Hmm, I detect a pattern

I just finished perusing the monthly education union rag known as the California Educator, which is put out by the California Teacher Association (CTA). There were an interesting series of profiles of schools that have done an admirable job of closing the achievement gap between white/asian students and black/latino students. As I read the four profiles, something jumped out at me from three of them: See if you can spot the common thread from these three quotes from three of the four profiles:

...Teachers say the school's turnaround coincided with the arrival of Principal Mikara Solomon seven years ago....

...But the arrival of Principal Debbie Everett four years ago finally brought stability and support for teachers, which evolved into a shared vision for student success along with collaboration to make it happen....

...Alum Rock Association (AREA) members unanimously attribute the change to the arrival of Principal Glenn Vander Zee. His leadership, they say, has made all the difference in the world, along with his willingness to work with the teachers union to implement change on many levels....

I for one can attest what it is like to work for a horrible principal and a somewhat effective principal. Thank goodness that right now I am working for the somewhat effective principal; I still think she is a little too weak-kneed when it comes to standing up to blustering parents and their out-of-control brood.

Principals make a huge difference in their organization just like an effective leader makes a difference in any organization. It comes down to the willingness to listen to other points of view, but realizing that in the end, the final decision is yours; and if you try to please everyone with your decision - teachers, parents, students, classified staff - you will sink the school. It takes huevos to be a school principal, and all too often, we get mealy-mouthed politician types who don't want to stand up to anyone, least of all the unreasonable parents whose little angels can do no wrong.

Good Day to You, Sir