What Educators Say About Springboard Schools

A Focus on Research to Close the Achievement Gap

Springboard Schools “ . . . made clear the disparities, the underachievement of underprivileged and economically disadvantaged kids. It has driven home that we really do need to close to the achievement gap . . . We were all aware of that before, but (Springboard Schools) takes it to a higher level with the amount of research they bring.”

Fred Ilg, Principal of Newark Jr. High
32 years in education, 2 years as principal

A Focus on Inquiry and on Results

“Inquiry is essential to moving schools forward. If schools could just take that from Springboard Schools it would make a difference.”

Jennifer Cheatham, Reform Coordinator, Newark Jr. High
7 years in education

With inquiry, you  . . .  “discern what’s working and not working. Teachers who use inquiry are much more likely to be reflective and to know what’s going on in research, have research proven strategies in place.”

Kathleen McKellen
Support provider at Campbell Union,
working with middle schools, 11-year educator

“Schools that are not doing inquiry are very activity based . . .  The schools that doing inquiry are really looking at the needs that students have and how are we going about making sure that students needs are being filled.”

Leni Von Blankensee
Reform coordinator, Alameda Unified,
educator since 1970.

Building the Capacity of Schools

“What has changed at Harvey Green? The big thing that has changed is our leadership team. Before . . . (we had) a school site council. Because of what I have learned from (Springboard Schools), I formed a leadership team (that) is really involved in decision-making .  . . .  We’re really looking at how we use the curriculum for instruction; we’re looking at instructional timelines, planning and organizing that curriculum. And the people who are doing that are the leadership team.”

Angie Upchurch, principal Harvey Green Elementary
32 years in education

A Focus on Leadership

“I think Springboard Schools has done a tremendous job of helping me to be a better educator and being a better instructional leader . . . . the information and the knowledge  . . .  it has been profound. “

Barbara Berman, principal John Muir Elementary
In education for 15 years, four years as principal

High Quality Professional Development

“To a person, everyone agreed (the 2004 Best Practices Institute) was the most powerful time they’d spent at any conference ever,”

Rene Whitson, Superintendent, Exeter Schools