Principal Perspectives is a series of conversations and advice from middle and high school principals who are working on the ground with students and staff to promote a college-going culture. Listen below or subscribe on iTunes.

College and Career Advisory Program

Students at South Umpqua High School create a portfolio over the course of their 4 years culminating in a plan to be prepared for college, career or service. Principal Kristi McGree explains how students at each grade level are engaged and involved in charting their post-high school plans.

Community Registered Teachers

Reedsport Community Charter School has good reason to have "community" in their name; as a charter school, they have tapped the expertise of local residents to serve as registered teachers for certain classes. Principal Laura Davis explains the process of integrating community members into the school setting, including during a special Braves session in between semesters.

Credit By Proficiency

Scott Reed has overseen a shift in the school culture during his five years as principal at Taft High 7-12 in Lincoln City, Oregon. After successfully implementing a positive behavior intervention system, the staff began conversations on implementing a credit by proficiency model, ultimately changing both the school schedule and student outcomes.

Data-Driven Interventions

Using data as a guide and literacy as a common tool, Fremont Middle School has seen skyrocketing test scores in math and reading, with 75 to 80% of students meeting or exceeding expectations. Principal Keith Kronser explains how he collaborated with staff from his first day on the job to provide more interventions for all students.

Delayed Graduation Program

Seniors at Sweet Home High School now have a unique opportunity after graduation - they can take up to one year of classes at the local community college, paid for and supported by the high school. Hear from Keith Winslow, principal, and Pat Stineff, program director, about the benefits of this delayed graduation program for students and schools.

Double Dipping Language Arts

Students at Irrigon Junior/Senior High School are being treated to extra doses of language arts instruction, including the Read180 program, an additional intervention for struggling students. Hear Principal Craig Bensen explain how small scheduling changes made this possible and the results shown thus far.

Freshman Academy

North Marion High school implemented a Freshman Academy to support first year students transition to high school, both academically and socially. Hear the successes, challenges, and advice in establishing this support program from Principal De Ann Jenness.

High Expectations for Students, Parents and Staff

The current administrative team of Principal John George and Assistant Principal Mark Higgins attributes the turn-around of Fleming Middle School in Grants Pass, Oregon to clear communication of high expectations for students, parents and staff.

Increasing Student Expectations and Test Scores

Test scores and college-attendance rates have jumped dramatically at La Pine High School, thanks in part to a focus on academic proficiency with math and support labs, additional tutoring, and a strong student services team. Named Oregon High School Principal of the Year in 2011, Jay Mathisen shares the sometimes-difficult steps it took to increase student expectations.

Near-Peer Mentoring

Powers High School has created a mentoring program that supports middle school students' transition to the high school and develops leadership skills for upperclassmen mentors. Principal Matt Shorb and GEAR UP coordinator Ellen Baldwin discuss the logistics of the program and its results.

Peer Power: A Peer Mentoring Program

Peer Power is Yoncalla High School's peer mentoring program for incoming ninth graders that provides academic assistance, advice and programs on social concerns, community service, and more. Principal Brian Berry discusses the positive results of the program that have been felt in the school as well as throughout the community.

Peer Professional Development

Jim Boen, principal at La Pine Middle School, discusses how his staff has utilized peer professional development to learn from each other's expertise through classroom observation and dedicated time to reflect and plan.

Place-Based Learning

Kennedy High School is the alternative high school in Cottage Grove, Oregon which has undergone a reincarnation in the past five years under the leadership and vision of Principal Tom Horn. Emphasizing sustainability and place-based learning, students engage academically while carrying out projects that help the community.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support

Committed staff at Brookings-Harbor High School and Azalea Middle School in Brookings, Oregon have changed the school culture to one of Pride, Honor and Respect thanks to a Positive Behavorial Interventions and Support program. Bryan Wood, former principal at Brookings-Harbor High School and Diane Kinney, now Dean of Students at Azalea Middle School share their thoughts.

Professional Text Studies

The staff at Stanfield Secondary School have been doing their homework, reading and discussing current educational literature. Hear from Principal Steve Ellis how this practice has benefited both students and teachers.

Robotics Are Relevant

Students can't get enough of the robotics and engineering classes at Brookings-Harbor High School. Instructor Alain Chirinian and principal Larry Martindale explain how the program has increased student motivation through project-based learning that is relevant and fun. 

Writing Across the Curriculum

Principal Kay Graham shares how Cottage Grove High School implemented writing across the curriculum and its dramatic impact on student test scores and writing ability. She explains the process of supporting both staff and students and the results of the program so far.