Episode 83
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(February 11, 2011) Start with a school that is failing and reshape it into a space where students excel and the community embraces. Dr. Lucious Brown, principal of John F. Kennedy Middle School in Atlanta, talks about how partnering in the community, engaging students and building teacher effectiveness has led to dramatic school transformation. Dr. Brown is interviewed by Sulema Carreón-Sánchez, M.A., an IDRA senior education associate. The corresponding article is a new feature in the IDRA Newsletter, “Courageous Connections.” Send comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or fill out form online at www.idra.org/Podcasts. Sign up to receive free e-mail notices when new episodes are available.

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See resource links and show notes. (13.4 MB; 00:14:29 min.)

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 Resources

School Principal Discusses the Dramatic Transformation of His School
IDRA Newsletter article

Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program

Quality Schools Action Framework

Courage to Connect: A Quality Schools Action Framework

Hear Podcasts about the Quality Schools Action Framework

 Show Notes

* Bradley Scott, Ph.D., director of the IDRA South Central Collaborative for Equity introduces the podcast interview, remarking on the "night and day" transformation of John F. Kennedy Middle School under the leadership of Dr. Lucious Brown. Bradley talks of the remarkable possibilities for schools "when people of vision make up their mind and shoulder up their will to make a difference with regard to academic outcomes for kids and success for kids and families in schools."

* Dr. Brown lists the educational awards that his school has earned in recent years, and outlines the progress made during his tenure as principal.

* Dr. Brown explains how he has used the IDRA Quality Schools Action Framework to support change strategy and to build tutoring partnerships with nearby colleges.

* Dr. Brown challenges the notions that poor students can't learn and can't be taught.

* Dr. Brown discusses the school system indicators that he has been tracking: parent involvement; community engagement; teaching quality; and curriculum quality and access.

* Dr. Brown talks about the impact that the Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program has made at Kennedy Middle School, particularly in addressing school holding power.

* Dr. Brown recounts the positive impression that former Georgia State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox had on a recent visit to Kennedy.

Show length: 14:29

Related podcasts

Leading a Diverse Campus to Success – January 25, 2008

Tool for Building Quality Schools – December 9, 2010

Continuities with Lessons in Dropout Prevention – December 17, 2009

Learnings from the Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program – June 28, 2007

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