“We must change the culture in education starting at the top. Superintendents and principals should be trained in the use of classroom technology tools so they understand what teachers need.” (Text of Governor Rick Perry's Remarks on State of Education in Texas  March 14, 2002, Thurs  7:45:26 P.M. CST CAPITOL SPOTLIGHTsm  ARCHIVE http://www.mycapitol.com/spotlightarchive.htm )

 

An exciting program in Texas is developing a new breed of superintendents who will be effective integrators of technology, research, and problem-solving skills.  The Bill Ratliff School Executive Academy of Northeast Texas is helping to ensure that superintendents are equipped for leadership under rising legislative accountability, more demanding content and curriculum, and an ever changing demand for higher technology skills.    

 In 2003 Texas is implementing a new accountability system, resulting in higher expectations on new student tests.  These tests promise to be more rigorous than the previous tests and teachers are faced with creating a learning environment using greater depth of content and higher-order thinking skills.  A new teacher/leader development system is in place to bring teachers up to speed with the use of technology, data, and continuous improvement in the teaching and learning process. 

 Concurrently, there is a new “superhighway” for superintendents, known as the The Bill Ratliff School Executive Academy Of  Northeast Texas.   The academy is “super” in many respects…first, because it utilizes a unique and powerful partnership between The Region VIII Education Service Center and Texas A&M University at Commerce.  Participants of the academy receive post-graduate credit while working toward the superintendent certification.  The academy affords candidates an alternative superintendent certification program approved by the State Board for Educator Certification.

 Secondly, the academy is “super” because the two existing cohorts—year 1 and year 2 collaborate with practicing superintendents, professors, and ESC staff to design and implement working strategies for addressing the needs of participating school districts.  The academy emphasizes real-life expertise and implementation instead of the traditional seat time.  The cohorts develop critical skills in technology, research, real-world project-based activities, online accountability, virtual chats and networking, and face-to-face study groups.  

 Thirdly, the academy is “super” because it breaks out of the traditional mold of the industrial age classroom.  The academy utilizes three powerful concepts for delivery.  One-third of the class time is dedicated to virtual online research and accountability activities including journaling, article analysis, electronic portfolio, and cohort commentaries and chats. 

 One-third of the academy involves applied projects in real-world settings including but not limited to school board presentations, district planning and improvement, and a mentorship with a certified superintendent. 

 The last one-third is dedicated to face-to-face study groups.  All three of these program characteristics are research-based best practices for successful implementation of learning environments that rely heavily on distance learning and online communication.  Incorporating face-to-face communication is invaluable for encouraging effective collaboration online.  

 The academy is a “highway” because it speeds scholars through the process of preparing for the Superintendent ExCET.  The academy is SBEC Proficiency driven.   There are 72 proficiencies directly tied to the ExCET exam.  An electronic portfolio is used to continuously assess the mastery of these proficiencies for each scholar.  This method allows participating scholars to block out time for family and civic duties because seat time is not an issue. Documenting each proficiency is accomplished through real-world activities and apprenticeship, and some are credited as a part of a scholar’s previous professional experience.

 Dr. Bennet Mullen, formerly of Stephen F. Austin State University and now the inspiring force behind The Bill Ratliff School Executive Academy Of  Northeast Texas works as project directory with Scott Ferguson, Executive Director of Region VIII Education Service Center, David Mabe, Associate Executive Director, Miquel Bacallao, Database Engineer at ESC8, and  Dr. James Vornberg, Chairman from the Department of School Administration Texas A&M University – Commerce. 

Dr. Mullen believes that preparing school leaders involves not only knowledge and skills, but also the development of character traits like integrity, stewardship, and a necessary spiritual dimension for leadership.   His aspirations to build a valid and effective leadership program for the strenuous demands of the 21^st Century have been realized in The Bill Ratliff School Executive Academy.  He has created an environment where outstanding scholars can apply what they know without the restraints of a traditional classroom.   He states, “Time and cost are two important barriers to talented people entering traditional programs. We can illustrate how blocked time, technologies, local study groups, school-based mentors, and school-based projects make the program job-, cost-, family-, and time-friendly."

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From Left to Right:  Dr. Don Coker, Dr. Kenneth English, Dr. Bennet Mullen

 

As the second year unfolds in The Bill Ratliff School Executive Academy, Dr Mullen is handing the reigns over to Dr. Don Coker who has served as department head, dean of  the school of education and provost and vice president of academic affairs at Texas A&M University at Commerce.  According to Dr. Mullen,  Dr. Coker is a person of principal and wisdom and a good organizer with insight into how schools, universities, and service centers work together.

 If you are interested in more information about attending the academy, please feel free to visit the Region VIII website to download an application packet for the next cohort forming this spring. 

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