One of the best parts of my job is found in the opportunity I receive to learn from others through my travels. Such is the case when it comes to the First Philadelphia Charter School of Literacy.
What began as a chance introduction to one teacher has become an amazing partnership with the entire school. First Philly, as they call it, is a member of the No Excuses University Network of Schools and the first charter school in America to be given such status. Their commitment to developing both academic excellence and character in all students is inspiring. From meeting AYP in spite of challenging demographics to winning national awards, this school exemplifies the definition of college readiness. So much so in fact, that our organization has chosen their school site as a location for one of our summer institutes. Check out their website. I’m sure that you too will find inspiration in their commitment.
As the founder of the No Excuses University Network of Schools, I am currently working on my second book titled The No Excuses University. This book will focus on the importance of college readiness in the lives of children, especially those at risk. In conducting research for this work, I have come across staggering statistics that drive home the importance for our need to promote college readiness for all. From time to time, I’d like to share some of these statistics with you via this blog. After you read, please share with your colleagues and staff. As you do, challenge those with opinions that threaten to maintain the status quo. Take a look at Staggering Statistic #1.
Percentage of Unmarried Mothers of Children 18 and under
Living in Households of Poverty
High School Drop Outs: 49.1%
High School Grads: 34.5%
Some College: 26%
Associates Degree: 20.2%
College Grads: 9.5%
Simply amazing. When it comes to unmarried mothers, there is nearly a 40% difference between high school dropouts and college grads who live in poverty.
Statistics available at collegeboard.com from Education Pays by Sandy Baum and Jennifer Ma
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a speaking engagement featuring Andrew Bridge. Mr. Bridge is the NY Times Best Selling Author of Hope’s Boy. This amazing personal story of a life lived within the foster care system is one that is inspiring people throughout the country and promoting much needed positive change. From battling through a deeply challenging environment where only 3% of students graduate from college, Andrew attended Wesleyan University and completed his studies at Harvard Law. Anyone who reads this story will become dedicated to better understanding the needs of children within the foster care system, and motivated to make greater changes in the classroom and on site.
Miriam Kim is the principal of Hollingworth Elementary School in West Covina, California. This school of 700 students is hidden adjacent to the densely populated city of Los Angeles. One day while examining the Sunday paper, Miriam read a book review of Hope’s Boy. So moved by the story, she purchased the book and worked with a local foundation to buy copies for her entire staff. Later, Mrs. Kim did what most of us would never consider and picked up the phone to make a call to the publisher. The conversation went something like this: “Hi, I’m Miriam Kim, principal of an elementary school in California and I’d like to make arrangements for Andrew Bridge to come out and speak to my staff after school.” A moment of silence lay stagnant as the publisher said, “With all do respect, Mr. Bridge is one of the most sought after author’s in the country right now, I don’t know if he even has an opening and if he does his rate is likely more than you can afford on your budget.” Mrs. Kim went on to say, “I appreciate the demand that he is in, but please don’t underestimate the satisfaction that Mr. Bridge will find in inspiring a very talented group of educators. I’ll even throw in a cafeteria lunch and a cold bottle of water”. Long story short, Miriam’s positive disposition won over the publisher and is the reason why I am able to write to you about the amazing experience that I enjoyed as a listener in this unlikely, quaint setting last week.
Andrew Bridge miraculously found a way to success in spite of incredible odds. Miriam Kim showed zero intimidation in spite of a book cover that featured the words “Best Selling Author” and a testimonial from Caroline Kennedy. These connected stories are a great example of tenacity in action and a reminder of our ability to accomplish that which others deem to be unlikely.
Many students live a challenging existence that makes their lives at home and at school incredibly difficult. The only hope that students like these have is that of a teacher who embraces reality and is committed to creating academic and social success no matter the challenge. Do you focus on reality or is your teaching paralyzed by an urge to dwell on the injustices that kids bring with them to school?
I came across a great resource this week for educators, especially those in leadership roles. Kim Marshall is the author of a weekly newsletter titled The Marshall Memo. He subscribes to 44 carefully-chosen publications and looks through scores of articles each week to select 5 – 10 that have the greatest potential to improve teaching, leadership, and learning. For most educators, there is a huge gap between the belief that we should put aside time for professional reading and our ability to actually make it happen. For a little more than $4 a month, the Marshall Memo acts as a personal assistant of sorts as it spotlights the best articles that the week has to offer. Much better than a Cliff’s Notes for educators, Kim also provides links to online articles whenever available. Subscribers have access to all back issues and an excellent search engine allows you to find articles by topic, author, and title. If you are crunched for time, but still have a desire to be “in the know” visit the Marshall Memo. You won’t be disappointed.
A good friend of mine sent this to me over the weekend. Doug Curry is the principal of the No Excuses University at San Jacinto Elementary in Amarillo Texas. He shared this video with his staff as a source of inspiration. It is a terrific reminder of the power that hope can bring to the lives of children, especially those in need of a second chance.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a speaking engagement featuring Andrew Bridge. Mr. Bridge is the 
Miriam Kim is the principal of Hollingworth Elementary School in West Covina, California. This school of 700 students is hidden adjacent to the densely populated city of Los Angeles. One day while examining the Sunday paper, Miriam read a book review of Hope’s Boy. So moved by the story, she purchased the book and worked with a local foundation to buy copies for her entire staff. Later, Mrs. Kim did what most of us would never consider and picked up the phone to make a call to the publisher. The conversation went something like this: “Hi, I’m Miriam Kim, principal of an elementary school in California and I’d like to make arrangements for Andrew Bridge to come out and speak to my staff after school.” A moment of silence lay stagnant as the publisher said, “With all do respect, Mr. Bridge is one of the most sought after author’s in the country right now, I don’t know if he even has an opening and if he does his rate is likely more than you can afford on your budget.” Mrs. Kim went on to say, “I appreciate the demand that he is in, but please don’t underestimate the satisfaction that Mr. Bridge will find in inspiring a very talented group of educators. I’ll even throw in a cafeteria lunch and a cold bottle of water”. Long story short, Miriam’s positive disposition won over the publisher and is the reason why I am able to write to you about the amazing experience that I enjoyed as a listener in this unlikely, quaint setting last week.