Local context
5. Covington recognizes that its high poverty rate presents formidable challenges for many students. Principal
Peggy Murdock and her team have responded with programs like Project EXCELL, which provides mentoring
services to students, many of whom struggle with a difficult life situations. Rose Park takes advantage of its
status as a feeder school to academic magnet high schools to bring alumni back to speak about their high
school experiences.
a. What are the primary obstacles that stand in the way of student success in your school? In what ways are you
addressing them now and how can you improve in this area moving forward?
b. What assets does your school have that could be leveraged to address student needs?
Leadership
6. At John Sevier, shared leadership contributes to a shared accountability for the success of the school. Principal
Wilson and Assistant Principal Boles are not only strong leaders themselves, but they make a concerted effort
to distribute leadership among teachers and other faculty members.
a. How can your school build an environment that holds all members accountable while valuing their contributions to
the community?
b. How is leadership shared and distributed in your school? What qualities do the leaders at your school exhibit? How
do they compare to the leaders at the SCORE Prize winning schools? What opportunities are available to teachers
to serve as a leaders B