Postcard from America October/November 2024

From touchdown in Atlanta to lift-off five weeks later in Los Angeles, my sabbatical in America did not disappoint. My aim was to explore leadership preparation and visit schools in high-needs areas culminating in the UCEA Convention in Los Angeles where I represented New Zealand as Co-Director of the UCEA Centre for the Study of International School Leadership. I am indebted to Professor Jami Berry from the University of Georgia and Professor Charles Slater from California State University Long Beach for hosting me and providing two itineraries rich in experiences and new learning, a snapshot of which I share with you here.

In both states, I met early-career principals leading high-needs schools with passion and flair. Their schools were well-resourced including counsellors and school nurses for K-6. There were full time custodial staff and the schools just sparkled. Children received hot meals in the cafeteria at lunchtime and open pantries were available for those who needed a snack during the day. At one school, parents had their own space where toddlers were welcome, food supplies and spare clothing were on hand, and a washer and drier were available. At a secondary school, I saw a large class of parents learning English as a second language. Later at lunchtime, music played outside, and the atmosphere was like a relaxed music festival. Just before the bell rang, the music changed to the theme from Mission Impossible and the students melted away to line up quietly outside their classrooms. No uniform, no dress code but respect, calm and a desire to learn prevailed.

At both universities, there were superb well-resourced programmes for leadership learning that provided the qualifications required to become a principal. The EdD programmes applied educational theory using action research methodology. Study involved face-to-face classes as well as online work. The students preferred the face-to-face learning saying it kept them motivated, even on Saturdays and in after-school classes. They saw the opportunity to be part of a cohort that would continue to support each other throughout their careers. In one evening, class at CSULB, we practised interviews for principal positions. I could see how the students might support and encourage each other with future applications. Another day, I attended training on property, finance and other related matters provided by the School District in Georgia.

Halloween occurred while I was in Covington, a small town southwest of Georgia that featured as a film set for the Vampire Diaries and the Dukes of Hazzard. As it grew dark, thousands of families descended on the town in Halloween costume, and Jami enlisted me to hand out candy from the front steps of a southern mansion. An unforgettable experience. A few days later it was the Federal Election. I knew it would be tightly contested in Georgia from observing houses decorated with Trump and Harris posters side-by-side. It was hard to escape the party-political broadcasts and electioneering. It was everywhere along the side of the roads and decorating vehicles. I felt like I was the only person not voting that day.

I was fascinated with the architecture, from the historic southern homes in Covington to the charming Californian bungalows in Monrovia. Charles took us on a tour around Little Venice in Long Beach complete with canals, bridges, and gondolas! The landscapes were stunning. From the just-finished-flowering cotton fields, peaceful blue mountains and fall colours of Georgia, to the endless sandy beaches of Southern California. Watching the sunset over the Pacific from the pier at Seal Beach was beautiful. There were surprises too, like a small island off the coast at Long Beach that was a cunningly disguised oil rig - palm trees and all! The industrial nature of America was never far away. Cars everywhere including driverless taxis, and oil being pumped just off the sidewalk on the way to Monrovia. Huge skyscrapers featured in LA. We observed one on fire but were quickly assured they were just making a movie! I was spoilt with endless sunshine in both states and amazing hospitality.

So, what left a lasting impression about the schools I visited?

• Education was highly valued by all stakeholders.
• There was emphasis on progress rather than achievement.
• There appeared to be little judgement or deficit thinking. The principals were addressing poverty, they knew their illegal immigrants and their homeless families. And these children were all in school being supported to learn.
• Principals and teachers were backed by school district superintendents and learning specialists who helped track the progress of every child. Where a child was not progressing, the focus was on helping teachers interpret the curriculum to meet the needs of that child.

Overall, this was an amazing opportunity to witness dedicated, passionate teachers and leaders in primary, secondary and tertiary settings in the two states. There was evidence of clearly structured, evidence-based leadership programs, and well-mapped career paths for those aspiring to school leadership. Regarding the schools, there is no doubt the strategies for tackling issues of poverty, racial discrimination, and truancy cost public money but the concerted determination that ‘every child succeed’ really shone.