Reflections of a Grateful Leader

Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Yet the season of gratefulness continues for as long as we allow it to.  I recently had my two-year anniversary as the superintendent of Selma City Schools.  As I reflect on my tenure, there is much to be grateful for.

Team Selma has come a long way.  Our successes and challenges have been embraced by our leaders.  This includes our board of education, principals and our district team members. 

Were it not for the vision and foresight of our board, our district would not have had the opportunity to thrive.  This group supports our schools and believes in our work.  From the beginning when we were still under state intervention, we have worked together making decisions that would positively impact the children and families of Selma.  Adopting our strategic plan, approving school consolidations, and providing guidance in many areas, I am grateful for this board.

Our principals and district team members are amazing.  I love their collaborative spirit and eagerness to learn together.  Through creativity and deep content knowledge are reason that our schools are making such strong academic gains.  I am grateful for their commitment to Team Selma and their desire to improve outcomes for each child in our district.

My gratitude does not end there.  This community has been extremely supportive of our schools.  Each of our schools now have numerous partners through our Adopt-a-Schools program.  Businesses, churches, civic organizations and more are included.  These partners provide tutors, financial support and other resources that we would otherwise lack.

Over these last two years, I have enjoyed meeting our parents and families.  I so appreciate and value the role that our families play.  A healthy school-home connection is key to the continuous improvement of our schools.  I am looking forward to our Parent University enhancing this connection into the new year.

Finally, and most importantly, I am grateful for our teachers and staff.  This includes every classroom teacher, secretary, custodian, bus driver, child nutrition program and maintenance staff.

Our teachers are some of the most caring and compassionate professionals that I have ever encountered.  I am grateful that they chose Team Selma.  I enjoy visiting schools and watching our teachers educate, engage and inspire our scholars. 

Indeed, our staff are an important part of our team.  The support that they provide ensures that our schools are spaces that are clean, welcoming and conducive to learning.

The last two years have been amazing for Team Selma.  I am grateful to serve in this beautiful community.  I believe that the best is yet to come and for that I am very grateful.

For more information, please reach out to me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.

STEAM in the Black Belt

Last week, I had the pleasure of sharing details of Selma City Schools outstanding STEAM opportunities with my fellow District 2 superintendents.  I am super excited and so proud of our STEAM Team for their journey towards excellence in this area.  Team Selma’s goal is to create a demonstration site that can support STEAM education for all the districts in the Black Belt.

STEAM is science, technology, engineering, arts and math.  Previously, I shared about the partnership that we have with the University of Alabama’s School of Engineering.  The mechanical engineering students of UA, under the leadership of Dr. Ashford are supporting our scholars and teachers as we repurpose a school bus into a mobile greenhouse.  This is STEAM in motion and we will reveal more throughout the school year.

With the support of International Paper, our sustainable gardening class is still growing and recently harvested watermelons.  The hands-on research that came next gave our scholars insights on what it means to be a scientist. 

Both of these initiatives are key to our next steps as we move forward.  On November 8, R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy will host educators from our Black Belt school districts.  We will share professional learning to support grant writing and building effective community partnerships, share valuable information on how to infuse technology into learning and provide student demonstrations of STEAM activities that are taking place during STEAM Day at the Academy.   

Just as Team Selma is committed to ensuring that our core values are embodied in our work, we are equally committed to seeing our vision through.  Our vision is to be documented as a model school district where students are empowered through academic excellence to achieve success throughout life.

Being recognized locally or even nationally as a model school district is not enough.  True success will come from making certain that all schools are providing educational excellence in every classroom, every day.  We must also ensure that we are improving outcomes for our scholars and their families.  This is our core work and we will continue to focus on developing our STEAM Academy, creating Academies of Academic Excellence at our elementary schools and providing support for high school students through our new Star Academy.

We appreciate the continued support of this beautiful community.  As always, we encourage you to check out our social media outlets to keep up with STEAM in the Black Belt and all things Team Selma.

For more information please reach out to me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.

Don't Count Me Out

Students who miss school miss more than just a day of learning.  As I visit schools and see the amazing level of engagement and opportunities that our scholars have, it makes it clear that students who are counted out are missing out.

Last week our second and fifth grade scholars enjoyed a visit from Lady Liberty.  Sponsored by Liberty Learning, the presentation taught about history and civic citizenship in an interactive field trip at Selma High School.  Only those present were able to enjoy this.

Also, last week our scholars at School of Discovery explored integers using Flip Grid.  Now, integers may not sound like fun but the smiles on our scholars’ faces says otherwise.  It was absolutely fun and every student had a voice in how they learned math.  Well, every student who was present had a voice.

Additionally, our R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy scholars have been having a blast with their weekly STEAM Day.  Several of them gave our principals a demonstration at our monthly meeting.  We saw examples of STEAM concepts in science, social studies and arts.  Our scholars were confident, articulate in their delivery and most of all they were present to share their learning with our district leaders.

In Team Selma, we believe in rewarding excellence.  Therefore, all of our schools are celebrating School Attendance Awareness Month with incentives for our scholars who are present daily.  Celebrations include the Attendance Café at Hudson where our scholars rotate in and out of the café to enjoy refreshments, soft jazz and socializing.

Scholars at Meadowview and several other schools enjoy popsicle parties, because it’s cool to come to school.  All schools are recognizing perfect attendance in fun and exciting ways.

This message is for all our families and our scholars.  When you miss school, you not only miss a day of learning but you also miss amazing opportunities that are fun and engaging.  Team Selma aims to ensure that all scholars are present, on time and ready to learn every day.  Don’t get counted out!

                                                                  

For more information please reach out to me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.

What's New with Selma City Schools?

Team Selma is still on the move!  We are excited about this upcoming school year.  With a smooth opening and new theme, the optimism is palpable.

One Team, One Voice: Committed to Excellence is our theme for the year.  The team includes the entire Selma community and we look forward to working together to improve outcomes for the children and families of Selma.

This year, Selma High School will introduce the Star Academy.  This unique structure will allow us to support our middle and high school scholars who are overaged and/or have been retained.  The goal is to help them earn the credits that they need to graduate on time.  We are aiming to start after Labor Day and more updates will be shared as the year progresses.

Selma City School’s Strong Start Pre-K at Sophia P. Kingston Elementary school is up and running.  We still have a few slots remaining and encourage families of four-year olds to apply now.  Early learning is key to our scholars being school ready by kindergarten and leads to higher graduation rates long term.

R.B. Hudson is now the R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy.  We are infusing science, technology, engineering, arts and math throughout our curriculum.  Scholars will have opportunities for more hands-on learning to include STEAM Day every Friday.  Volunteers and community partners are always appreciated.

Each of our elementary schools are creating Academies of Academic Excellence.  Each school will feature a unique area of focus that includes improving literacy outcomes for our scholars.  Academies range from Social Justice and Performing Arts to Commerce and Entrepreneurship.  Later in the school year, I will do a feature on each school. 

Bullying prevention is important for our scholars to feel safe.  With a new policy in place, we are also implementing new procedures.  This includes how to report bullying.  In this age of social media, cyber bullying has become more prevalent.  Our new procedure addresses this as well.  October is Bullying Prevention Month and we will share facts and hear from our scholars about how they help prevent bullying at their schools.

Finally, next spring, Team Selma will be visited by AdvancED for our accreditation engagement review.  We are excited to share all that’s great within our school district.  This will also be a time for the community to get involved.  If you are interested in being on a focus group, please let me know!

We have a busy year ahead and I could not be more excited to lead these efforts.  Get involved.  We need you on our team!

For more information, please reach out to me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.

Happy School Year!

On behalf of the Selma City Schools Board of Education, I want to wish all the children of Selma and Dallas County a Happy School Year. 

We had an amazing back-to-school weekend as we played host to hundreds of runners, parents, scholars and friends at Bloch Park.  Thanks to everyone who participated in our Aim for Excellence events which included providing school uniforms and of course our second annual 5K and one-mile fun mile.

As we begin another year, our goal is to help every child have an excellent school year.  There are a number of ways that parents and families can partner with schools so that our children can achieve greater success.  Here are just a few.

·       If you have not yet, meet and get to know the teachers and staff.  Forming a positive relationship early in the year will go a long way.  Teachers need your support.  Find out when the PTO open house is being held and make plans to attend and to continue to support school events throughout the year.

·       Stay aware of how your child is performing in school.  Don’t wait until report card time to be alarmed.  It is important that we act early when students need help.  Let’s not risk having him/her fall behind.  Schedule an appointment with the teacher if you have any concerns about grades, attendance, behavior or social interactions.

·       Encourage your child to read every day!  Limit screen time (TV, cell phone, video games, and social media) and create balance that includes reading.  Reading for even 20 minutes a day can increase vocabulary and improve students’ grades in other subject areas. All Selma City schools have libraries and students also have access to MyOn, which has hundreds of ebooks. 

·       Be a positive role model.  You are your child’s first teacher and they will learn more from you than any lesson at school.  Show support with a positive attitude.  This will let your child see that you value their education and will go a long way towards them striving to succeed.

In the coming weeks, I will begin planning meetings and events for our new Parent Advisory Committee.  Think of it as a district-wide PTO.  This will serve as a way for our families to provide input and give feedback regarding the district direction.  If you are interested in participating, please let me know.

I look forward to seeing the smiling faces of our scholars this week.  Get plenty of rest boys and girls and let’s make this a truly happy school year!

For more information, please reach out to me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.

School is out but Learning Continues

Last week all of our local schools completed the 2018-2019 school year.  There were many sighs of relief from students and teachers alike. On the other hand, there may have been a few groans from parents as they grapple with what to do with their children over the next two months. 

Of course there are many summer camps and options from which to choose but students can also learn while at home or even on vacation.  Selma City Schools wants to ensure that our scholars are exposed to continuous, quality learning by providing our students with access to Edgenuity during the summer.  Edgenuity is a leading online, standards-based resource for students in grades K-12.  It is specifically designed to improve learning outcomes.

Our scholars used this tool during the school year and can continue using it at home.  Students will have a wealth of information at their fingertips that can be reviewed as many times as necessary to achieve mastery.  This individualized instruction is intended to meet the needs of each scholar.

Additionally, MyOn offers thousands of books to include those on our summer reading list.  This online library has been a big hit with our families for the last two years.  Many of our scholars have improved their reading level as they have discovered the joy of reading.  Students are encouraged to read each book on their reading list and especially the required book for their grade-level and take the online assessment. 

Participating students will be recognized at the beginning of the school year for their hard work.  I look forward to celebrating our amazing readers this fall!

Using Edgenuity and MyOn are two sure ways to counter the summer slide.  Summer slide is the term used to describe the summer learning loss that can occur over summer break.  Research indicates that students can lose as much as two months of reading skills and two and a half months of math skills over a single summer.

Furthermore, 9 out of 10 teachers have to re-teach material when students return to school in the fall.  Teachers spend form 4-6 weeks re-teaching content due to the summer slide. 

Students who read or are engaged in other forms of learning even for just 3-4 hours a week can prevent the summer slide.  Team Selma recommends at least 20 minutes of reader each day.

Yes, school is out but learning must continue!  Parents, please check out our website, social media outlets or call your child’s school for more information on summer reading and summer learning dates and locations.  Happy Summer!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

Shadow-A-Student Day

Last week, Team Selma central office administrators had amazing opportunities to participate in Shadow-a-Student Day.  What an engaging experience!  My scholar was a 5^th grader at Meadowview.

At the start of class, we participated in the morning class meeting where students shared their good news.  Our teacher was funny and it was clear that her rapport with the class was genuine and positive.  My classmates shared about siblings and other family members graduating from college, visits from cousins and helping with Sunday school.  One brave young man even shared that he met his grandfather for the first time over the weekend.  I was happy that he felt safe sharing this with his peers.

We had physical education shortly after this.  As a PE major myself, I looked forward to this.  I jumped circles around my peers while jumping rope during a cardio circuit.  My pushups and sit-ups were pretty impressive too!  I tried not to make my new friends feel bad as some of them struggled more than me to accomplish our tasks. 

Small group reading was next followed by time in the computer center.  My scholar taught me some basics of coding.  She was supportive and very confident.  It was an incredible day.

The following day during our debriefing at our cabinet meeting, I learned that other members of Team Selma had very different experiences.  In short, it’s clear that we have much work to do in order to create equity across all of our schools.  My expectation is that every scholar has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment.  This activity brought to light that we have work to do in this area.

Fortunately, my team and I are committed to ensuring that our scholars have all that they need to be successful today as well as beyond high school graduation.  This experience further solidified “My why” and made it very clear that we are moving in the right direction.

The pictures speak volumes.  Thanks so much to our teachers, leaders and scholars for making this an excellent learning opportunity!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

Amazing Partnerships!

Team Selma is blessed with some truly phenomenal partnerships.  From restaurants to flower shops and even our local fraternities and sororities.  Recently, a new partnership emerged with the University of Alabama’s School of Engineering, specifically mechanical engineering.

Selma City Schools is committed to improving the academic outcomes of our scholars.  To that end, we are transforming R.B. Hudson to a STEAM Academy.  STEAM is science, technology, engineering, arts and math.  Our UA partnership will be amazing for supporting our efforts.

The mechanical engineering department, under the leadership of Dr. Marcus Ashford, have created a class titled Engineering Service Learning and Logistics.  Members of this class will support our scholars and teachers at Hudson and Selma High School.  We are creating a STEAM Bus that will be a greenhouse on wheels!

You may have seen pictures on our social media sites featuring our welding scholars doing the initial work to repurpose the school bus.  Next, the UA students are designing a low cost, shed-like structure that can be used to house the STEAM Bus. They may even incorporate solar panels, rain barrels, and/or other systems to be attached to the shed to interact with the bus.  We even discussed developing a special climate model for the bus.

Aside from working with the STEAM Bus, this partnership will also provide grant writing assistance, teacher workshops and connecting us with other UA organizations.  We are super excited to explore the opportunities that this could provide for our teachers and scholars!

As amazing as this is, we recognize that this is only possible because of the grant received from International Paper to begin this project.  Also, our incredible teachers, Mrs. Williamson, Ms. Needham, Mr. Irby and Mr. Talton are to be commended for their leadership.

In the coming months, we will have a great reveal for this bus and our Parent University Bus.  Both buses will be used to ensure that our schools are connecting with the community in a meaningful way. 

Team Selma appreciates all of our partners and welcome YOU to become a part of our team!  Courtney Washington, our community engagement specialist, will be more than happy to pair you with a school or a special project.  Check out our website and social media for details and let us know how you want to partner with Team Selma!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

Testing, Testing...

It’s springtime which brings about longer days, warmer weather, pollen and of course spring testing.  Dreaded by many, testing is perceived by some as a necessary evil in the lives of teachers and students.  This could not be more wrong!  Testing may not be fun, but it is essential to the work of our teachers and leaders.

Throughout the year, the scholars of Team Selma take a number of standardized tests known as Performance Series.  A standardized test is an assessment that requires the test-takers to answer the same questions in a controlled setting.  Although not loved due to their time-consuming nature and concerns of cultural bias, these tests are generally considered to be a fair and objective way of assessing the academic achievement of students.

Performance Series provides a computer adaptive test designed to determine students’ level of mastery of reading, math and science standards.  Our scholars in grades 3-8 take this assessment as part of our state accountability.  The first, or benchmark assessment, was administered in the fall.  A midyear assessment was taken at the start of the second semester and this final test will be completed this month.  Eleventh graders take the ACT as part of the state accountability system.

Why do these spring assessments matter?  Although there are a number of measures that inform the state, district and school report cards, student proficiency and growth on these tests are a major component.  We like to see how our scholars are performing compared to students in other districts throughout the state.  Our teachers and leaders can learn and grow as we explore what is working well for us and discover more effective practices by networking with professionals from other parts of the state. 

Aside from the grade that we will ultimately receive on our district report card, spring tests also let us know whether or not our teaching and learning approaches are effective.  Over time, we can determine which teachers are having the greatest impact on improving student achievement.  In doing so, we use the data from assessments throughout the year and make adjustments on our practices.  This is extremely important as we prepare our scholars to be successful beyond high school. 

Test results, along with daily class assignments, also reveal which of our scholars need additional support and which are ready to be accelerated.  Intervention is provided to students who are not making adequate progress while other students may be given opportunities for more challenging work.

Spring testing signifies that we are nearing the end of another school year.  I look forward to seeing our scholars excel as we prepare them for the next year of their life.  It may not be fun, but testing is necessary.  Parents please be sure that your scholars get plenty of rest and have a healthy breakfast each morning.  Let’s show the world that Team Selma’s scholars are amazing and prepared to be our future leaders!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

Why are our Schools so Segregated?

In 1954 the landmark case, Brown v. Board of Education, the United States Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to segregate schools based on race.  Before this ruling, it was legal for states and communities to operate schools that were for whites only or for blacks only.  The Brown v. Board ruling contended that segregation was “inherently unequal”.  That was 65 years ago.

Flash forward to today and across our nation, many of our schools are more segregated than ever.  Selma City Schools is no exception.

True historians know that segregation was by design due to regulations that determined where and for whom homes and government subsidized public housing projects were built.  I encourage you to read about the history of the Federal Housing Authority for more information.  Do current laws or regulations still impact the segregation seen in our communities and schools today? 

Why are our schools so segregated?

A child’s education is a very personal decision and not something that I would typically judge.  In our community though, it strikes me as odd and interesting that the schools that I lead have so few white scholars.  Certainly, reasons for this may vary from one household to the next.  What I wonder is, can we as a community have a conversation about this?

Since coming to Selma, I have spoken to citizens who want to reintegrate our schools.  Currently, I serve with two different committees that are focused on improving our city to include schools.  I am co-chairing the Weed and Seed Prevention, Intervention and Treatment Team and the Separation Design Team with the Center for Nonviolence Truth and Reconciliation. 

Both of these groups are exploring race relations within our city.  We cannot address race without also discussing racism and segregation.  This includes the segregation of our schools

These uncomfortable conversations need to be had.  They need to be had about what’s happening in Selma NOW and not just about the history of our city and nation.  Is Selma ready for this? 

I don’t know the answer to that question.  What I do know is that talking about segregation and racism is not an easy discussion.  Easy or not, I believe it is important if we are to get better as a community.  In saying that, please note that one does not have to be sick to get better!  We have much to improve in our beautiful city.

So why do you think our schools are so segregated? Email me at dr.avisw@gmail.com to share your thoughts on this.

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

Lifelong Learner, Not Just a Catch Phrase

Oftentimes school districts tout as their mission or goal “to develop lifelong learners”.  From my experience, as educators, we say this more often than we mean it.  At times we say it about others rather than about ourselves.  Well, my friends, I am here to tell you that I am a true lifelong learner!

As a busy person, I firmly believe that there is always time to learn.  Today, it is easier than ever to learn on the go.  Most people over the age of 12 now have a smart phone and access to the internet.  Selma is now a “Smart City” so we even have free Wi-Fi downtown!  Being a smart city should be more about our people than our internet connectivity and there are many opportunities for us to learn. 

Let’s explore how.

First, make a commitment to daily learning.  Be specific and set aside time for this goal.  For example, commit to 30 minutes a day.  This time can be used in a variety of ways and does not have to be at the same time each day.

Next, explore audio books if you struggle with finding time to sit down and read.  I am a huge fan of turning pages in an actual book, but have discovered that audio books can be both entertaining and informative.  Download an app and take it on the road as you drive or even exercise.

Another strategy is to learn how to use new information in your daily life.  What does that look like?  Rather than reading about art, pick up a brush and paint.  Don’t just listen to your favorite music but learn how to play an instrument or explore writing poetry (which is really music!).

Also, think about how much time we waste texting or on social media.  What if you high jacked this time and used it to read or even learn another language?  There’s an app for that. 

Finally, surround yourself with others who are interested in learning more.  Have healthy conversations or even start a think tank.  Remember, the brain is a muscle and needs to be exercised.  Ask lots of questions and be curious.

To put this in action, I have decided to learn how to podcast.  Podcasts are audio files found online similar to talk radio.  Selma City Schools has created a podcast channel and I am recording my first segment this week.  I am nervous but excited!  It will be posted on Friday so check out our website and social media sites for details. 

Next week is spring break so I look forward to resuming this article and the weekly podcast, Talk Supt in April.  I look forward to this new learning because lifelong learner is not just a catch phrase. See you after spring break!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

From the Mouths of Babes

Kids say the darndest things!  As adults, we often muse about this but it is very true.  What’s even more true is that we can learn a lot from the mouths of babes.

Speaking to our scholars is the most informative and fulfilling aspect of my job.  Whether it’s at a Lunch and Learn, during a community forum or while visiting classrooms, my scholars never cease to amaze me.  Here’s why.

Children are brutally honest.  During Lunch and Learn, I ask my scholars to share their hopes and dreams.  Their responses sometimes overwhelm me.  I have met future astronauts, lawyers, YouTubers, dancers and so much more.  These responses bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Yet, some of my scholars simply dream of passing their current grade and hope to be safe at night.  Others dream of being successful and making a lot of money so that they can leave Selma.  These answers always lead to follow up questions from me.

In doing so, I learn that some of my scholars do not feel safe at home and others believe that our community is depressing.  Wow.  How does a third grader know what it means to be depressed? I dare to ask that very question which is really heavy conversation over a school lunch with classmates listening in.

My next question to these inquisitive and amazing young people is what do you need from your school.  This is where I lean in.

More computers, music classes, longer PE, more hands-on activities, and the list goes on and on.  I listen and I take note of this valuable feedback.  I share with members of Team Selma so that we can address the needs of our most important stakeholders.

In education and in life, adults are tasked with making decisions that directly or indirectly impact the lives of our children.  We often do this without including them. This is an enormous mistake as our children are insightful, intelligent and know much more than we give them credit for.

In Selma City Schools, we strive to keep students first.  Keeping students first means that their voices matter.  For that reason, we include our scholars on strategic planning teams, committees and even on interview teams. 

Recently, we included several of our high school and middle school scholars on our Student/Parent Resource Handbook committee and our Bullying Prevention Task Force.  Their input is brutally honest, valued and much needed. The results of these meetings will impact these scholars and their peers potentially for years to come.

If you want to know the truth, ask a child! Truly, from the mouths of babes as we listen, we learn and we grow.

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

The problem with zero tolerance

Ask anyone about what’s most important for schools to be considered “good” and student safety is sure to be one of the top responses.  A safe and orderly school environment must have an effective framework for ensuring students are engaged and supported while also addressing student behaviors that interfere with learning.  The challenge of creating such an environment led many schools and districts to adopt zero tolerance policies and practices.  This is problematic.

According to Farnel Maxime a Juvenile Justice Fellow for Shared Justice, “zero-tolerance policies were written into school handbooks in the 1990s, created originally to be a deterrent for bringing weapons into schools.”  Research has shown that schools that implement zero tolerance policies likely contribute to the school to prison pipeline.  It is critical that schools and districts explore other options for student discipline.

Did you know that a zero tolerance policy requires school administrators to hand down specific, consistent, and harsh punishment—usually suspension or expulsion—when students break certain rules? The punishment applies regardless of the circumstances, the reasons for the behavior (like self-defense), or the student’s history of discipline problems.  Because of this many critics call these policies “one strike and you’re out.”

The National Education Association (NEA) found that zero tolerance and other exclusionary school discipline policies, which were supposed to make schools safer, have done more harm than good—pushing students out of the classroom and into the criminal justice system at extraordinary rates. In the same report, NEA cited that researchers found no evidence that schools must be able to remove the “bad” students so the “good” students can learn.  In reality, when schools serving similar populations were compared, those schools with moderately low suspension rates had higher, not lower, test scores.

So what is the solution?  Creating safe learning environments is a priority for Team Selma.  At all of our schools and especially our middle and high schools, our teachers and leaders grapple with this on a regular basis.  For that reason, we are examining the school to prison pipeline.  We recognize that our scholars cannot learn if they are not in school. 

Our study will include researching alternatives to zero tolerance and alternatives to out of school suspension.  These alternatives will likely include restorative practices.  Next week, I will share some insights on this and how it may help disrupt the school to prison pipeline while also improving outcomes for our scholars.

Zero tolerance is not the answer for Selma City Schools.  We look forward to exploring this topic and learning ways to better support our scholars, teachers and leaders. 

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

What is the school to prison pipeline?

Recently, Team Selma was awarded a grant from the Black Belt Community Foundation, Truth Racial Healing and Transformation.  The purpose of our grant is to explore how we can disrupt the school to prison pipeline through literacy.  During the next couple of weeks, I will share our progress as we embark on this in-depth study.  First, let’s clarify the term “school to prison pipeline”.

According to the American Liberties Civil Union (ACLU), "school-to-prison pipeline," is a disturbing national trend wherein children are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. A large number of these children have learning disabilities or are products of generational poverty, abuse or neglect, and would benefit from additional educational and counseling services. Instead, they are isolated, punished and pushed out of school.

It is disturbing to think that our schools contribute to the phenomena of the school to prison pipeline.  Yet this may be our reality.  Team Selma is focused on examining our practices that prevent our scholars from reaching a level of excellence.  More specifically, which practices do we currently have that actually lend themselves to students of color being suspended or expelled at high rates compared to their white counterparts.

Although Selma City Schools does not have an explicit zero-tolerance policy, does this mean that our outcomes vary from the national statistics?  This is one question that our study will explore. 

Nationally, black students are suspended or expelled three times more than white students.  This is problematic because students suspended or expelled for a discretionary violation are nearly three times more likely to be in contact with the juvenile justice system the following year. 

Nationally, black students represent 16% of student enrollment yet 31% of school related arrests are of black students.  The statistics are even more alarming when we focus on our black males. 

So how does this relate to literacy?  According to the U.S. Department of Education, 60% of adults in federal and state correctional institutions are illiterate and 85% of all juvenile offenders have reading problems. Only about one-third of prison inmates have completed high school.

These statistics are staggering and create a true sense of urgency.  Team Selma is committed to gaining a better understanding of the school to prison pipeline while also ensuring that we are not a part of the problem.  If you are interested in learning more about our study or want to participate, please reach out to me. Let’s learn together so that we can improve outcomes for our community!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org

Super Heroes for Alabama Schools

This month marks the 26^th annual School Board Recognition Month in Alabama.  This observance, which also is being celebrated nationally, offers us a chance to strengthen our relationship with our school board members while giving them a much deserved pat on the back. I love this year’s theme, “Superheroes for Alabama's Students”.  This reaffirms the goal we all share: preparing our scholars to be tomorrow’s leaders, ready to thrive in our ever-changing society. 

Alabama school board members are chosen by their communities through election or appointment to govern local schools. They oversee multimillion-dollar budgets which fund education programs for more than 744,930 Alabama schoolchildren. Our local school board members are part of a statewide team that supports 91,277 employees, including 46,539 teachers, 3,110 administrators, and 35,712 support workers and others in 1,467 schools.

I want to take this time to thank my board of education for Selma City Schools.  They are board chair, Johnny “Skip” Moss, III, vice-chair and district 2 representative, Mrs. Brenda Randolph-Obomanu, district1, Mrs. Danielle Wooten, district 3, Mrs. Phylis Houser and district 4 Dr. Tanya Miles.

Each of these leaders devote many hours to their role as school board members.  We meet monthly, but their work extends far beyond these meetings.

Prior to voting on any item, our school board members read, research and speak to their constituents.  Although, three of our members are current or former educators, they all are well-versed on what our schools need to be successful.  They care about each school and all of the scholars that we serve.

This is an exciting time to be a part of Selma City Schools.  We have a new, robust strategic plan.  We have dozens of new adopt-a-school partners.  We are on a pathway towards excellence. None of this would be possible without the dedication and support of our board of education.

My deepest appreciation is extended to the dedicated members of the Selma City Schools board.  They make it possible for local citizens to participate in education in our community. I salute these public servants. We will take time to recognize our board members at our monthly meeting this evening.  I invite you to join us at Meadowview Elementary School at 5:30.   

Get in involved and be a part of the process.  As we consider closing schools, maintaining our financial solvency and continue to focus on improving our academic achievement, board members have difficult decisions to make.  I have no doubt that they are up for the task.  What more would you expect from superheroes?

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org