Wednesday, August 10, 2011

How Big Urban Districts Can Succeed, Part II | The Education Front Blog | dallasnews.com

How Big Urban Districts Can Succeed, Part II | The Education Front Blog | dallasnews.com

How Big Urban Districts Can Succeed, Part II

How can big urban school districts succeed?

Here's the second major element they need: a pipeline of leaders flowing into their classrooms and principal offices.

All the innovation projects in the world won't make a difference without teachers who know how to lead a classroom and principals who know how to preside over a campus.

Fortunately, the Dallas school district has tried to get ahead of the curve here. Former Superintendent Michael Hinojosa made a priority out of improving DISD's principal corps. He was selective in many hires.

Unfortunately, the district has not had enough top-notch candidates. Sometimes Hinojosa's hands were tied. He