of the award-winning Highland Elementary School in Columbia Heights.

The Principals spoke about curriculum and instruction, collecting and using data, staff development, teacher collaboration, and family involvement. Both schools have made progress in student outcomes.

Minneapolis principals talk strategies

On October 3rd, 2008 we heard two high-performing Minneapolis principals talk about their work: Ossie Brooks James of Lyndale Elementary School, and Jane Thompson of Loring Elementary School . The presentation was moderated by Katherine Page, former principal of the award-winning Highland Elementary School in Columbia Heights. The Principals spoke about curriculum and instruction, collecting and using data, staff development, teacher collaboration, and family involvement. Both schools have made progress in student outcomes.

This session was recorded with 50 minutes of the presentation made into a DVD video. Copies of the DVD can be obtained by sending an email to dfled@goldengate.net. The cost is $10 to cover reproduction and mailing costs.