Principal and Mathematics Coaches\u27 Journey to Improve Mathematics Learning

My educational career path began as an elementary school teacher, then as an assistant principal, and now as a principal. With the educational experiences that I had at each level of my career, I was certain I would be able to handle an increase in the mathematical rigor presented to our students through the new Mathematics Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools (SOL) [1]. I found that, yes, I was able to understand the rigor. However, I found the challenge was providing the needed assistance to bring about results that would ultimately help our teachers and students be successful. I knew that something was needed, but what that something was I was not sure. Fortunately, Richneck Elementary was provided a wonderful opportunity of being assigned a mathematics coach for three years by way of a grant that the Newport News Public School division was awarded to support military-connected students. In addition, the grant supported teachers to work toward their Mathematics Specialist degree. As a result, Karen Joos, Mathematics Coach, received her master\u27s in education with an endorsement as a Mathematics Specialist. David Hundley, Mathematics Coach Facilitator, provided support for coaches under this grant. This article will provide a road map for the journey: working with the mathematics coaches and understanding their processes, promoting my leadership philosophy in relation to the new rigor of the state standards, improving communication through lessons learned, and identifying the collaboration process to achieve the best results for the school and community

Towards a Mixed Economy of Youth Justice

The concept of a ?mixed economy of justice? involves the idea that welfare is delivered by a range of agencies working in partnership. The United Kingdom 1998 Crime and Disorder Act introduced multi-agency approaches requiring criminal justice agencies to work together with local authorities and communities, following a ?mixed economy of justice? model. This presentation introduces the author?s new study on how mixed economies work within youth justice in the United Kingdom. It points out that there are historical precedents to these partnerships and provides an overview of recent developments in the field. The presentation then concludes that contemporary partnerships around youth justice present a much higher level of commodification and that voluntary action now works more on the principle of investment than altruism. A criminal justice ?industry? is now in place. Is it possible, however, to ?buy social justice?? And how far has the development of a multi-agency criminal justice ?industry? assisted the realisation of child rights in the United Kingdom? If it has not, how can it be made to do so and by whom? These essential questions aim to be addressed by the author?s new project

The Middle East Justice & Reconciliation Initiative

Report on Muslim/Christian faith-based reconciliation dialogue in Cyprus - this report includes a description of faith-based reconciliation methodology in relation to The Middle East Justice & Reconciliation Initiative