By Shayla Crenshaw McCray

I often heard my mother reference the proof and the pudding. However, this phrase did not become relevant to me until recently. Here is my testimony regarding the proof and the pudding:

Last year, I served as principal of Clark Elementary School. The first event of the year was Open House. I greeted parents by presenting a night of food, white linen table cloths, children modeling attire representing their future careers, college booths, and 60 community partners dressed in their career attire. I also managed to create free yard signs for parents and design College and Career Readiness T-shirts for students.

However, in order for students to achieve long term success, parents also needed to promote College and Career Readiness. As a result, a number of agencies provided college admission and employment opportunities to parents.

The mission and vision were evident, “We are College and Career Ready.”

Still, student achievement was first and foremost. The State Department administers an annual Reading and Math Assessment to third to eighth  grade students called the ACT Aspire. I was faced with a tremendous feat. I inherited low test scores. Ironically, Clark had additional reinforcement — three instructional coaches. However, the test scores at Clark Elementary were among the lowest in the school district.

Einstein once stated, “Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result.” Instructional practices could not remain the same. I expected a different result! Hence, I implemented departmentalization, a research based practice.

It appears that departmentalizing and the College and Career Readiness initiative paid off. Recently, test scores were released. Even with opposition from members of the Intervention Team, it appears that the students experienced massive gains. Researcher Eric Hanushek revealed if schools possess effective instructional leadership and the quality of teaching is high, within one year, students can advance 4 percent.

Clark Elementary School’s third and fifth grade students achieved 24 and 25 percent gains in mathematics. In reading, the students achieved 8 and 12 percent growth. The proof was in the pudding.

I would like to thank all of the parents, educators and students for their commitment to achievement on the ACT Aspire.

I look forward to seeing students progress even further on the ACT Aspire. As always, the proof will be in the pudding.

Parents, for the sake of the children, it is imperative that we evaluate what is transpiring in schools. We need to hold locally employed, appointed and elected leaders accountable for producing results. The proof and the truth is not hidden.

I now understand my mother’s reference to the proof and the pudding. No matter what obstacles arise, no matter what people say or do, when you walk according to God’s will, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” I am a living witness.

I am currently elated, employed, promoted and working with children with tremendous needs. I am humbled by Clark’s test scores. I thank God for my proof and my pudding. To God be the glory!