Mr. Thomas Brady Interview, Superintendent of Providence, RI Public Schools.

Leading a School Community to Success through Change

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Topic: Leading a School Community to Success through Change

Join us to listen as we interview Mr. Thomas Brady, the superintendent for Providence Public Schools, Providence, RI. What makes us the leaders we are? How do our life experiences surface when we serve as public school superintendents?

These and many other questions are answered in a stirring discussion and retrospect of Mr. Thomas Brady’s current career in public education. Our host Arthur Griffin and Mr. Brady discuss the challenges Mr. Brady has faced in the more than ten years he’s been working in public education, and the intersection and differences among his experiences in Philadelphia and Fairfax, VA.

In a unusual twist, listeners will also discover how Brady’s extensive military career has helped shape and prepare him for the unique challenges he has faced as a public education leader in the current educational climate. From making the tough decisions, to monitoring performance and finding the right management style, this episode provides compelling inspiration, thoughtfulness and support for educational leaders.

Key topics covered include:

• Leadership styles building upon prior life experience (military)
• Building a core curriculum – A school district takes ownership and action
• Change process perspective and strategies
• Parents as partners in the learning process
• Special education needs
• Student achievement
• Tough decisions: Resource allocation
• Race to the Top: RI experience and comments

District Leaders Podcast is always

Leading Today for Success Tomorrow!

Biographical Background:

Mr. Thomas Brady was appointed Superintendent for Providence Public Schools in March 2008. He officially assumed the role of Superintendent on July 14, 2008.

Before that, Brady served as Interim Chief Executive Officer for the School District of Philadelphia, the eighth largest school system in the country. He also served the Philadelphia district as Chief Operating Officer.Brady actually began his affiliation with Fairfax County as a parent leader, serving as President of the Hayfield Secondary School Parent-Teacher-Student Association for four years.

Prior to his nearly 10 years of service in public education administration, Brady had a distinguished 25-year career in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Colonel. He was the commanding officer at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and oversaw a $770 million budget, $660 million payroll, $94 million in contracts, and over 20,000 residents and military personnel.

Brady is a 2004 Fellow of the prestigious Broad Urban Superintendents Academy. The Academy is a rigorous 10-month executive management training program designed to prepare CEOs and senior executives from business, non-profit, military, government and education backgrounds to lead urban public school systems.

Brady holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Social Sciences from Niagara University.

Related Web Links:

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our hosts.

A conversation between Jeff Livingston and Gregg Betheil.

The Future of Career and Technical Education!

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Topic:  The Past and Future of Career and Technical Education in America

Gregg Betheil, the New York City Department of Education’s senior executive for Career and Technical Education (CTE), discusses the history of New York’s CTE institutions with Jeff Livingston.  Gregg describes the role of his department in the current development and advancement of CTE programs through the city and state, and goes into a fascinating discussion on the different perceptions and distinctions, both true and false, found in the comparison between Universities and CTE institutions.

Join us as Jeff Livingston conducts an interesting and detailed interview, and listen in as he and Gregg discuss

• The past, present, and future of CTE institutions,
• Common misconceptions about the comparison between CTE institutions and Universities, and
• How Gregg’s department is changing things- and their vision for the future.

District Leaders Podcast is always

Leading Today for Success Tomorrow!

Biographical Background:

Gregg B. Betheil is the Executive Director, Office of Postsecondary Pathways and Planning with the New York City Department of Education. Through this newly formed office, he leads the NYCDOE’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all graduates are ready for postsecondary success, in two- and four-year colleges, apprenticeship programs and throughout their careers. His responsibilities include oversight of the NYCDOE-CUNY College Readiness & Success Initiative, as well as guidance to ensure there is consistent and coherent information on postsecondary planning for students and families from kindergarten through graduation.

He joined the NYCDOE in January 2008 to provide leadership to Mayor Bloomberg’s efforts to foster innovation in New York City’s portfolio of career and technical education options. He managed the Mayor’s Task Force on Career and Technical Education Innovation, and continues to provide oversight and support of the CTE portfolio, which includes 30 CTE schools serving over 30,000 students, and 345 CTE programs across city schools, serving over 110,000 students.

Prior to joining the NYCDOE, Mr. Betheil was Senior Vice President of the National Academy Foundation. He has served as Assistant Principal of Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in New York City, where he also taught American history and finance. He is former member of the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education in New Jersey. Mr. Betheil is a public school graduate and holds a B.A. in Government & Law and History from Lafayette College, a M.A. in Social Studies Education and a M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Columbia University.

Related Web Links:   

District Leader’s Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2010. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our hosts.

Interview with Dr. Judy A. Alston  Author on School Leadership

Cultural Border Crossing and Student Achievement in American Schools

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Topic: Cultural Border Crossing and Student Achievement in American Schools

Dr. Judy A. Alston, co-author of School Leadership and Administration: Important Concepts, Case Studies, & Simulations (McGraw-Hill), discusses hot topics in school leadership with guest host, David Patterson,  in this 49th episode of District Leaders Podcast. The particular focus is about the importance and relevance of border crossings and student achievement in schools.  Join us for a breakthro0ugh discussion about motivation, critical thinking and student achievement for a wide base of students you serve in your schools every day.

• Research about effective schools by applying the concept of cultural border crossing.
• Addressing issues of racism, classism, and sexism,
• Recommendations for how school leadership can help students effectively cross borders and reach the highest possible levels of achievement.

Note: In addition to discussing her book, the interview includes reference to a recent article about border crossing in schools. The reference and abstract are Alston, J.A.(2004).The many faces of American schooling: Effective schools research and border crossing in the 21^st century. American Secondary Education, 32 (9), 79-93.

District Leaders Podcast is always

Leading Today for Success Tomorrow!

Biographical Background

Judy A. Alston, Ph.D. is Director/Professor of the Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies at Ashland University.  She also teaches the following courses:  Leadership Theories, Ethics and Leadership, Issues in Higher Education, and Dissertation Research Design.  Her research foci include Gender and Educational leadership with a focus on Black Female school superintendents; Urban Education and Educational Leadership highlighting administrative reform in urban schools; and Diversity and Educational Leadership exploring how the intersections of class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual diversity, and ability affect leaders. She is author of numerous articles and book chapters.  She is the author of Multi-leadership in Urban Schools (University Press of America).  Additionally, she is co-author of the 7^th and 8^th editions of the bestselling textbook, School Leadership and Administration: Important Concepts, Case Studies, & Simulations (McGraw Hill).

A native of Charleston, SC, she graduated from Bishop England High School in 1983.  She then matriculated onto Winthrop College where she graduated with a B.A. in English in 1987.  She taught English at Cainhoy High School during the 1987-1988 school year.  She moved onto Brookland-Cayce High School (1988-1993). At that time she also completed a M.Ed. in Secondary English in 1990 and another M.Ed. in Educational Administration in 1992. In 1993, she began the Ph.D. program in Educational Administration at The Pennsylvania State University. She graduated in 1996.

Dr. Alston began her teaching in higher education at the University of Houston (1996-1999). She moved onto Bowling Green State University (OH) (1999-2005) where she was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2003. In 2005, she was appointed Associate Dean and Director of the Center for Education at Widener University in Chester, PA. In 2007, she began teaching in the Doctoral Program at Ashland University as an Associate Professor and in 2008 became the Director of the Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies. She was recently promoted to Full Professor.

Dr. Alston is an active member and leader in the American Educational Research Association (AERA).  Currently she serves of Chair of the Queer Studies SIG. She was recently elected as Chair-elect of the Research Focus on Black Education SIG. She is also an active member of Columbus (OH) Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Interview with Ms. Eileen Cooper Reed, Cincinnati School Board

The School Board’s Role in Decision Making: Insights from the President

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The School Board’s Role in Decision Making: Insights from the President

Elaine Cooper Reed, Cincinnati School Board President, discusses issues facing public schools today with host Mr. Arthur Griffin. Ms. Reid discusses the challenges she has faced with school funding and downsizing, as well as many other issues. This episode is revealing and helpful as she shares with us many insights she’s garnered over years as a member of the governance team.

District Leaders Podcast is always

Leading Today for Success Tomorrow!

Biographical Background

After practicing clinical social work for several years, Eileen Cooper Reed attended the University of  Cincinnati College of Law, graduating in 1984. Her Administrative Law Team won 1st place in the National Administrative Law Competition. She was awarded the Shmieg-Weil Award for being the Outstanding Moot Court Competitor in 1984.

After Law School, Eileen became a staff attorney for the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati. She served as a Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor before being tapped as a Juvenile Court Referee. During her stint at Juvenile Court, Eileen spent three years handling truancy cases in Juvenile Court. These cases were heard at the school site and it was there that she developed a thorough understanding of attendance issues in the Cincinnati Public School system.

In 1992, then Mayor Dwight Tillery appointed Eileen to the Mayor’s Commission on Children. While serving on the Commission, she opened and became Director of Children’s Defense Fund in Cincinnati. For the next 11 years, Eileen advocated for children in Cincinnati and eventually, became the Director of the Children’s Defense Fund, Ohio advocating for children across the state. She and her staff documented the needs of Cincinnati and Ohio children in child health, child welfare, early childhood care and education, and K-12 education and used those statistics to propose sound policies to legislators from the local to the federal level.

Eileen was appointed to both the Ohio Department of Education’s Achievement Gap Task Force and the Early Childhood Task Force. While serving on those bodies, she learned about educational issues across the state and noted how Cincinnati did in comparison to other areas of the state. Under former CPS Superintendent Steven Adamowski, Eileen became the only community member of the CPS Redesign Team where she developed a thorough understanding of the CPS method of assessing school and student achievement. During that time, she and her staff at the Children’s Defense Fund were responsible for engaging parents and community in both the academic redesign process and, subsequently, the CPS community learning center and facilities programs.

Having previously served on numerous boards, Eileen currently chairs the SC Ministry Foundation Board of Trustees, is a Director of the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati and is a member of the Xavier University President’s Advisory Council.

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Related Web Links:

• Cincinnati Public Schools web site

• CPS Board President Page (Eileen Cooper Reed)

District Leader’s Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Interview with Mr. Neil Rochelle, Supt. Iroquois Central School District, Western NY.

Handling H1N1: With Your Community, Media, and Social Media

Handling H1N1: With Your Community, The Media, and Social Media

Neil Rochelle, Superintendent of the Iroquois Central School district in Western New York, provides a riveting account the real needs facing district leaders across the USA and globe today regarding community issues such as H1N1. He discusses the topic, the unfolding of the experience in his district in fall 2009 and the strategies he employed, including social media communication. All of these details are included in this interview with District Leaders Podcast host Dr. Kathleen P. King. Bonus topics include social media decisions, relationships with the State Health Department, and what to do when the experts disagree!

Specific topics include the following issues:

• In the fall 2009, when your district had 500 of 3000 students home sick, why and how did you decide not to close the schools?
• How did you seek to control panic in the school community as H1N1 and other disease related issues were threatening to emerge?
• Where can district leaders turn for assistance and guidance?
• How did you use social media to communicate and build support and which ones did you use?
• What do you suggest superintendents do now and if facing the introduction of the flu into their school district populations?

Special features referenced in this interview:

• Read the community letter which Neil posted on the district website’s front page.
• Visit the H1N1 area of the District website Neil and his team created
• Neil’s Superintendent Community Newsletter

MORE RESOURCES

• Flu.gov
• Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding H1N1

For more information on this subject or to connect with Neil

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Ning (below)

District Leaders Podcast is always Leading Today for Success Tomorrow!

Biographical Background

Currently, Neil Rochelle is Superintendent of Schools of Iroquois Central School District. Previously, he was not only superintendent of schools at Keshequa Central School, but prior to that elementary principal at Keshequa Central School.

Having been a teacher for 13 years, he has now been a superintendent for 10 years. His teaching roots are in special education. He also has a specialty in Traumatic Brain Injury and served as a consultant for the NYS Education Department. Before becoming a superintendent he was a Director of Special Education and an Elementary Principal.

Neil states his goals as a superintendent simply,

My goals are simple. Provide the best leadership I can for students to be successful 21st Century Learners. In the long-term, for students to be prepared for college or post-secondary plans and eventually successful in a competitive, global economy.

Neil was born and riased in New York City. He earned his degrees at State University of New York College at Brockport (CAS, Educational Administration) and State University of New York College at Genesco (MSE, Special Education)

Related Web Links:

• Iroquois School District web site
• Iroquois School District superintendent’s page
• Neil’s Superintendent Community Newsletter
• Virtually Iroquois- Neil’s District Ning
  • http://virtuallyiroquois.ning.com/
• Changing High Schools (Neil’s Blog)
  • http://changinghighschools.blogspot.com/

District Leader’s Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Interview with Long Island’s Connetquot School District Superintendent
Dr. Alan Groveman
Urban Education and Difficult Decisions

Key Topics include: High Stakes Testing · School Board Member · School Safety · Leadership · Improving Student Performance · Professional Development

Dr. Alan Groveman, Superintendent of Schools for Long Island’s Connetquot School District, is interviewed about critical school topics by host Edward Milliken for District Leader’s Podcast Episode 13. Dr. Alan Groveman discusses vital issues that are effecting the superintendents and our schools ranging from school violence and security, to parental involvement, professional development and strategies for improving student learning. A striking characteristic of this episode is how superintendents and school leaders need to effectively balance and meet the demands for all children to achieve learning standards (No Child Left Behind) and the demand that communities have for their schools to be safe havens for their children to attend.

Don’t miss this episode of The District Leader’s Podcast. A prime chance to join your colleagues as they consider these discuss a vital dimensions of the impact of state testing on teaching and learning.

“Leading today for success tomorrow”

Biographical Background
Dr. Alan Groveman, the Superintendent of Schools for Long Island’s Connetquot School District serving as the School Superintendent in this large suburban school district. He has placed an academic emphasis on all student programs so that pupils master the standards that are required for graduation in New York State. As a result, Connetquot pupils consistently meet and exceed learning benchmarks for academic performance.

In addition, Dr. Groveman, through extensive volunteer work, has developed an unparalleled expertise in designing and implementing organizational health and safety measures. For example, in the local fire department Dr. Groveman has been both a Captain and a Rescue Safety Officer. In addition, he has been a member of an EMT Team as well as a confined space and tactical rescue leader. With such a background, Dr. Groveman was appointed as a school district crisis management director. This experience has already proven to be invaluable in Dr. Groveman’s role as Superintendent of Schools.

As an educational leader and a health and safety expert, Dr. Groveman thoughts on student learning and pupil protection are regularly sought out by colleagues and the media.

Related Web Links:

• Connetquot Central School District http://www.connetquot.k12.ny.us/

District Leader’s Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Interview with Superintendent
Dr. William Adams
Leadership in the Vocational Education/Technical World

Key Topics include:Career and Technical Education· Leadership · Trends in Education · Improving Student Performance

Join Dr. William “Bill” Adams, Superintendent of Salem Vocational Technical School in New Jersey and District Leaders Podcast host, Daniel Domenech for this compelling interview about career and technical education. This episode provides a firsthand look at some of the experiences and programs superintendents have the opportunity to oversee and build across their careers when working within their district settings. In this interview, Dr. Adams candidly discusses his 37 years of superintendent experience with board members, and how to build a strong team of administrators from which students can benefit. Other topics covered include handling a state-wide debate (NJ) regarding HS diplomas and the future importance of career and technical education (vocational technical education).

Biographical Background

Dr. William H. Adams has been involved in public education for forty-two years. He began his career in education as a teacher, coordinator, assistant principal and principal. For the past thirty-six years, he has been the superintendent of the Salem County Vocational Technical Schools. In February 2007, his district was featured in the National School Boards Association journal, American School for its innovations to prepare students for what is to come.

Dr. Adams has authored articles in Phi Delta Kappan, Education Unlimited, and has numerous articles in the ERIC Education Resource System. He has developed programs that were nationally recognized that include a technical program that received the United States Secretary of Education Technical Education Award, the construction of a six-store Mini Mall with out-of-school unemployed youth, and a nationally recognized alternative program for behaviorally challenged students. He was recognized by the Executive Educator as one of the Top 100 Administrators in North America, has received the AASA James R. Kirkpatrick Legislative Award and the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dr. Adams has served two stints on the AASA Executive Committee and is currently a member of AASA’s Publication Review Board. He also served as liaison for the National Association of State Councils on Vocational Education to the President’s Council on Vocational Education. He is responsible for the development and implementation of a highly regarded county-wide career academy system for high achieving students.

The SCVTS serve over 8,500 county residents annually through a variety of educational programs and services. SCVTS offers a wide range of academy, career and technical education, career orientation and special education programs.

Related Web Links:

• Salem Vocational Technical School
• New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools

District Leader’s Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007-2008. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our co-hosts.

Interview with Nassau BOCES District Superintendent
Dr. James Mapes
Career Education Programs

Key Topics include: ARCHIVE · Trends in Education · Improving Student Performance · Urban Education

Dr. James Mapes shares the challenges and provides recommendations regarding the role as superintendent not only with students but also in developing community relationships in his interview with District Leader’s Podcast host Dr. Ed Milliken. With a career, that has spanned over two decades in education, Dr. James Mapes Long Island’s Nassau BOCES District Superintendent is uniquely prepared to offer valuable insight and suggestions to school leaders. This compelling interview also includes Dr Mapes sharing his experience with Career Education Programs, dealing with No Child Left Behind and focusing on closing the learning gap.

Biographical Background

Dr. Mapes, is the Interim District Superintendent for Western Suffolk BOCES. He was appointed to this interim position by the NYS Commissioner of Education. The Chief Executive Officer and District Superintendent is a salaried educator serving both the State Education Department and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services. As the regional representative of the Commissioner of Education, the District Superintendent often called upon to assist in the implementation of NYS Education Law and interpretation of the Regulations of the Commissioner and the rules of the Board of Regents. The District Superintendent has responsibility for providing support and direction for local implementation of statewide school improvement initiatives. The Commissioner of Education may also designate the District Superintendent to represent SED on special assignments.

In the capacity of Chief Executive Officer, the responsibilities include planning, administering, supervising and evaluating regional education programs and support services, provided at the request of the component school districts.

The URL for Long Islands Nassau BOCES District is www.nassauboces.org

District Leader’s Podcast is produced and copyrighted by McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

For more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message for our cohosts.

Interview with Kansas City Superintendent Anthony Amato:
Urban Education and Difficult Decisions

(Mr. Amato changed positions 1/2008)  

Key Topics include: Trends in Education · Improving Student Performance · Urban Education

District Leader’s Podcast host Daniel Domenech sits down with Superintendent Anthony Amato discussing school challenges for New Orleans and his focus on Kansas City students with technology, math and science at the forefront. Amato has been the superintendent of the Kansas City, Missouri School District for over a year and has a total of 20 years of superintendent experience. At Kansas City he has been responsible for 26,980 students; more than 4,000 teachers and administrators; and a budget of $357 million. This compelling interview includes Amato sharing his experience with Urban Education, dealing with No Child Left Behind and focusing on the future of technology to increase academic achievement.

Biographical Background:

Mr. Anthony S. Amato was named superintendent of the Kansas City, Mo., School District in 2006. Amato is responsible for 26,980 students, more than 4,000 teachers and administrators, and a budget of $357 million. He has implemented several initiatives during his first year at the district, designed to improve student achievement through both short-term and long-term strategies. These initiatives include an unprecedented universal, free Pre-Kindergarten program open to all families in the district. Under Amato’s leadership, the district has made important gains on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test and increased graduation rates.(Please note that Mr. Amato changed positions 1/2008)

Amato previously served as the superintendent of New Orleans Public Schools. In New Orleans, he implemented high standards for all students and engineered critical reforms and improvements throughout the district. This included the use of new algebra and science technology programs that resulted in major increases in pass rates for algebra and science students.

Before serving in New Orleans, Amato held positions as superintendent of Hartford, Conn., Public Schools and superintendent of New York City Public Schools – Community School District #6,. Earlier, he served as a principal, district supervisor, coordinator, multi-cultural education director and a teacher in New York City’s schools.

Amato has pursued a doctoral program at Columbia University. He received a M.Ed. in Bilingual Education, Administration and Supervision from City College of New York in 1977 and a B.S. in Science and Education from the same university in 1969.

Related Web Links:

• Kansas City Missouri School District: http://www2.kcmsd.net

• Kansas City Missouri School District Excellence Fund: http://www.kcmsd.net/excellence/

To contact the District Leader’s Podcast cohosts or for more information email us at podcast@districtleaderspodcast.org or phone us at 1-866-435-5337 (toll free) and leave a voice message.

District Leader’s Podcast is produced and copyrighted by The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.

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District Leader’s Podcast is produced and copyrighted by McGraw-Hill Companies, 2007. All rights reserved.