Campus Culture + Community Connection

Presenters:
Principal Quinton Courts, Cigarroa Elementary School, Dallas ISD
Principal Lynn Ojeda, Academy High School, Plano ISD
 Quinton Courts, Principal
Leonides Gonzalez Cigarroa, M.D.
Elementary School
Flipping Campus Culture:
A Case Study in School Turnaround
1. State of the school in SY 2013-2014
2. First steps to spark a culture shift
3. Day-to-day leader actions that build a
positive school culture
4. Campus culture turnaround results
5. Lessons learned
Cigarroa Elementary Facts in SY13-14

• Opened in Fall 2006

• 657 students
• 98.3% Low SES
• 13th highest percent poverty
of 229 Dallas ISD schools
• 96% Hisp., 3% AA, 1% Other
• 3rd largest number of
newcomers of 229 Dallas
ISD schools
• 43 teachers
• 78 staff members
State of the School in May of SY13-14

• 7 teacher vacancies in
SY13-14
• Kindergarten student to
teacher ratio of 35:1
• 60% of teachers set to
leave for SY14-15
• No action planning for
SY14-15
• Spring 2014 Climate
survey among bottom 5 of
227 Dallas ISD schools
State of the School in May of SY13-14

• 7 teacher vacancies in
SY13-14
• Kindergarten student to
teacher ratio of 35:1
• 60% of teachers set to
leave for SY14-15 PK K 1 2 3 4 5
• No action planning for Some teachers changed
SY14-15 grade level/content areas
• Spring 2014 Climate up to 5 times in one year.
survey among bottom 5 of
227 Dallas ISD schools
State of the School in May of SY13-14

• 7 teacher vacancies in
SY13-14
• Kindergarten student to
teacher ratio of 35:1
• 60% of teachers set to
leave for SY14-15
• No action planning for For SY14-15, 60% of
SY14-15 teachers were new to the
• Spring 2014 Climate campus and 49% were 1st
survey among bottom 5 of year teachers.
227 Dallas ISD schools
 Spring 2014 Campus Climate Survey
L. G. Cigarroa ES
Campus Feeder
Percent District District Pattern Division Magnet District
Positive Scale Quintile Group Percent Percent Percent Percent
Survey Category/Item (S2014) Score Score Rank Positive Positive Positive Positive
Beliefs and Priorities 50.4 2 1 145 75.2 73.4 82.7 75.0
My campus currently bases its actions on the district's Core Beliefs.
The district's Core Beliefs will lead to success.
The key actions my school is working on this year are focused on what is best for students.
62.5
75.0
50.0
86.2
71.4
73.1
86.0
68.5
72.5
88.8
70.7
83.7
86.5
70.4
75.3
Beliefs and Priorities
I understand my role in implementing the school's key actions.
I have the support I need from campus leadership to do my job well.
78.1
34.4
88.7
72.0
87.7
68.8
90.6
83.2
88.3
70.4 145th of 147
My campus leadership helps me understand recent changes in the school’s focus. 40.6 74.7 70.8 83.0 71.5
How similar are your school's priorities to what you think they should be? 34.4 65.6 65.1 78.1 66.4
Overall, the campus is headed in the right direction. 28.1 69.8 67.0 82.7 69.9
25.0 45.3 43.2 40.4 44.4
Culture of Feedback
Overall, the district is headed in the right direction.*
Culture of Feedback and Support 31.1 1 1 145 69.8 62.5 74.2 64.5
My campus leadership helps me improve the quality of my instruction. 31.8 70.6 64.2 77.5 66.1
The instructional feedback I get helps me improve the quality of my instruction.
I have sufficient opportunities and encouragement to develop my leadership potential.
27.3
36.4
71.5
69.8
63.9
61.2
74.4
76.1
65.3
63.4 and Support
The PD sessions at my school this year helped me improve instruction. 22.7 67.7 57.0 66.0 57.7
My team experiences with colleagues this year helped me improve instruction.
My school has an effective instructional leadership team.
45.5
22.7
71.2
67.7
69.6
58.8
74.7
76.1
71.5
62.8
145th of 147
Positive Culture and Environment 35.4 4 1 144 63.9 60.6 75.5 61.3
I would recommend this school to others to work here. 25.0 67.4 64.9 89.3 67.2

Positive Culture and

I usually look forward to working each day at this school. 37.5 72.2 69.6 87.5 71.4
I believe I work in an environment of support and respect. 28.1 69.1 65.3 81.4 67.5
Discipline is enforced consistently and effectively at my campus. 28.1 56.6 53.1 65.3 51.8
Unruly students are not permitted to disrupt the learning environment.
The campus I work in is clean, safe and free of physical hazards.
21.9
87.5
58.5
79.0
54.2
77.0
75.5
85.7
52.3
75.7 Environment
31.3 50.1 50.0 61.9 50.8
144th of 147
If offered a comparable position with similar pay/benefits at another district, I would sta
I am satisfied with the recognition I receive for doing a good job. 37.5 64.8 61.2 75.4 62.6
Morale at my school has improved this year. 21.9 57.2 50.0 57.0 52.0
College-Going Culture 63.8 13 1 143 76.3 75.5 95.5 78.3
Teachers expect most students in this school to go to college. 60.9 69.0 67.2 98.4 71.1
Instruction in this school is focused on helping students get ready for college. 39.1 70.0 70.5 97.4 74.3
69.6 80.5 79.7 98.7 82.7
College-Going Culture
Teachers in this school feel that it is a part of their job to prepare students to succeed
Teachers at this school accept nothing less from students than their full effort. 60.9 75.2 74.2 90.1 76.2
Teachers at this school do not let students give up when their class work becomes challengi 73.9 76.6 76.5 92.4 78.7
Teachers at this school give students feedback to help them understand how to improve.
*New item in 2013-14; not used in calculation of scale scores.
Group Rank: Rank within Secondary Schools (61), Elementary Schools (147), or Magnet Schools (15) group.
78.3 86.3 85.2 96.1 86.6
143rd of 147
 Spring 2014 Campus Climate Survey:

What the Staff Said

• 28% believed the school
was headed in the right L. G. Cigarroa ES
Campus
Percent
Positive
District District
Scale Quintile Group
Feeder
Pattern
Percent
Division
Percent
Magnet
Percent
District
Percent

direction
Survey Category/Item (S2014) Score Score Rank Positive Positive Positive Positive
Beliefs and Priorities 50.4 2 1 145 75.2 73.4 82.7 75.0
My campus currently bases its actions on the district's Core Beliefs. 62.5 86.2 86.0 88.8 86.5
The district's Core Beliefs will lead to success. 75.0 71.4 68.5 70.7 70.4
The key actions my school is working on this year are focused on what is best for students. 50.0 73.1 72.5 83.7 75.3
I understand my role in implementing the school's key actions. 78.1 88.7 87.7 90.6 88.3

• 22% believed the school’s

I have the support I need from campus leadership to do my job well. 34.4 72.0 68.8 83.2 70.4
My campus leadership helps me understand recent changes in the school’s focus. 40.6 74.7 70.8 83.0 71.5
How similar are your school's priorities to what you think they should be? 34.4 65.6 65.1 78.1 66.4
Overall, the campus is headed in the right direction. 28.1 69.8 67.0 82.7 69.9
Overall, the district is headed in the right direction.* 25.0 45.3 43.2 40.4 44.4
Culture of Feedback and Support 31.1 1 1 145 69.8 62.5 74.2 64.5

professional development
My campus leadership helps me improve the quality of my instruction. 31.8 70.6 64.2 77.5 66.1
The instructional feedback I get helps me improve the quality of my instruction. 27.3 71.5 63.9 74.4 65.3
I have sufficient opportunities and encouragement to develop my leadership potential. 36.4 69.8 61.2 76.1 63.4
The PD sessions at my school this year helped me improve instruction. 22.7 67.7 57.0 66.0 57.7
My team experiences with colleagues this year helped me improve instruction. 45.5 71.2 69.6 74.7 71.5
My school has an effective instructional leadership team. 22.7 67.7 58.8 76.1 62.8

helped their instruction

Positive Culture and Environment 35.4 4 1 144 63.9 60.6 75.5 61.3
I would recommend this school to others to work here. 25.0 67.4 64.9 89.3 67.2
I usually look forward to working each day at this school. 37.5 72.2 69.6 87.5 71.4
I believe I work in an environment of support and respect. 28.1 69.1 65.3 81.4 67.5
Discipline is enforced consistently and effectively at my campus. 28.1 56.6 53.1 65.3 51.8
Unruly students are not permitted to disrupt the learning environment. 21.9 58.5 54.2 75.5 52.3

• 28% believed they worked

The campus I work in is clean, safe and free of physical hazards. 87.5 79.0 77.0 85.7 75.7
If offered a comparable position with similar pay/benefits at another district, I would sta 31.3 50.1 50.0 61.9 50.8
I am satisfied with the recognition I receive for doing a good job. 37.5 64.8 61.2 75.4 62.6
Morale at my school has improved this year. 21.9 57.2 50.0 57.0 52.0
College-Going Culture 63.8 13 1 143 76.3 75.5 95.5 78.3
Teachers expect most students in this school to go to college. 60.9 69.0 67.2 98.4 71.1

in an environment of
Instruction in this school is focused on helping students get ready for college. 39.1 70.0 70.5 97.4 74.3
Teachers in this school feel that it is a part of their job to prepare students to succeed 69.6 80.5 79.7 98.7 82.7
Teachers at this school accept nothing less from students than their full effort. 60.9 75.2 74.2 90.1 76.2
Teachers at this school do not let students give up when their class work becomes challengi 73.9 76.6 76.5 92.4 78.7
Teachers at this school give students feedback to help them understand how to improve. 78.3 86.3 85.2 96.1 86.6
*New item in 2013-14; not used in calculation of scale scores.

support and respect

Group Rank: Rank within Secondary Schools (61), Elementary Schools (147), or Magnet Schools (15) group.

• 25% would recommend

others to work at Cigarroa
First Steps to a Culture Shift

Step One: Assess the state of the school.

Interview every staff member and important stakeholders
individually for 20 minutes.
First Steps to a Culture Shift

Step One: Assess the state of the school.

“There is no pulse here.
Adults and kids just show up.”

“Our personal and family time

are not respected.”

“Whatever we do, it needs to

have a purpose.”

“Feedback is harsh and

punitive.”
First Steps to a Culture Shift

Step One: Assess the state of the school.

• If you could create three overarching foci for this school,
what would they be?
• What systems, routines, and practices are working in
this school and what would you like to keep? Which are
not working and you would like to change?
• What have been you and your students’ biggest
challenges at this school?
• Would you like to be a leader in this school?
• Would you like to help make plans for this school
outside of school hours?
First Steps to a Culture Shift

Step Two: Form a team and train as a team.

Staff interviews will draw you to those whom you will trust the most.
First Steps to a Culture Shift

Step Three: Start with the heart from day one.

Collaboratively create a school vision to which all individuals will
aspire to reach, and collaboratively create school values which will
manifest in everyday decisions and behaviors.
First Steps to a Culture Shift

Step Three: Start with the heart from day one.

Collaboratively create a school vision to which all individuals will
aspire to reach, and collaboratively create school values which will
manifest in everyday decisions and behaviors.
First Steps to a Culture Shift

Step Four: Invest students and their families.

Clearly explain the rationale and the new direction to the school.
Day-to-Day Leader Actions That
Build a Positive School Culture
Connect everything to the vision and values. Talk
about, take pictures of, and highlight the vision and
values in action.
Day-to-Day Leader Actions That
Build a Positive School Culture
Connect everything to the vision and values. Talk
about, take pictures of, and highlight the vision and
values in action.
Day-to-Day Leader Actions That
Build a Positive School Culture
Walk the walk alongside your staff. Call them by name. Sit
with them in professional development. Plan with them.
Always give them face-to-face feedback. Know what they
value in their life. Don’t park in the principal’s parking spot. 
Day-to-Day Leader Actions That
Build a Positive School Culture
Rebrand everything!
Day-to-Day Leader Actions That
Build a Positive School Culture
Rebrand everything!
Day-to-Day Leader Actions That
Build a Positive School Culture
Rebrand everything!
Day-to-Day Leader Actions That
Build a Positive School Culture
Love your kids and their parents – always!
Day-to-Day Leader Actions That
Build a Positive School Culture
Say yes… a lot.
 Campus Climate Turnaround Results:
Spring 2014 Campus Climate Survey
L. G. Cigarroa ES
Campus Feeder
Percent District District Pattern Division Magnet District
Positive Scale Quintile Group Percent Percent Percent Percent
Survey Category/Item (S2014) Score Score Rank Positive Positive Positive Positive
Beliefs and Priorities 50.4 2 1 145 75.2 73.4 82.7 75.0
My campus currently bases its actions on the district's Core Beliefs. 62.5 86.2 86.0 88.8 86.5
The district's Core Beliefs will lead to success. 75.0 71.4 68.5 70.7 70.4
The key actions my school is working on this year are focused on what is best for students. 50.0 73.1 72.5 83.7 75.3
I understand my role in implementing the school's key actions. 78.1 88.7 87.7 90.6 88.3
I have the support I need from campus leadership to do my job well. 34.4 72.0 68.8 83.2 70.4
My campus leadership helps me understand recent changes in the school’s focus. 40.6 74.7 70.8 83.0 71.5
How similar are your school's priorities to what you think they should be? 34.4 65.6 65.1 78.1 66.4
Overall, the campus is headed in the right direction.
Overall, the district is headed in the right direction.*
Culture of Feedback and Support
28.1
25.0
31.1 1 1 145
69.8
45.3
69.8
67.0
43.2
62.5
82.7
40.4
74.2
69.9
44.4
64.5
Average
group rank =
My campus leadership helps me improve the quality of my instruction. 31.8 70.6 64.2 77.5 66.1
The instructional feedback I get helps me improve the quality of my instruction. 27.3 71.5 63.9 74.4 65.3
I have sufficient opportunities and encouragement to develop my leadership potential. 36.4 69.8 61.2 76.1 63.4
22.7 67.7 57.0 66.0 57.7

144/147
The PD sessions at my school this year helped me improve instruction.
My team experiences with colleagues this year helped me improve instruction. 45.5 71.2 69.6 74.7 71.5
My school has an effective instructional leadership team. 22.7 67.7 58.8 76.1 62.8
Positive Culture and Environment 35.4 4 1 144 63.9 60.6 75.5 61.3
I would recommend this school to others to work here.
I usually look forward to working each day at this school.
I believe I work in an environment of support and respect.
25.0
37.5
28.1
67.4
72.2
69.1
64.9
69.6
65.3
89.3
87.5
81.4
67.2
71.4
67.5
schools
Discipline is enforced consistently and effectively at my campus. 28.1 56.6 53.1 65.3 51.8
Unruly students are not permitted to disrupt the learning environment. 21.9 58.5 54.2 75.5 52.3
The campus I work in is clean, safe and free of physical hazards. 87.5 79.0 77.0 85.7 75.7
If offered a comparable position with similar pay/benefits at another district, I would sta 31.3 50.1 50.0 61.9 50.8
I am satisfied with the recognition I receive for doing a good job. 37.5 64.8 61.2 75.4 62.6
Morale at my school has improved this year. 21.9 57.2 50.0 57.0 52.0
College-Going Culture 63.8 13 1 143 76.3 75.5 95.5 78.3
Teachers expect most students in this school to go to college. 60.9 69.0 67.2 98.4 71.1
Instruction in this school is focused on helping students get ready for college. 39.1 70.0 70.5 97.4 74.3
Teachers in this school feel that it is a part of their job to prepare students to succeed 69.6 80.5 79.7 98.7 82.7
Teachers at this school accept nothing less from students than their full effort. 60.9 75.2 74.2 90.1 76.2
Teachers at this school do not let students give up when their class work becomes challengi 73.9 76.6 76.5 92.4 78.7
Teachers at this school give students feedback to help them understand how to improve. 78.3 86.3 85.2 96.1 86.6
*New item in 2013-14; not used in calculation of scale scores.
Group Rank: Rank within Secondary Schools (61), Elementary Schools (147), or Magnet Schools (15) group.
 Campus Climate Turnaround Results:
Fall 2014 Campus Climate Survey
L. G. Cigarroa ES
Campus Feeder Campus
Percent District District Pattern Division Magnet District Percent
Positive Scale Quintile Group Percent Percent Percent Percent Positive
Survey Category/Item (F2014) Score Score Rank Positive Positive Positive Positive (S2014)
Beliefs and Priorities 96.1 93 5 5 82.2 79.5 82.8 78.8 50.4
My campus currently bases its actions on the district's Core Beliefs. 100.0 91.2 90.9 91.9 89.7 62.5
The district's Core Beliefs will lead to success. 86.0 77.1 72.1 70.4 72.7 75.0
The key actions my school is working on this year are focused on what is best for students. 94.8 83.1 80.7 82.7 79.9 50.0
I understand my role in implementing the school's key actions. 100.0 91.3 90.7 92.5 90.3 78.1
I have the support I need from campus leadership to do my job well. 96.5 79.3 75.4 83.4 74.5 34.4
My campus leadership helps me understand recent changes in the school's focus. 100.0 79.3 77.3 81.8 76.0 40.6
How similar are your school's priorities to what you think they should be? 91.4 77.5 73.6 78.7 72.3 34.4
Overall, my campus is headed in the right direction.
Overall, the District is headed in the right direction.*
Culture of Feedback and Support
100.0
60.3
92.3 91 5 9
78.3
57.5
74.7
74.6
47.9
69.2
80.4
44.8
73.2
74.0
48.2
67.9
28.1
25.0
31.1
Average
group rank =
My campus leadership helps me improve the quality of my instruction. 94.6 77.7 70.8 76.0 69.4 31.8
The instructional feedback I get helps me improve the quality of my instruction. 91.9 74.5 69.9 72.4 68.9 27.3
I have sufficient opportunities and encouragement to develop my leadership potential. 94.6 74.0 67.9 76.5 66.2 36.4

10/147
The PD sessions at my school this year helped me improve instruction. 91.9 67.9 61.6 65.0 60.0 22.7
My team experiences with colleagues (e.g., grade-level teams, PLCs) this year helped me improve inst 89.2 79.1 75.1 74.2 74.3 45.5
My school has an effective instructional leadership team. 91.7 75.3 70.0 75.3 68.5 22.7
Positive Culture and Environment 87.9 91 5 11 71.2 66.2 76.8 65.4 35.4
I would recommend this school to others to work here.
I usually look forward to working each day at this school.
I believe I work in an environment of support and respect.
91.4
93.1
98.2
74.3
77.6
76.5
69.1
72.5
71.3
86.3
86.7
82.6
69.0
72.9
71.5
25.0
37.5
28.1
schools
Discipline is enforced consistently and effectively at my campus. 81.0 68.4 63.4 76.9 61.5 28.1
Unruly students are not permitted to disrupt the learning environment. 79.3 67.7 63.6 81.4 61.1 21.9
The campus I work in is clean, safe and free of physical hazards. 93.0 82.7 82.2 88.2 81.2 87.5
If I were offered a comparable position with similar pay and benefits at another district, I would s 63.8 56.4 50.5 60.2 51.1 31.3
I am satisfied with the recognition I receive for doing a good job. 94.8 71.8 66.8 75.7 65.8 37.5
Morale at my school has improved this year. 96.5 64.9 56.1 52.9 54.7 21.9
College-Going Culture 92.7 87 5 18 82.9 81.6 95.0 81.9 63.8
Teachers expect most students in this school to go to college. 89.7 75.0 75.2 98.2 75.9 60.9
Instruction in this school is focused on helping students get ready for college. 94.9 77.1 76.9 94.7 77.7 39.1
Teachers in this school feel that it is a part of their job to prepare students to succeed in colleg 94.7 88.0 85.6 97.1 85.9 69.6
Teachers at this school accept nothing less from students than their full effort. 92.3 81.5 80.9 90.8 80.6 60.9
Teachers at this school do not let students give up when their class work becomes challenging. 92.3 84.8 82.7 93.4 83.0 73.9
Teachers at this school give students feedback to help them understand how to improve. 92.3 90.7 88.6 95.8 88.2 78.3
*Item not used in calculation of scale scores.
Group Rank: Rank within Secondary Schools (61), Elementary Schools (147), or Magnet Schools (15) group.
 Fall 2014 Campus Climate Survey:
What the Staff Said
Spring Fall
Domain 2014 Quintile 2014 Quintile
Rank Rank

Beliefs and Priorities 145/147 1 5/147 5

Culture of Feedback and
Support 145/147 1 9/147 5

Positive Culture and 144/147 1 11/147 5

Environment
College-Going Culture 143/147 1 18/147 5
 Fall 2014 Campus Climate Survey:
What the Staff Said
• 100% believed the campus
was lead with values. L. G. Cigarroa ES
Campus Feeder Campus

• 100% believed the campus

Percent District District Pattern Division Magnet District Percent
Positive Scale Quintile Group Percent Percent Percent Percent Positive
Survey Category/Item (F2014) Score Score Rank Positive Positive Positive Positive (S2014)
Beliefs and Priorities 96.1 93 5 5 82.2 79.5 82.8 78.8 50.4
My campus currently bases its actions on the district's Core Beliefs. 100.0 91.2 90.9 91.9 89.7 62.5
The district's Core Beliefs will lead to success. 86.0 77.1 72.1 70.4 72.7 75.0

was headed in the right

The key actions my school is working on this year are focused on what is best for students. 94.8 83.1 80.7 82.7 79.9 50.0
I understand my role in implementing the school's key actions. 100.0 91.3 90.7 92.5 90.3 78.1
I have the support I need from campus leadership to do my job well. 96.5 79.3 75.4 83.4 74.5 34.4
My campus leadership helps me understand recent changes in the school's focus. 100.0 79.3 77.3 81.8 76.0 40.6
How similar are your school's priorities to what you think they should be? 91.4 77.5 73.6 78.7 72.3 34.4

direction.
Overall, my campus is headed in the right direction. 100.0 78.3 74.6 80.4 74.0 28.1
Overall, the District is headed in the right direction.* 60.3 57.5 47.9 44.8 48.2 25.0
Culture of Feedback and Support 92.3 91 5 9 74.7 69.2 73.2 67.9 31.1
My campus leadership helps me improve the quality of my instruction. 94.6 77.7 70.8 76.0 69.4 31.8
The instructional feedback I get helps me improve the quality of my instruction. 91.9 74.5 69.9 72.4 68.9 27.3
I have sufficient opportunities and encouragement to develop my leadership potential. 94.6 74.0 67.9 76.5 66.2 36.4

• 100% understood their role in

The PD sessions at my school this year helped me improve instruction. 91.9 67.9 61.6 65.0 60.0 22.7
My team experiences with colleagues (e.g., grade-level teams, PLCs) this year helped me improve inst 89.2 79.1 75.1 74.2 74.3 45.5
My school has an effective instructional leadership team. 91.7 75.3 70.0 75.3 68.5 22.7
Positive Culture and Environment 87.9 91 5 11 71.2 66.2 76.8 65.4 35.4
I would recommend this school to others to work here. 91.4 74.3 69.1 86.3 69.0 25.0

implementing the school’s

I usually look forward to working each day at this school. 93.1 77.6 72.5 86.7 72.9 37.5
I believe I work in an environment of support and respect. 98.2 76.5 71.3 82.6 71.5 28.1
Discipline is enforced consistently and effectively at my campus. 81.0 68.4 63.4 76.9 61.5 28.1
Unruly students are not permitted to disrupt the learning environment. 79.3 67.7 63.6 81.4 61.1 21.9
The campus I work in is clean, safe and free of physical hazards. 93.0 82.7 82.2 88.2 81.2 87.5
63.8 56.4 50.5 60.2 51.1 31.3

key actions.
If I were offered a comparable position with similar pay and benefits at another district, I would s
I am satisfied with the recognition I receive for doing a good job. 94.8 71.8 66.8 75.7 65.8 37.5
Morale at my school has improved this year. 96.5 64.9 56.1 52.9 54.7 21.9
College-Going Culture 92.7 87 5 18 82.9 81.6 95.0 81.9 63.8
Teachers expect most students in this school to go to college. 89.7 75.0 75.2 98.2 75.9 60.9
Instruction in this school is focused on helping students get ready for college. 94.9 77.1 76.9 94.7 77.7 39.1
94.7 88.0 85.6 97.1 85.9 69.6

• 100% believed campus

Teachers in this school feel that it is a part of their job to prepare students to succeed in colleg
Teachers at this school accept nothing less from students than their full effort. 92.3 81.5 80.9 90.8 80.6 60.9
Teachers at this school do not let students give up when their class work becomes challenging. 92.3 84.8 82.7 93.4 83.0 73.9
Teachers at this school give students feedback to help them understand how to improve. 92.3 90.7 88.6 95.8 88.2 78.3
*Item not used in calculation of scale scores.
Group Rank: Rank within Secondary Schools (61), Elementary Schools (147), or Magnet Schools (15) group.

leadership helped them

understand their role in the
school.
 Additional Campus Culture Wins

• 100% believe the campus is

lead with values in Fall 2014,
Spring 2015, and Fall 2015.
• Cigarroa has the 7th highest
parent satisfaction rating (97.1%

#7
positive) of 229 schools and the
highest of any comprehensive
school.
• 100% would recommend others
to work at Cigarroa in Fall 2015.

• We currently have 16
candidates who want to transfer
to Cigarroa.
Lessons Learned

• Relationships are everything and they help

you to have successful difficult
conversations, including nonrenewals.
• Never forget what it is like to be a teacher.
Respond to their concerns as soon as
possible. Acknowledge what they value
and celebrate their life as well as you do
your students.
Lessons Learned

• When in a school turnaround situation, be

realistic and honest about the time in which
the campus will achieve culture and student
achievement goals.
• Celebrate wins along the way and at the same
time, be public about what needs to improve.
• Design a values-based behavioral interview
process for any candidate interested in your
campus.
Thank you!

Quinton Courts
qcourts@dallasisd.org
(972) 502-2906
 Lynn Ojeda, principal
Plano ISD Academy High School
Principal's role = Learner Agent

February Examples

• Toyota and Michael

• Canes Chicken
• Aveda and Alex
• architects and
Matthew
• Mark Cuban
 Do you know your learners?

How do you know? Based on what?

How does your vision of support
align with corporate objectives?

How do you get to "yes"?

Who are your community members?

• Parent Alliance
• Staff
• Ed. Foundation
• Universities
• Non-Profits
• Organizations
• Cold calls...practice with-it-ness for
amazing connections! In person
communication is BEST!
 Now what?

Communicate…Ambassadors…Business Cards
 Next Steps ~ Make a Plan!

Debrief after the tour and

discuss possible connections.

– What do they need?

– What do they have to offer?
– Does is align with your vision?
From cowboy boots to calculating the swept
volume of a pneumatic actuator …
Do you have “woo”?
Be prepared to share specific examples of what they
gain in partnership.
Follow Up

• Email note of thanks and next steps

• Allow at least 6 weeks notice for engagement
opportunity
• Recognize businesses have "seasons” too.
• Consider streamlining process of checking in.
• Offer hospitality when appropriate
• Many corporations have employee matching
programs for schools = $$$
 Show me the money!

We are about the brain.

Educating the brain requires

space, consumable materials, and experiences!
Thank You!

Questions?