Distinguished New Leaders

Robert Spencer

New Leader, Cohort 4
Principal
Capitol Heights Academy
Sacramento, California

"Through my New Leaders training, I was exposed to a plethora of foundational information you need as a principal."

Capitol Heights Academy

Most improved elementary school in the Sacramento Public School district
Highest gains among elementary schools in Sacramento on California's Academic Performance Index
U.S. Department of Education Title 1 Distinguished School Award

As an 8th grade humanities teacher pondering the idea of becoming a principal some day, Robert was determined to find a training program geared toward urban education. The New Leaders Program residency year component appealed to him because it allows residents to experience the urban school administrative environment firsthand. "I was taught about different philosophies, management techniques, and how to work with people. This made a real strong foundation and gave me confidence," Robert said. "Being able to sit in classrooms and workshops and role play with 59 other educators of similar thinking who challenged me and expounded on things that I learned--that was really amazing."

When Robert arrived at Capitol Heights, the majority of students were below basic in English/language arts and math, and employee morale was low after only two years of the school’s existence. Robert cites his training around how to change a school culture, interactions with intellectuals and fellow colleagues who share the same commitment to urban education, and the hands-on experience gained during the residency year as the keys to unlocking his school's potential for success. Robert explained, "As a New Leaders principal, I moved my school to higher levels of performance by hiring the right people with the same belief system of preparing all students for college. There was a dramatic culture change."

To overcome the challenges to learning in his school, Robert shifted the school culture to that of a college preparatory environment. By conducting regular teacher training workshops, setting high achievement goals, and developing morning rituals, he transformed not only the staff and student perception of the school, but also brought more families into the process--many of whom were engaged for the first time. "Staff is happy to be here, students are happy to be here, and key families are championing the school," said Robert.

During the 2006-2007 school year, Capitol Heights Academy received the Title 1 Distinguished School Award and made the highest gains among elementary schools in Sacramento on California’s Academic Performance Index. Robert sees his New Leaders' experience having an impact on a community where other neighborhood schools are closing down, and he recognizes the value of his New Leaders training in dramatically raising the bar of student achievement.

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