May 16, 2003
May 16, 2003
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm reminded school principals from around the state today they are a critical link in helping their schools and the students who attend them to achieve high academic standards.
The Governor made her remarks at the first Principals Academy that is being held for principals of the Michigan elementary schools that did not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) according to the new federal guidelines outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act.
Nearly 90 percent of the principals from the 200 elementary schools that failed to meet AYP were expected to attend.
“We believe in high standards – not only for our schools but for our state,” Granholm said. “And we know that Michigan will not be the best place in the country to raise a family unless we do whatever it takes to make sure all our students master reading and math – the gateway skills that open up a world of opportunity to learn and, later, to earn.’’
Principals at the academy will receive intensive guidance in both developing a specific turn-around plan for their schools and in implementing that plan with their building-level staff. The academy also will help principals prepare their staff for new, intensive professional development when the new school year begins in the fall.
“In my view, a school principal is the leader of learning in each school building,” Granholm said. “This academy will stress leadership skills and help principals develop a plan to improve their schools.”
Hailing the unprecedented collaboration between government, business, labor, and the faith-based community in creating the Principals Academy, Granholm said the academy is an opportunity to pursue educational excellence – not punishment – and that she is excited to be working with educators in helping to shape the future of Michigan’s education system.
“Our approach to turning around the schools not meeting the AYP standards will be hands-on and intensive, and it starts with the Principals Academy,” Granholm said. “Our efforts will be multi-faceted, including the teachers, support staff, business community, faith-based community, and human service workers. There will be a broad support system in place to aid each school by the time school begins again in the fall.”
