Strategies Leaders Can Use to Improve Rigor in Their Schools

  Concern about rigor is not new. Since the release of A Nation At Risk (National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983) the debate about the quality of America’s schools has grown exponentially. This debate calls for dramatically different schools, schools that are much more responsive to student need, and provide a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for success in higher education and the workplace.

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Saldana’s students know
‘ why they are there’

     “In my job I have the power to positively impact learning for all students, especially in relation to real world relevance,” relates Long Beach (CA) Unified School District Principal Matt Saldana. “My program lets students understand why they are in school. They see each day why math or English is important to them.”

     Being a school leader in a different situation than many, Saldana is in charge of the Long Beach School for Adults, the Regional Occupation Program, and Career and Technical Education in one of California’s largest school districts. But that difference is one thing that makes the principalship exciting and challenging for Saldana.

     He influences adults seeking to increase their literacy skills or develop skills that will allow them to compete successful for a job, young adults having determined that they need a diploma after dropping out of high school, and people who have come to the United States seeking a new start. Additionally, Saldana has the opportunity to work with Southern California business leaders in developing programs to help teachers build their skills to offer lessons relevant to the workplace.

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