Lessons Learned from Rural Schools - Alabama Department of ...
Lessons Learned from Rural Schools - Alabama Department of ...
Lessons Learned from Rural Schools - Alabama Department of ...
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LLS-0010 <strong>Lessons</strong> <strong>Learned</strong>_Pub.qrk: 4/25/09 3:02 PM Page 3<br />
Partners<br />
<strong>Lessons</strong> <strong>Learned</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>Rural</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> – May 2009<br />
“This study <strong>of</strong> high-performing <strong>Alabama</strong> schools in high-poverty areas is such an<br />
importanttaskandtheresultswillbeincrediblyusefultoeducatorsandparents.Thereare<br />
teachers who are making a tremendous difference in these communities, in spite <strong>of</strong> the<br />
obstacles they may face. These schools, their principals, teachers, students and communities,<br />
show us just what is possible throughout rural <strong>Alabama</strong>.”<br />
“These are difficult times for all <strong>of</strong> <strong>Alabama</strong>, and especially for our rural areas. If we’re<br />
going to turn things around we absolutely must do a better job <strong>of</strong> educating our young<br />
people. And these ten schools, located <strong>from</strong> the Tennessee Valley to the Black Belt to the<br />
Coastal Plain, leave no doubt that we can do better.”<br />
Ron Sparks, Commissioner<br />
<strong>Alabama</strong> <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Agriculture & Industries<br />
“Inkeepingwiththe<strong>Alabama</strong>FarmersFederation’scommitmenttoqualityeducation,we<br />
were pleased to support the Center for <strong>Rural</strong> <strong>Alabama</strong> as it set about to conduct a<br />
comprehensive study <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> our top rural schools. While today’s teachers face a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> challenges, these schools are pro<strong>of</strong> that students can succeed when parents,<br />
teachers and community work together.”<br />
“Today’sworldputsapremiumonqualityeducation.If ourruralstudentsaretocompete<br />
intheglobalmarketplace,wemustsethighexpectationsforlearningandprovidethetools<br />
necessary for them to achieve these goals. It is our hope that this study will reveal keys to<br />
success that can be duplicated throughout the state.”<br />
Jerry Newby, President<br />
<strong>Alabama</strong> Farmers Federation/ALFA Insurance<br />
“In my 25 years <strong>of</strong> working in economic development in rural <strong>Alabama</strong>, there has never<br />
been a more urgent need for a well-trained workforce. Every time I work with a prospect<br />
for Talladega County, workforce is one <strong>of</strong> the first things they want to talk about. That’s<br />
why the Economic Development Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Alabama</strong> is delighted to be a partner in<br />
this study <strong>of</strong> high-performing rural schools.<br />
“While we have made great progress throughout <strong>Alabama</strong> in education, we still have a<br />
longwaytogo.Thisstudygivesusaclearpicture<strong>of</strong> ‘thepossible’whenpassionateteachersanddedicatedcommunitiesmakeacommitmenttoqualityeducationin<br />
ruralareas.”<br />
Calvin Miller, President<br />
Economic Development Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>Alabama</strong><br />
Executive Director, Talladega County Economic Development Authority<br />
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