Failure is Not an Option

Failure is Not an Option
How Principals, Teachers, Students and Parents from Ohio's High-Achieving, High-Poverty Schools Explain Their Success
In spite of high poverty, tight budgets, sub-optimal parent participation and ill preparation, there are schools that produce extraordinary students and remarkable stories of success. What makes these schools work so well, and can it be replicated in others?
Public Agenda spoke to principals, teachers, students and parents at nine of Ohio's high-poverty, high-achieving schools. We wanted to know:

• How do they define the keys to success?
• What are some specific strategies and decisions that may contribute to their success?
• How do they sustain success?
• What helps them weather tough times?

read full report here


from Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael L. Sawyers' letter to Superintendents, Administrators & Teachers:

I am very excited to share the official public release of Failure Is Not An Option: How Principals, Teachers, Students and Parents from Ohio’s High-Achieving, High-Poverty Schools Explain Their Success.
Part of the success for these schools is a fierce determination to accept nothing less than the best.
Why does this matter?
Unfortunately, I must tell you that some people say there are certain kids who just can’t learn. Sometimes people blame one another, the lack of resources, broken homes, bad teachers or leaders, single parents, lazy kids, or other reasons why they think some kids just can't learn.
But those are just excuses.
The release of this report is important because the Schools of Promise included reflect schools filled with students surrounded by poverty, but who are excelling in the classroom year after year. It is absolutely possible for a student who is living in a challenging environment to make outstanding academic achievements.
This report is filled with hope, for it demonstrates that school cultures grounded in strong beliefs, high expectations, caring and committed teachers and principals, and the support of other students, families and the community, can and do succeed.
All kids can and will learn when we believe and commit to achieve.
read full letter here

Mark your Calendar – Upcoming Events
November 19th, 6:00pm - School Board Special Meeting (Including Workshop and Executive Session regarding Superintendent search)
November 29th, 6:00pm - School Board Meeting (Executive Session regarding Superintendent search)
December 11th, 6:00pm - School Board Regular Meeting at Administration Building

Want more information?    Go to oneshaker.org for more information about ONE Shaker and the Shaker Schools.  Subscribe to ONE Shaker School News here