COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Texas A&M University

School Achievement Is Priority At Nov. 15-16 ALI Institute

11/3/06

By Jenna Kujawski

With the theme of "Close the Achievement Gap in Secondary Schools," the 24th Annual Administrative Leadership Institute (ALI) will be held here Nov. 15-16 to give educators the opportunity to hear how six different school districts have practically eliminated failure from their high schools.

Speakers throughout the two-day conference will include education leaders and superintendents from San Antonio ISD, Aldine ISD, Brazos ISD, New Braunfels ISD, Alief ISD and Round Rock ISD as well as Region 4 Education Service Center in Houston, who will share their solutions on closing the gap between students of color and white, and from low-income and upper-income families.

"This year's theme was selected because of the national concern for children of color and poverty failing to participate in the American dream of success in life," John Hoyle, chair of ALI, said. "Without a solid secondary school education and the belief that all students can succeed in higher education or the work force, our society will not prosper."

Sponsored by the Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development at Texas A&M, the Texas Association of School Administrators, and Dell Computer Corporation, ALI is designed to focus on a critical issue that will help school leaders create or transform schools to help all children become successful.

 "Attendees will not just hear how educators 'could' close the achievement gap; instead they will hear from leaders who 'have' closed the achievement gap," Virginia Collier, co-director of ALI, said. "Looking at successful schools has always been an excellent strategy for educators who are seeking excellence for their districts."

The traditional golf tournament will kick off the institute at the Texas A&M University golf course on Nov. 15. Tee-off is at 8 a.m., and Joe Pirtle, the 2006 Golden Deeds Award recipient, will provide prizes for all participants.

In its second consecutive year, the "Children's Perceptions of the School Leader" Art Contest, sponsored by the Texas A&M Principals' Center, will take place on day one of the institute from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the College Station Hilton Hotel. Last year's event, which had over 20 entries representing five school districts in the Brazos Valley, was a huge success. This year's event is expected to be even bigger as organizers have sent invitations to all elementary, middle and high schools in the Brazos Valley.

Texas A&M Head Football Coach Dennis Franchione will conclude the day's activities as the featured speaker at the evening banquet at the Clayton Williams Alumni Center, with entertainment provided by the Brazos Valley TROUPE, a service-oriented performing arts organization specializing in family entertainment.

Day two's closing awards luncheon and celebration will honor those individuals who have consistently supported Texas students and teachers through their positive impact on public education. The coveted Golden Deeds for Education Award, the highest recognition for distinguished service to education in the state of Texas, will be presented at this time to Pirtle, a retired superintendent of Belton ISD and a current education advocate.

"Joe is a devoted public servant to the field of education," Hoyle said. "It is a privilege to honor such a distinguished educator as the Golden Deeds Award winner."

ALI began in 1908 and at that time was called the "June Conference." The annual weeklong conference was held in the Memorial Student Center and brought together county superintendents, supervisors and city superintendents to discuss a variety of topics related to education. In 1983, Harold Hawkins named Hoyle chairman of the ALI planning committee, who moved ALI to its current format. Hoyle became director of the institute a year later and named Collier co-director in 2000.

For more information on the conference or to register, contact Michelle Hughes at (936)855-2622 or by e-mail at thehughes1@valornet.com.

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