Reflections on A+
“Out of all the things that I have done to improve myself as a leader, this has been the most valuable.”
Paul Castro
Head of High Schools, KIPP Houston
"The Academy has awesome leaders and visionary, thoughtful individuals. The experience is far better than a 'beginners' course in administration."
Lawrence Kohn
Former Principal, Atascocita High School, Humble ISD
The path to post-secondary success begins in the principal's office.
By far, the most strategic leverage point for school transformation is the principal. When you nurture a principal's knowledge and skills as an instructional leader, you create unlimited potential for advancing post-secondary success for students.
Today's school leaders must be adept in business, communications, data analysis, management, human resources and instruction -- capable of motivating teachers and students to new levels of success.
Yet 69 percent of principals and 80 percent of superintendents believe that traditional principal training programs are out of touch with the current realities of the job, according to a recent survey by Public Agenda.
Middle School Leadership Academy
Since 1999, Houston A+ Challenge leadership academies have strengthened the skills and knowledge of more than 300 school leaders in districts throughout the greater Houston region.
The primary objective of our Middle School Leadership Academy is to develop the capacity of school principals and leadership teams to advance student post-secondary success.
Through our intensive program, we offer individualized coaching, network support and tactical guidance to seated middle school principals. Learn more.
Portrait of an A+ Leader
Janie Saxton (above) is an A+ leadership academy graduate, and principal of O'Donnell Middle School in Alief ISD -- one of six local campuses currently involved in Houston A+'s Challenge Network.
She says: "Sharing best practices with principals from across the area -- coupled with the emphasis on excellent leadership and rigorous instruction -- has equipped me with the confidence and skills to lead my school, my staff, and our students to higher levels of success."
