Modesto City Schools

Comment by rob williams on July 24, 2008 at 2:12pm

Modesto City School leaders are moving forward as one!

Comment by rob williams on October 2, 2008 at 4:50pm

I recently attended a state mandated training for principals. During my 8 hour training, I discovered what is wrong with schooling. I learned that we are not preparing principals to lead with heart and soul. The "program" was not about what is best for students. I was being brainwashed! I was being "convinced' of my role and obligation to get teachers to comply and to teach only standards. No holiday pagents, no dinosaurs, no experimenting...Oh, my. There was a long session about teacher centered and student centered learning. I learned that progressive education ideas have no place in today's classroom. If John Goodlad was in the principal training he would have excused himself from the training. I hope, one day, soon...that all new principals will learn about the importance in their role in creating healthy, informed students who think and vote! If schools are to become beacons of hope, then principal training needs to begin with a conversation. "If you could design your idea school, what would it look like, what would it sound like, what would students do?"

Comment by Patrick on October 5, 2008 at 2:14am

Rob! So is this your vacation? Attending trainings? Haha. That's commitment.

Our videos from Chicago are up! It's called the Power of Expression. If you get the chance do watch them.

Comment by rob williams on March 21, 2009 at 11:07am

We have taken a significant step forward on making Kirschen Elementary School a laboratory of democracy! Our school brochure entitled...Making a Global Impact! states clearly to parents and our community what our school community values. The front cover has a picture of a student who voted for a new president at a mock trial. This week Habitat for Humanity and teachers opened a discussion about forming a school-community partnership. During the last several months we have used taken our District's Strategic Plan and focused our collective attention on using student formative achievement results in reading, math to keep our " Eye on the Goal." We also examined student study habits, playground behavior, and citizenship habits. This week so many school community building events occured: Family Friday Read Ins, bringing over 126 parents to school to read to children, a school "talent show" produced and performed by students, four elementary schools joined us in "March Madness" a four school basketball tournament, and finally, Mr. Burton and I flew kites. Yes...during our summer leadership week, I selected a picture of a solo kite flyer as my image of leadership. And, yesterday, I flew kites with Julie, Doug, Devonte, and it was pure pleasure.

Comment by rob williams on June 24, 2009 at 6:22pm

The school year ends this week and we re-open on July 8, 2009. This school year has filled me with a hope and gratitude. There are many milestones that convince me that leading democratically works. And, that students, teachers, parents, and district office staff want a voice in school. We all have a stake in what students learn, practice, and remember. And, we collectively made school a place students learned about voting, service to others, hard work and reward, keeping our promises and hosting the first ever school science camp overnight! I give the staff, students and parents A+ for making Kirschen Elementary School an academy that helps students "Impact the World."

Comment by M. Jamal Fields on December 3, 2009 at 2:21pm

Don't give up on the civic mission for schools in MCS! When the powers that be, at the state, federal or district level have you feeling down and set upon is the exact moment you most need to stand strong in defense of what is right. Democratic leadership is essential if you want a democratic outcome. No matter what some may think or say you can not mandate democratic practices. You can foster conditions which are favorable to democratic practices but not through dictitorial leadership. Rob, go back and read your posts! You have inspired me to become a leader who practices the democracy I preach and I think you are ready for your own words to inspire you as well! Read Sams chapter on Fairview and re-inspire yourself through a reread of your own story! To quote a great educational leader "I firmly believe that a school based on the guiding principles of individual freedom and shared vioce makes a difference,..." Rob Williams. I believe it too!

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