Culmination

Joanne Rooney in The Principal Connection/Finding Our Voice tells us that "Learning for all students was the goal of our profession long before that goal morphed into a jumble of high-stakes testing...Our conversations have always aimed at creating and sharing the wisdom of practice. As principals, we need to affirm, support, and communicate how we want to reimagine schools for our students." Ms Rooney continues to outline her fantasy:

On a Sunday morning, I open the newspaper read by thousands in the urban area where I live. Prominently placed is a full-page statement listing the beliefs that practicing professionals hold dear and the pledges they make as educators:

• All children can and will learn.
• Learning is a lifelong activity.
• Problem solving and creative thinking are paramount goals.
• Learning cannot be measured solely by psychometric data or single-day assessments.
• Schools must nurture each student's talents.
• Schools must be a safe haven for students' minds, hearts, and souls.
• Graduates must be prepared to face the challenges that life presents and be filled with respect for the majesty of the world of which they are the custodians.

Thousands of school leaders will have signed this statement. My fantasy expands to envision every major newspaper in the United States publishing this statement on the same day. On this day, our common voice will state that we—the education professionals—must determine what students need to learn, how we should assess them, and how we can deal with the ever-expanding diversity of our schools.

This may not be the best or the only way for us to speak. Perhaps it is time for radical action, to march in the streets until we are heard. Whatever we do, we can no longer afford to sit by as our profession is hijacked and sold to the highest bidder.

Mine is just one voice, but I believe many principals agree. It is time for our conversation to rise in a collective voice that demands a response.

WOW! Ms. Rooney count me in! Why can't we sent this to all the newspapers? Why not!