Consulting

Small Schools

As a co-founder of two small high schools, I developed skills that qualify me to work effectively with all phases of small school development, from inception to opening day and beyond. In addition, I can help school leaders or teams improve current practices, specifically in the realms of equity, staff and student relationships, school culture, mission and vision, admissions processes, and using meeting time effectively.

Currently, I am a Lead Consultant providing technical assistance to charter schools and planning teams around the state of Wisconsin through the Wisconsin Charter School Association.  I’ve helped a traditional elementary school in Whitewater transform into a charter school that engages in multiage learning and inquiry-based instruction.  I am also part of a team that is creating a statewide initiative called Wisconsin Schools Network that uses Polycom systems to connect educators, students and parents across the state in an effort to improve education in all schools.  I’m working with IDEAL High School and Woodlands School to create a sub-network of this intiative that focuses on Multiage Learning.

I had the privilege of working with the Superintendent and staff at Kohler High School during the 2010/2011 schoo year to create a multiage Advisory program as part of their Kind School initiative.  An Advisory program is a powerful means of creating connections and community, and increasing perceptions of caring and belonging among staff and students.  There are many models of Advisory available, and I can help you determine your needs, the correct model, and provide structure and training to launch your Advisory program successfully.

Transition High School is a small school for students returning from incarceration, truancy or expulsion that I co-founded with Marty Lexmond, former Director of Innovation for Milwaukee Public Schools.  Students have personalized educational plans and learn to be agents of change in their own lives and their communities. The educational program was designed to apply best practices for hybrid, or “blended”, online learning models which allow students to have the flexibility of online learning while being surrounded by caring teachers and strong social programs.  Transition High School’s design has been identified by the Department of Labor as a successful model for creating change in the lives of young people