Middle-Level Month Spotlight—Kevin Armstrong
Communicator
March 2018, Volume 41, Issue 7
In March, Middle-Level Education Month provides a unique opportunity to focus on those who serve students in the middle grades. NAESP is proud to celebrate the school leaders who make a difference at the middle-level. To shine a light on these educators, here is a spotlight on Tennessee principal Kevin Armstrong:
DuPont Hadley Middle Prep (DHMP) principal Kevin Armstrong doesn’t believe in shying away from challenges. His school’s mantra, “We Are Hadley,” means, No matter what, keep your head down and continue striving for excellence. That’s what Armstrong does, and what he expects his students and staff to do as well.
Armstrong attributes his accomplishments to his collaborative leadership team, as well as to their use of data. His data-driven achievements include an award for attaining the largest ethnic group performance gap closure for the 2014–2015 school year.
“Students and teachers simply cannot be their very best when school culture is absent in your building; change the culture, change the achievement,” Armstrong says.
Here, he talks about his approach to education.
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About His Data-Driven Approach To Closing The Achievement Gap
In order to truly reach all learners, I believe you must have a wide variety of programs to meet all students. An example of that variety at DHMP includes the creation of Mathematics and English Essentials class for all four grade levels. DHMP Essentials classes are designed for those struggling learners who never truly developed foundational skills in English and/or mathematics. By giving these students a true foundation, we have seen amazing growth. In regard to maintaining high standards for all, we are constantly using data to drive instruction, including moving students to areas to ensure they are being challenged.
On Receiving An Award For Achieving The Largest Ethnic Group Performance Gap Closure
We believe any time that you can move the needle as a school community, it should be celebrated. It feels good to know that we are not only moving in the right direction, but also that our underrepresented students are achieving the same success as their counterparts. We are very intentional and use morning meetings, restorative practices, clubs, student incentives, youth court, and student-led conferences to address the social and emotional needs of our students. Lastly, and most importantly, this movement begins with our diverse faculty that is specifically recruited to serve the needs of our students.
Advice To Principals Focused On Closing The Achievement Gap At Their School
Closing the achievement gap begins and ends with school climate and culture. Many administrators jump in and immediately focus on the achievement gap. You simply will not be able to close achievement gaps on a campus that is not conducive to learning.
Originally published in Principal magazine “Across the Nation: What’s Working for Urban, Suburban, and Rural Schools,” March/April.
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