All Children Can Learn!

I just returned from the Leadership Alabama Education retreat. It was held in Mobile and began on Thursday afternoon. It concluded today (Saturday at noon). The highlight of the retreat for many was the visit to George Hall Elementary School. George Hall's students come from generational poverty. But, that doesn't hold them back. In fact, the vast majority of George Hall students are performing academically at the highest levels. According to Jim Williams, Executive Director of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, George Hall students score at the same level as students from Mountain Brook.

So, what's their secret? Three important things: Leadership, a culture of high expectations and an emphasis on learning for all. Terri Tomlinson, the principal, epitomizes servant leadership. She works harder than anyone at George Hall, loves her students and her teachers, and expects the best of them. It pays off. The teachers and students love, admire AND do their best work for her.

Teacher leaders are present as well. They understand the importance of their work and, as a result, play an invaluable leadership role in their students' lives. They also acknowledge that they chose to work at George Hall because of Terri Tomlinson's leadership.

When you walk into the front door of George Hall Elementary, it becomes quickly apparent that there is a culture of high expectations for both students and teachers. The balanced scorecard is on display in the lobby, along with the Blue Ribbon received this year from the U.S. Dept. of Education and other awards. Go a bit further into the building and you'll see student work and student projects pposted on every wall space available. Even the murals have a learning purpose.

Learning happens every day in every classroom. And, the learning isn't limited to students. Teachers are constantly working with each other to perfect their teaching.

What was the highlight of the visit? The fishbowl exercise with the students. Fifth-grade math teacher Amy Lowe brought about 8 of her students to discuss George Hall with the members of the Leadership Alabama class. First they told us what they wanted to be when they grew up: a doctor, an engineer, a scientist, a doctor, a meteorologist and an architect. What did they want us to know about George Hall? They wanted us to know that their teachers cared deeply about them, that they were members of the new national honor society for elementary school students, and that they had set goals for themselves to ensure that they remained on the honor roll.

The Leadership Alabama class was blown away. Spontaneously, they passed a hat that resulted in a group contribution of $1,000. One of the class members, a state representative, arranged for George Hall's member of the National Honor Society to be recognized at the opening session of the Alabama Legislature. The visit changed a lot of hearts and a lot of minds.

More later... as I continue to reflect on why we don't have more schools like George Hall… when we KNOW what works.