How much does a principal like Ms. Alvarez impact a school like Bethune, and how important is her leadership in promoting the success and high academic achievement of all our students?
According to a 2004 landmark report by the Wallace Foundation…not only does a principal’s leadership have an impact: “it is second only to teaching among school influences on student success, and its impact is greatest in schools with the greatest needs.” 1
How do high-quality leaders achieve this impact?
• By setting directions and expectations clearly
• By assisting staff development – providing teachers and others with the support and training needed
• And by making the organization work – ensuring that conditions support rather than inhibit teaching and learning
We believe Ms. Alvarez is implementing these highly effective, leadership strategies and has made large strides in making Bethune a successful school. Her leadership efforts have resulted not only a positive response by the majority of our faculty, staff and community but also and most importantly they have made a genuine difference in the success and lives of our students. Behavior and attention to academics have shown measurable improvement.
As a result of her influence, students and faculty are beginning to develop trust. Another administrative change, a week before assessments, is a transition that would deteriorate this climate of peace and earned trust. This change would undoubtedly, have a detrimental impact on the success of our students.
We realize there are still challenges ahead at Bethune, but the real work and growth has begun under the extensive experience and highly effective leadership of Ms. Alvarez. Her hard work and vision is paying off and we’ve begun to reap its benefits.
How to ensure that we continue this path to healthy student success ?You, our elected board, have the power to make a difference by making the effective, just decision. At Bethune, Ms. Alvarez puts our children FIRST… we ask that you do the same.
We, the undersigned, call on the School Board of Broward County, to deny the recommendation of Ms. Haynes. We ask that you vote to retain and appoint Ms. Alvarez as principal of Bethune Elementary School.
1 Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement. (2004). How Leadership Influences Student Learning. Ontario, Canada
