OFF-SITE SESSIONS LEAD TO BETTER RESULTS
Last October, more than 100 teachers, principals and other staff from 18 elementary and K-8 schools, spent three days out of their schools poring over student data and sharing ideas about how they could reach students more effectively—work that earned a “Rogue of the Week” award (Jan. 21, 2009).

This was just one part of an intensive two-year school improvement effort at each school. Their energy and commitment was powerful. They asked each other hard questions about the performance of their schools—including the gap between students of different races and income levels—and shared ideas about how to help their students become better writers and readers.

Yes, this professional development session was held off-site at a conference center. But taxpayers didn’t foot the bill for it—the Portland Leadership Collaborative did. Why? Off-site sessions like this give principals and teachers a chance to collaborate and learn from each other, far from the daily demands of their schools. That leads to better results for students.

We appreciate the Nike School Innovation Fund for supporting the Portland Leadership Collaborative with Portland Public Schools. I guess it’s a hopeful sign if teachers sharing strategies to help students learn is the worst thing that’s happening in our city.

Harriet Adair
Assistant superintendent, Portland Public Schools

WE NEED UNIFIERS, NOT DIVIDERS
Tens of thousands greeted Obama on the campaign trail. But today, with news that Mayor Sam Adams will not resign [“Sex, Lies and Audiotape,” WW, Jan. 28, 2009], it’s clear that honest government isn’t a value here in Puddle City. Adams is encouraged by support from progressive supporters who don’t care that he lied about seducing a teenager.

But this isn’t about just any lie. The publisher of the gay newspaper in town, who has called for resignation, has it exactly right. This is the difference between manslaughter and murder. Adams’ lie was a first degree lie, calculating and selfish, protecting his political future. When questioned about the rumor two years ago, he reacted with outrage and claimed he was the victim of gay stereotypes and a smear campaign. Man, the gods love irony! Now, with the truth revealed, he has become a poster boy for right wingers who see all adult gay males as predators.

The crime has been done—the calculated manipulation to protect a political career. You can’t undo that. His continued service will split the city even more than it’s split now.

What makes Obama so incredibly, so wonderfully, radical in his first few days in office is that he works as a unifier, not a divider. He is not, repeat NOT, driven by ideology, as so many here are on both sides of the political obsession scale. Obamaland looks wonderful so far—but it also looks like Obamaland has bypassed Portland.

Charles Deemer
Southwest Pomona Street

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