In a recent podcast episode of Pathleaders podcast hosted by Dave Darmstandler, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Datapath, and Matt Kinnaman, Founder and President of New Era Superintendents, the focus was on the topics of educational leadership and student achievement. The special guest, Dr. Brenda Poole, Superintendent of the Brinkley School District in Arkansas, shared her passionate approach to overcoming educational challenges, particularly in high-poverty areas.
Relentless Philosophy and Community Involvement
Dr. Poole has been at the helm of the Brinkley School District since 2016. Serving a student body with 78% living in poverty, she emphasizes a philosophy of relentless dedication to student success. Her approach, inspired by the adage "it takes a village," is unique and holistic, involving everyone from custodians to bus drivers in the mission to ensure every student succeeds. This community-focused strategy underscores that when everyone contributes—from maintaining clean facilities to providing nutritious meals—students are more likely to thrive. By ensuring that all staff members understand their vital role in the educational ecosystem, Dr. Poole fosters a supportive environment where every child's potential can be realized.
Achievements in Math and Literacy
Under Dr. Poole's leadership, the Brinkley School District has made significant strides in math education. The district's elementary school math department has been recognized for high growth by the Office of Education. This success is attributed to strengthening teachers' content knowledge, solid scoping sequences, and implementing effective intervention strategies. The district employs a consistent process, including tier-one instruction and tier-two interventions, ensuring all students have the support they need to excel in math.
In literacy, the district is affiliated with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides books to young children to foster early reading habits. Despite challenges in literacy, particularly between second and third grade, Dr. Poole is optimistic. The district hosts parent nights to educate families on literacy standards and practices, aiming to build home libraries and encourage daily reading.
Inspiring Students Beyond the Classroom
Dr. Poole emphasizes the importance of connecting students' education to real-world applications. The district organizes career fairs at both elementary and high school levels, helping students understand the relevance of their studies. Additionally, students maintain journals from kindergarten, documenting their aspirations and revisiting them annually. This initiative encourages students to dream big and see education as a pathway to achieving their goals.
Addressing Challenges in Education
A significant challenge in education today is the nationwide teacher shortage. Dr. Poole discusses how small districts, in particular, struggle to attract and retain effective teachers. In response, Brinkley School District employs Act 1240 waivers to hire degree-holding individuals, even if they lack formal teaching credentials. The district supports these novice teachers through professional development and a mentorship program involving veteran teachers and leadership teams.
Literacy as a National Priority
Dr. Poole's message to her fellow superintendents emphasizes the critical importance of literacy. She advocates for adopting the science of reading, a systematic approach to teaching literacy that has shown success in Arkansas. By viewing all educators as literacy teachers (no matter the subject), Dr. Poole believes schools can better prepare students for all academic subjects and life beyond school. Despite the rise of digital technology, Dr. Poole champions the use of physical books in the classroom. She argues that while technology has its place, it often distracts students from deep reading. The Brinkley School District ensures that classroom libraries are well-stocked with physical books and sends books home with students to encourage reading outside of school.
Be Relentless Against All Odds
Dr. Brenda Poole's relentless commitment to student achievement, innovative strategies in math and literacy, and holistic approach to education exemplify effective educational leadership. Her focus on community involvement, early literacy, and real-world applications of education inspires not only her district but also the broader educational community. As schools nationwide struggle with similar challenges, Dr. Poole's insights offer valuable lessons in fostering student success against the odds.
Listen to our podcast discussion by clicking HERE (Past episodes can also be found HERE).
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