I had the opportunity to visit an alternative high school a few weeks ago. It was a small school set in an urban community on the east coast, designated by the district to serve especially vulnerable students. During the visit, I worked with a team of educators to observe classes; review student learning samples; interview students, teachers, and faculty; and ultimately provide a reflection for the school leaders to affirm their strengths and support them with guidance to move forward.
Anyone who has been schools over the last five years knows how hard the work is. I imagine this is only especially more true for the educators serving the most vulnerable students. Over-aged, under-credited young people are often juggling employment responsibilities and may not find a good reason to show up each day. These students may also be experiencing homelessness, anxiety, addictions, disassociation and mistrust in school.
During the opening discussion, school leaders articulated a clear mission statement for the school: “To prepare students to thrive in college, the workplace, and the community.” The Head of School reiterated that everything in the school was focused on the "real world." These statements themselves were not particularly remarkable. But what was extraordinary was that belief in and commitment to that mission was seen, felt, and heard in every corner of the school.
All the students we interviewed knew what their school was trying to do, and all staff member echoed a deep commitment to doing what it takes to help all students thrive. Classes that we observed featured students reading and discussing a TED talk by Clint Smith, The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, the Supreme Court’s history of School Segregation cases, and the political theory of Thomas Hobbes regarding absolute power and the social contract. Counselors shared that they rely on community connections like bus drivers or Home Depot employees to triangulate support for students. Students reflected that they are often consulted on decisions, like when the schedule had to change and they got to vote on potential changes. The entire school was brimming with plants, murals, fairy lights, couches, and books - symbolic of the ways that the school offers nurturing and inspiration.
At the end of the visit, when we got to applaud the team for their clarity of vision and alignment across the school, the Head of School broke down in tears, and there was barely a dry eye in the room. She thanked us for "filling my cup as a leader."
What would it take to ensure every school leader has the opportunity to be affirmed and appreciated for their incredible hard work?
To witness a school doing so many great things in service of students who need the most - students who have largely lost trust in the education system and likely, their own identities as students. A school that is relying on relationships and real-world, culturally-affirming content to inspire student learning. A school with a leader laser-focused on bringing the mission to life every day. A school full of educators doing whatever it takes to help all students thrive.
This is a school primed to achieve revolutionary change. I'm so grateful I had the privilege of learning from it - it filled my cup too.
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