News Release
September 29, 2006
Education Resource Partner Joins Manual Renewal Project
Center for Performance Assessment (CPA) provides "best practices" information to Community Council as they develop the framework for the new Manual.
The Manual renewal team recently announced the addition of the Center for Performance Assessment (CPA) as the educational advisors for the Manual renewal process. CPA will provide the Manual Renewal Community Council with key resources, best practices, and examples of "premier schools" as the Council develops the framework for the recommendations regarding the new Manual. The Council recommendations, which will be submitted to the Denver Public Schools Superintendent and the School Board in October, will help inform the selection of a new principal and staff for Manual and programmatic elements of the new school.
"We're excited about being a part of this project and view our role as a resource provider," said Dr. Craig Drennon-CPA facilitator. "Our job is to provide examples and elements of successful schools for Council consideration around what would work best for the Manual community."
The Englewood, Colorado-based company has already made quick contributions by bringing in two school leaders who led successful efforts at turning around poor performing schools. Juan Cordova, principal at Sunrise elementary school in Ocala, Florida recently presented to the Council on the school model he is using, shared information on the demographics of his community and student population, and then provided some personal insights regarding the Manual renewal process. Highlights from Cordova's presentation included:
- A discussion about key elements around student achievement, which includes:
- A STRONG focus on reading and;
- A philosophy of achieving school success by having a strong leadership team that always makes decisions focused on students. Staff, parents, and all community stakeholders are also key, but "what's best for the students" is at the core of everything he does.
- When asked by a Council member what three key recommendations that he would make for the new Manual, Cordova responded with:
- Hire a passionate school leader who believes all kids can learn and who is willing to work hard to realize this vision;
- Provide a rigorous curriculum and set high standards for students, while providing support for students that need extra help; and
- Make sure all decisions are student focused.
Council members expressed a high level of interest in Cordova's school model and asked several questions to get a better understanding of the relevance to Manual.
The Center for Performance Assessment is a private educational organization that helps individuals, school districts, and corporations achieve their educational objectives through assessment, accountability, and standards. Its mission is to improve student achievement by building the knowledge and skills of educators and school leaders. Considered a preeminent source of professional development in the areas of standards, assessment, and accountability, the company has developed an impressive resume of clients that includes school districts, teachers, and various other education professionals. Dr. Craig Drennon and Peg Portscheller will serve as the lead CPA contacts for the Manual project.
Dr. Craig Drennon, Ed.D is a Professional Development Associate with the Center for Performance Assessment. During his thirty-plus years as an educator, Craig has been a teacher, a coach, an administrator, and has served South Carolina's youth at the middle school, high school, and college levels. Craig went on to complete a doctorate in Education at South Carolina State University after having received degrees from Erskine College and Clemson University. He is currently a Principal Specialist at Woodland High School in Dorchester County.
Peg Portscheller currently serves as the Chief Learning Officer of the Center for Performance Assessment, an organization that works with governmental agencies, school systems and buildings to improve student learning by bringing clarity to educators on standards, assessment and data, and accountability. Peg is a veteran public educator having spent over 35 years as a practitioner serving as a teacher and administrator at virtually all levels, Pre K through higher education. Her experiences include the superintendency and, during her tenure as the Superintendent in Lake County, Colorado, Peg was honored as the Colorado Superintendent of the Year, the first female to earn that recognition.
About The Manual Renewal Process The Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board voted in February 2006 to temporarily close Manual High School for a year because of low academic performance, declining enrollment, and high attrition. Manual will re-open in 2007 with a 9th grade class only and add a grade-level each subsequent year. The Manual Renewal Team will be working with the community over the next several months to provide guiding principals and recommendations to the superintendent on a shared vision for the new school, qualities and attributes of a new school leader, and elements/principles of a new school program. All Manual stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate in this process and will be kept informed as the work develops.
For more information, contact Wil Alston at 303-321-7441 or wil@theprshop.net.