This session will highlight six public schools where Black and Brown students outperform their state's general population on multiple indicators. In particular, the session will emphasize how leaders in these schools (sometimes against formidable odds) established and sustained a culture in which all demographic groups of students felt valued, respected, and loved. As well, the leaders worked with their teams to modify routines, practices, programs, and policies so Black and Brown students perceived they had a real chance to learn rigorous content and succeed academically. The session will emphasize the concrete steps leaders can take to generate similar successes in their schools and school districts.
Dr. Johnson was the founding executive director of the National Center for Urban School Transformation. For over 25 years, he has identified, studied, and promoted the best practices of schools that achieve outstanding results for students of color.