Transformative Principal

You Get what You Expect Nicholas A. Fischer is a school-management consultant and coach. He was the superintendent of the New London, Conn., school district from 2009 to 2014. Previously, he was the superintendent of schools in Fall River, Mass., and the Christina School District in Newark, Del.; the assistant superintendent in Fairfax County, Va.; and the associate commissioner for finance and accountability in the Massachusetts Department of Education. Leading a District Can Be Controversial, Embrace it Be clear to yourself about what your values are. Working in public schools is very important. Started working Florida as a principal when corporal punishment was still allowed. Telling kids what we wanted them to do instead of what we don’t want them to do. Problems in American Public education: Our expectations are too low. All of us have special abilities Every child can be expected to be out a maximum effort. What we expect in engagement is different than what kids are taught growing up