Where is Diane?

Strength in Numbers at Leadership Summit

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2010-04-27 11:30

Last week, I represented NAESP at the Learning First Alliance (LFA) Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit assembled 17 national organizations that collectively represent 10 million people, and demonstrated the true meaning of strength in numbers. One goal of LFA was to establish united messages regarding pertinent issues in education, and LFA convened panels to provide attendees with outside perspectives on these issues.
One of the panels addressed the Common Core State Standards initiative and included representatives from the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. The summit’s attendees generally agreed with the concepts behind the standards, but questions emerged as a result of the discussion.
A senior adviser to Rep. Dick Gephardt and a former Republican staff director for the House Committee on Education & Labor provided an overview of the probability of the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the consensus was that it would not happen before the 2010 elections. Both agreed that members of Congress were spending a lot of time on the campaign trail and bringing constituents’ issues back to the halls of Congress. They cited an example of a conversation between a member of Congress and a local elementary school principal that made its way to Washington. 
Point being made: Let your voice be heard. 
—Diane Cargile, NAESP President

Unleashing the Extraordinary

Submitted by Kaylen Tucker on Mon, 2010-03-15 13:17

NAESP and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) are united on two major issues that resonated throughout the NASSP convention, which was held March 12-14 in Phoenix:

  1. Principals’ voices must be heard as new policies are being formulated in Washington, D.C.  Principals must make a difference by being actively engaged in the wording of the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Principals should contact their congressional representatives to let their voices be heard.
  2. Principals are innovative and creative in raising student achievement and keeping their communities actively engaged in the learning process. NASSP’s convention speakers highlighted numerous examples of principals who are making a difference against incredible odds. For example, Pedro Noguera talked about P.S. #28 in New York City, which is a highly effective school in which more than 50 percent of the student population is homeless. Innovations that this school’s principal has tried include making available parent rooms and programs for parents to receive their GED and emphasizing the need to keep parents engaged in their children’s education. 

Dr. Benjamin Carson, a renowned surgeon, challenged principals to speak up for their rights, telling a story about a young man who had purchased expensive, exotic birds that could sing and talk. The young man sent two of the expensive birds to his mother and asked her what she thought of them. She proudly announced that they were good, as she had eaten them for dinner! The young man was astounded that she had eaten the birds. But his mother retorted, “If the birds were so smart and could talk, they should have said something.” His story made us laugh, but it also made us think. Unless we want to end up in a stew, we had better say something! Let your voice be heard!
    —Diane Cargile, NAESP President

Start the Year With Professional Development

Submitted by NAESP Principal... on Mon, 2010-01-25 10:41

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals’ Mid-Winter Conference, which began with a rousing rendition of the Oklahoma state song and the pledge of allegiance. Veteran principals Bobby Simma and Gary Webb rallied members with reasons to belong to their state and national associations in their self-composed song on membership. The professional sounding production had the quality of a CD ready for marketing. If you have not heard Simma and Webb sing this song, you may be able to catch them at NAESP’s 89th Convention & Exposition April 8-11 in Houston.
Principals in Oklahoma began the year honing professional development skills. The two-day conference provided opportunities for professional growth for principals in leading professional development communities. Solution Tree’s Tim Brown related his personal experience of turning around a low performing school and issued the challenge for principals to be “engines of hope.” Cathy Williams provided insight into leading teachers to use mapping. She also shared a clip of Dalton Sherman's passionate plea to teachers to “believe in him and other children like him.” This clip would be a great way to begin a school year and to challenge teachers to make a difference for all the children they serve. 
Finally, Crystal Kuykendall closed the conference by bringing out the best in everyone. Her motivational presentation brought principals to their feet as she challenged them to be “Merchants of Hope” for the young children we serve. Kuykendall offered real solutions to educators for the future.  She was just the inspiration principals needed to return to their buildings and complete the work they have started. 
When your superintendent wants to know why you want to attend an association meeting provided by your state or NAESP, you can list real skills, strategies, and tools that you will receive that you cannot get in your building. If we are to be the change agent for our schools, principals much be provided the tools from professional sources. Oklahoma principals are doing just that!

$10,000 for Your Efforts

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2009-12-16 08:28

After the launch of the National Board Certification for Principals program, I traveled to Washington state where I had the opportunity to meet with administrators from the Clover Park School District in Lakewood. The city is still riveting from the recent loss of four of its police officers who served as liaisons in the schools, and school reader boards carry messages of support for the families and police.
In discussing the principal certification launch I recently attended, I asked administrators about their involvement with teacher certification as well as their views on the national certification for principals. Robin Walter, the assistant superintendent for elementary schools, welcomed the certification for principals and envisioned it as having the type of impact on schools and student achievement as the teacher certification program. Certified teachers here are making a difference in Title 1 schools as well as the ELL population. The national certification of principals will be another positive step in closing the achievement gap. As the work continues with the national certification for principals, the successes of the national certification of teachers should be noted and emulated.
Out of approximately 900 teachers in Clover Park, over 100 are National Certified Teachers. In Washington, teachers are given an incentive of $5,000 for receiving their certification and an additional $5,000 if they teach in a schoolwide Title 1 school.  In essence, they would receive $10,000 above their counterpart with the same education and experience. Wow, that’s an incentive!
—Diane Cargile, NAESP President

Launch of National Principal Certification

Submitted by NAESP Principal... on Tue, 2009-12-08 13:31

With leaders from across the nation in a packed room at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., today I witnessed the beginning of a new era for school principals: national principal certification. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) rolled out the first phase of the National Board Certification for Educational Leaders, which includes the development of the National Board Certification for Principals. Watch the webcast.
A committee of devoted educators, including NAESP Past President Rosie Young, worked diligently to develop the standards and an assessment process for principals. This umbrella program will also develop the groundwork for a new certification for teacher leaders. 
In her remarks at the launch, NAESP Executive Director Gail Connelly shared the long, rich history NAESP has had in embracing national standards for principals. In addition to raising the awareness of the critical role of the principal and ensuring successful outcomes for all students, this certification will “provide principals a meaningful way to demonstrate they have met, or exceeded, requirements that identify an accomplished, effective, and results-oriented principal,” she said. The certification “provides a new dimension whereby principals can be recognized and rewarded.”
The launch of this initiative is an exciting day for school principals—measuring effectiveness while adding validity and recognition to the role.
—Diane Cargile, NAESP President

Educators Greet Secretary Duncan in Indianapolis

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2009-11-20 12:34

Educators from across the country convened in my home state of Indiana for the National Alliance of Black School Educators’ 37th Annual Conference, which takes place Nov. 18-22. The conference, whose theme was “Education is a Civil Right: Today’s Needs, Today’s Solutions, and Tomorrow’s Promise,” consisted of plenary sessions and workshops around the agenda of closing the achievement gap for all students, especially students of color.
Keynote speakers included U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who addressed the packed ballroom of the convention center. (Check out my picture with him!) During the 20-minute speech, followed by a Q&A session, Duncan was consistent in his message that strong leadership was needed at the building level by highly qualified principals and teachers. He also spoke of the unprecedented amount of funds that his administration has allocated for education. Duncan reiterated that his administration feels strongly about two issues: raising the bar of student achievement for all students and closing the achievement gap with underserved students. Duncan said that if our country is to be the leader in the world, we must reinvent our schools.
—Diane Cargile, NAESP President

A Day in the Life of a School in Manila

Submitted by NAESP Principal... on Fri, 2009-11-06 12:26


While in Manila at the East Asia Regional Conference of Overseas Schools (EARCOS) Administrators' Conference, I had the opportunity to visit Brent International School. Meeting the school’s principal and hearing him talk about his school is one thing, but seeing students in action takes it to another level.
What is evident at Brent International is that the 1,200 pre-K-12 students take their academics very seriously. Since most of the students are Americans living abroad, they study from an American curriculum and although their math and reading assessments are in English, they are designed specifically for students with diverse cultural backgrounds. Seeing students actively engaged in their classrooms brought memories of my students. The smiles and hugs shared was a powerful message to me—love is the same in any language.
But now it’s now time to pack up to return home. We had an incredible experience learning from our colleagues who live abroad educating American and indigenous children. The U.S. State Department provides a service for American children that we don’t always realize. Connie Buford, my host from the Department of State, oversees the schools in East Asia on behalf of the department. She did an amazing job of connecting me with schools and principals. I cannot thank her enough for her support and the Department of State for allowing me to have this experience.  
I am homeward bound – bye for now!
—Diane Cargile, NAESP President

Sustaining a Global Society

Submitted by NAESP Principal... on Thu, 2009-11-05 12:33

Here are some of the highlights of the East Asia Regional Conference of Overseas Schools (EARCOS) Administrators’ Conference that I attended in Manila.

  • Alan Atkisson, a keynoter from Sweden, presented global indicators of the effects of our changing world. He shared his four-point strategy for sustainability that can be used to teach students to live in a global society. His compass of sustainability—consisting of nature, economy, society, and well-being—was a quick way to remember the major areas that our world has unraveled and solutions to correcting the damages.
  • Geoff Green, another keynoter, shared adventures of his expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic … with school-age children. Geoff, who is Canadian, has found a way to inspire what he calls “21st Century Generation G” with the greatest classroom on earth. He has taken over 100 expeditions and thousands of kids and their teachers to both polar regions. Students come from places such as Harlem, New York, and China, representing over 40 countries. 
  • Japan’s Jesper Koll shared the economic picture of the world and reviewed the interdependence of the world economy. Educators worldwide have been affected in the delivery of services. He shared the importance of creating a world of economically savvy students. 

I was not only in Manila to learn from others, but to share my expertise as well. My workshop “Building Effective Teams,” gave educators techniques for creating relationships that benefit students and teachers. Techniques shared include strategies to strengthen positive attitudes, create a healthy work environment, create dialogue with staff that focuses on student success, and create an environment for student success. 

I was surprised to find that there were three principals with Indiana connections in the workshop! One principal from Hong Kong grew up in Indianapolis and another grew up in northern Indiana. And Ellen White, a principal in Singapore, has a son who attends Purdue University. We are planning to connect when she visits him in Indiana this Thanksgiving. It really is a small world! No wonder some statisticians say the population in Indiana is shrinking, Hoosiers are everywhere in the world! 
 
 
   —Diane Cargile, NAESP President

From the Nation’s Capital to Southeast Asia

Submitted by NAESP Principal... on Fri, 2009-10-30 08:10

Diane is representing NAESP and elementary and middle-level principals at the East Asia Regional Conference of Overseas Schools (EARCOS) Administrators' Conference, which is an Overseas Schools initiative that is supported by the U.S. Department of State. NAESP serves as a grant administrator for the Office of Overseas Schools.
After an inspiring visit to Washington, D.C., to participate in NAESP’s board meeting and to celebrate the 2009 National Distinguished Principals, I prepared to travel to the East Asia Regional Conference of Overseas Schools (EARCOS) Administrators' Conference, whose theme is “Inspiring Students to Change the World.” The conference is being held in Shangri-la Edsa, Philippines, and participants are educators from Southeast Asia—including the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Laos, and Cambodia—as well as Australia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
I prepared for the 27 hour trip to Manila by drinking lots of water and exercising prior to the conference. But after stops in Houston, Honolulu, and Guam before my destination of Manila, I was ready for land and lots of sleep! The warm reception by the EARCOS staff, including the executive director, made up for my long journey. After locating the room where I will present a workshop next week, the staff provided a tour of the facilities and accommodations at the hotel. 
The conference site, Edna Shangri La is just as exotic as its name implies. The formal welcome by hotel staff was impressive, as natives dressed in matching blue gowns greeted guests upon entrance. Security guards with dogs guarded the grand entrances to the palatial hotel. All Saints Day and All Souls Day are celebrated here, as is Halloween. Millions of people are expected to visit cemeteries over the weekend prior to All Saints Day on Nov. 1.
Tonight we are expecting a typhoon in Manila, one of 19 that have hit the area this year. We are hopeful that participants who have not yet arrived will also have safe travels. Stay tuned!
—Diane Cargile, NAESP President

Fall NAESP Board of Directors Meeting

Submitted by NAESP Principal... on Tue, 2009-10-27 11:00

Last week, the NAESP Board of Directors greeted its two newest board members as they hit the ground running, attending orientation and participating in all board activities. Fidelia Sturdivant, principal of College Park Elementary School in East Orange, New Jersey, represents principals in Zone 2. Jerry DeGrange, principal of Liberty Elementary School in Frederick, Maryland, represents principals in Zone 3. During the three days of meetings, board members made key decisions that will have a lasting impact on principals and the students they serve. Board members also learned firsthand of the positive influence NAESP staff members have had with legislators on Capitol Hill on behalf of principals. 
One area of importance has been the language used to draft NAESP’s recommendations for the reauthorization of ESEA. The board approved the changes that updated the language, focusing on the role of the principal and addressing current trends and priorities as well as many other items of interest to principals. The board participated in substantive discussions and actions that will advance NAESP's mission and goals throughout their meetings. The board also received an overview of the planned activities for the National Distinguished Principals who were arriving on October 22nd as well as their role in the program.

Membership Has Its Privileges

Submitted by Kaylen Tucker on Thu, 2009-10-08 12:33

Part of my objective in attending state conferences is to find out more about the challenges and issues schools around the nation face and learn more about state affiliates so that I can better represent principals as NAESP president. This week I attended a panel discussion at the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals (PAESSP) conference that addressed the rationale for becoming involved in professional organizations. The panelists highlighted gaining more information about education and professional resources, a greater sense of professionalism, and a clearer understanding of the power of the principal.
In addition to learning about the benefits of professional affiliation, I also had the opportunity to visit a local school and find out what’s on principals’ minds in Pennsylvania. On a tour of Park Forest Elementary School, I experienced the essence of being in tune with nature. This school’s K-5 students have taken full advantage of their park-like setting of being nestled in between rolling hills and tall trees. With grant funding they have created flower gardens, bird-viewing stations, vegetable gardens, a nature center, and an amphitheater. As we toured the manicured grounds and well-cared-for facility, the quality of care exhibited by the principal, staff, and students was evident. Education occurs on the outside as well as the inside of this school.
I also talked with PAESSP President Dave Bieri about what’s on a lot of principals’ minds: the flu season. Today the H1N1 vaccination became available in selected states across the country. Even though Bieri’s city, Scranton, Pennsylvania, is not a selected site for the first dose of the vaccination, school officials are working diligently to keep students healthy. School officials are working with school nurses to set up flu clinics during October, and students and staff are taking precautions to stay healthy. 
I enjoyed attending PAESSP’s conference because it offered opportunities for networking and professional growth. I look forward to updating you about my next trip.   

Pennsylvania Principals Hone Their Skills at State Conference

Submitted by Kaylen Tucker on Mon, 2009-10-05 12:46


In putting their theme “We are … Leaders of Learning” into practice, more than 400 educators from across the state have gathered at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College for the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals conference.
I’m here to represent NAESP and to find out more about the challenges and issues schools face in the Keystone State. So far, principals have been motivated by keynoter Neila Connors, with her witty sense of humor, one-liners, and enthusiasm. Connors is the author of If You Don’t Feed the Teachers They Eat the Students: Guide to Success for Administrators and Teachers (Kids’ Stuff).
The opening banquet honored the Pennsylvania National Distinguished Principal (NDP) as well as other educators who are making a difference in Pennsylvania. The NDP will be recognized October 22-23 in Washington, D.C.
Tomorrow, Doug Reeves will provide insight about data analysis and Charlotte Danielson will discuss conducting professional conversations and making the most of teacher evaluations. Attorney David Andrews will provide legal updates on Tuesday during the fourth general session. 

Farewell to Australia

Submitted by Kaylen Tucker on Tue, 2009-09-22 07:37

The 2009 Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) Conference ended on a high note with keynote presenters who continued the theme of surfing, touching on the benefits of taking care of yourself and fostering better relationships with staff and students. For example, Tim Sharpe gave us great pointers for pursuing happiness. Of course, I thought of Chris Gardner, author of The Pursuit of Happyness, who will present during NAESP's convention in Houston. 

It was incredible seeing principals wearing the “Proud to be a Principal” pins that I distributed and wanting to attend NAESP’s convention in April. Before I sign off from down under, I want to thank Leonie Trimpe and her marvelous staff at APPA for their gracious hospitality and for sharing an ocean of possibilities while “surfing waves of hope” for children of Australia and the world. Until next time ... Cheers!

Schools Around the World

Submitted by Kaylen Tucker on Mon, 2009-09-21 12:07

Today I had the opportunity to visit some local schools. After talking at length to Rochelle, who is a deputy principal in a small school in Queenland, I immediately recognized the impact of the power of the principal. In Queenland, schools with more than 150 students receive deputy principals. There have been many changes in the leadership at Rochelle's school of 400 students. As a result, programs and attitudes are taking a positive turn at the school. Rochelle is hoping the school continues to progress throughout the leadership transition.
I also met Jenine, who is a deputy principal at a large school of 1,000 in Brisbane. At her school, there are three deputies, a head principal, and a curriculum director. The staff also includes ESL teachers and assistants for the students who speak native languages. The student population is made up of many ethnicities, including a large Asian population. Though students are very successful on state tests, as a whole, Queenland has not performed as well as other states. Australia is looking to combine state curricula into one country curriculum. Does that sound familiar? Government officials from each state would help determine the country curriculum. It really is a small world! 

Making Aussie Connections

Submitted by Kaylen Tucker on Thu, 2009-09-17 12:42

I think I am finally adjusting to the time change; Australia is a day ahead of the U.S. We lost a  day coming, but will gain it back on the return trip. I am fascinated that we have traveled so far and still hear English spoken everywhere. It’s like we never left the country, except everything is in metrics and you hear “proper” English. I was excited to find that Australians look and dress like Westerners and that there are many Pacific Islanders and Asians who live here.
People here are friendly and know immediately that you are an American. I’ve talked to many educators who have traveled to the states and have relatives and friends who live in America. One principal told me she taught one year in North Carolina as part of an exchange program, and that she made life-long friends there. I invited her to our convention in Houston. My hostess, Janice, is a principal from Canberra. I found out that her brother is a professor in Columbus, Ohio—it really is a small world!

Greetings From Down Under

Submitted by Kaylen Tucker on Wed, 2009-09-16 12:38


While Diane is taking a personal trip to Australia, she agreed to represent NAESP and elementary and middle-level principals at key meetings and events, and to share her observations.
This week I attended the 2009 Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) Conference. The APPA is the national professional association for primary schools in Australia. I’m here to participate on a panel with educators from the UK, Canada, and New Zealand.
The conference began Tuesday evening with a spectacular opening ceremony that featured hundreds of  elementary students who sang, danced, and recited to surfing tunes as well as to a Michael Jackson song, “We are the World.” 
The program also featured a solo by an Aborigine and accompanist who played a native instrument. Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia addressed the delegation as did the Minister for Education and Training Geoff Wilson, who represents Queenland in Parliament. 

Where In the World is NAESP President Diane Cargile?

Submitted by Kaylen Tucker on Wed, 2009-09-16 11:18

As I travel this year in my role as NAESP president, I’ll be checking in with you, right here on the Principals’ Office blog. To keep you in the loop, I’ll be updating the “Where’s Diane?” blog to share with you all that I learn as I represent NAESP, you, and your fellow elementary and middle-level principals.
Stay tuned … my first stop is Australia!

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