Professional Learning Helps Principal Address Achievement Gap

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Professional learning helps principal address achievement gap

By Jefna M. Cohen

Categories: Continuous improvement, Leadership, Reaching all students

Rodney Walker, a member of Learning Forward’s Academy Class of 2022 and principal of Brooklyn Park Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland, was named 2023 National Distinguished Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. As a part of Walker’s efforts to advance schoolwide excellence, he and his team have focused on closing achievement gaps, particularly for Black male students. A facet of that work was Walker’s creation of Boys of Distinction, a mentoring group that provides educational and experiential opportunities for Black males. Walker attributes his school’s success to his dedicated staff and his work with Learning Forward on ongoing, high-quality professional learning. Learning Forward talked with Walker about the impact of his work with the Learning Forward Academy.

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About The Learning Forward Academy

The Learning Forward Academy is Learning Forward’s flagship deep learning experience, committed to increasing educator and leader capacity and improving results for students in the ever-changing landscape of education. For over 30 years, the academy has supported the problem-based learning of teachers, teacher leaders, instructional coaches, principals, regional leaders, superintendents, and others whose jobs involve supporting the learning of other adults and students.

References

Maryland State Board of Education. (2021). Transforming the culture of Maryland’s schools for Black boys. Task Force on Achieving Academic Equity and Excellence for Black Boys & Maryland State Board of Education.