Why did the media ignore this story?

Charlotte M Murkland Elementary School in Lowell, MA, is a success story, which the media has chosen to ignore.  That explains why you’ve not heard about it before now.  “Why,” you ask?

            Apparently, the reason is quite simple.  Murkland did not use the turnaround model so loved by media pundits.  It created its success in quite another way.  In a way that proves that public schools can, indeed, reform themselves.  This mirrors the successes of 27 Washington State “School Improvement Grants” (SIG) schools.  And that’s a story media pundits do not want told.

            How did Murkland achieve its success?  Here some reasons, as shared by EduShyster:                 http://edushyster.com/?p=3296

            Kick-Ass Superintendent:  In today’s world, experienced teachers are vilified as unworthy of consideration as professionals.  Not so, at Murkland.

              Union as a Partner:  “Superintendent Chris Scott conducted a school-by-school listening tour with the president of the United Teachers of Lowell.

              Bring Everybody Together:  “The plan … was fundamentally a team effort that involved teachers, administrators and union leaders from the very beginning.”

               Look in the Mirror, Not out the Window:  “This is the Murkland mantra …. teachers and administrators direct their energy at what they have the power to change.” 

            What Great Teaching Looks Like:  “The emphasis at the school has shifted away from individual teachers”  Experienced educators have maintained for decades that successful teaching is a “collaborative process”. 

             Team Really Means Team:  “While the turnaround plan included a merit pay component, additional pay  shared amongst everyone at the schools, including janitors and cafeteria workers.”  Research has repeatedly show that “merit pay” doesn’t work on an educational model. 

              Professional Development:  “At the Murkland, the teachers themselves are encouraged to become the experts and regularly present to their fellows on the latest research about effective teaching.”

              Miracle Didn’t Happen Overnight:  “The Murkland’s turnaround began in 2009 and the school has showed steady and impressive growth each year since then.” 

The parallel between Murkland Elem School and Washington state’s SIG schools is a valuable lesson.  Looking into the 27 Washington state SIG schools, which SPI Randy Dorn has said have out shown virtually all 1700 of the nation’s SIG schools, will reveal stories similar to Murkland.  And they share another commonality; you’ve heard little or nothing about them.  They deserve to become part of your educational reform lexicon.