A selective, weeklong professional development course taught by world-class faculty at one of the best graduate schools of education in the country at Harvard University, in Cambridge, MA.

1. RYHT Harvard Leadership Program

2. What is the RYHT Harvard Leadership Program? What: A selective, weeklong professional development course taught by world-class faculty at one of the best graduate schools of education in the country Where: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA When: Summer 2011 5 to 10 days (dates vary)

3. Why does RYHT invest in principals? At RYHT, we recognize the critical role of human capital in building student achievement. The most powerful incentive to retain effective teachers is supportive leadership. Our effort has invested over $3 million in over 350 principals, providing strong leadership to an estimated 18,000 teachers and 275,000 students in Texas public schools.

4. Who pays for this? We do! RYHT provides: Travel Hotel stay Tuition A modest discretionary spending fund

5. Am I eligible? Eligible applicants must be a current Texas public or charter school principal. (Sorry, no assistant principals.) Applicants MUST apply through the RYHT website and NOT through Harvard directly. If you apply on the Harvard website and not the RYHT one, you will not be considered for the RYHT program and thus will not be funded.

6. What is on the application? Application consists of: Letter of recommendation from the district superintendent or supervising district-level administrator Two essays (last year’s questions below; prompts change annually) 1. Please describe your school, programs, educational values and provide a brief description of your school’s student body and faculty; include anything unique or special about your school. 2. Discuss your most significant accountability challenge and its impact on your role as a school leader.

7. What are the selection criteria? RYHT is looking for principals that demonstrate: A belief in student achievement-based learning and teaching A commitment to achievement and belief-based school-wide culture Personal leadership Resilience in the face of obstacles Passion for and understanding of their critical role in affecting students

8. How will I be notified? Application deadline is March 31st. In consultation with Harvard, RYHT selects over 100 Texan principals annually. Final decisions will be sent to each applicant by May 2011.

9. What programs are available? Improving Schools: The Art of Leadership June 26-July2, 2011 Designed for school leaders in the early stages of their careers, the institute will help you to expand your leadership skills, explore how to enhance student learning and create success for yourself and your school. Leadership: An Evolving Vision July 6-12, 2011 Designed for experienced school leaders, this institute will help you to strengthen your leadership and management skills and revitalize your personal vision of leadership.

10. What programs are available? Redesigning High Schools for Improved Instruction June 26-July 1, 2011 This program provides the theories, knowledge, tools and best practices necessary to redesign high schools so they can become powerful learning environments for both students and adults. National Institute for Urban School Leaders July 18-July 23, 2011 (tentative) The National Institute for Urban School Leaders will help you refine your leadership skills, increase your understanding of what constitutes effective teaching and learning, examine successful practices from urban settings, set high expectations for achievement and explore strategies that promote student engagement in schools.

11. Why should I apply? Research studies have found that school leadership is a key factor in schools that outperform others with similar students. The urgent demands of the moment too often supersede the long-term, challenging work of improving instruction. Meet fellow school leaders from across the country and across the world. Become a Harvard alumnus/a!

13. Enhance your personal leadership capacity and instructional leadership skills

14. Learn effective approaches for ensuring the inclusion of all students

16. What will I learn? Master a simple and effective process for supervision and evaluation Develop an understanding of how adult learning and teacher development contribute to school improvement Examine effective leadership styles and practices in the context of organizational change Manage schools and districts entrepreneurially, expanding public and private partnerships and networks Utilize new techniques and technologies for implementing sustainable change Respond to the expectations of a wide variety of stakeholders Use interim assessments to improve teaching and learning

17. What will I learn? Implement strategies for leading instruction through an era of public accountability Identify leadership roles and styles required to improve teaching and learning in the instructional core Examine the beliefs, cultural changes and teaching and learning strategies required to promote high student achievement Consider the effects of race, class, and culture on the learning community Explore practice-based techniques for closing the achievement gap Develop comprehensive crisis communications strategies Increase your instructional leadership by improving your time management

18. Thanks, but there’s no way I’ll get in to Harvard… It is always worth it to apply – you never know! Many RYHT alumni are willing to offer feedback on essays. RYHT is looking for passion, talent, and diversity in the Harvard Leadership corps. We have accepted principals from all across Texas, (including the RGV) serving all types of schools (big, small, urban, rural, high-income, low-income), and we are constantly looking to expand our program’s reach.

19. The Big Takeaway At Harvard, you will learn from world-class faculty in a world-famous institution alongside colleagues from Texas and around the globe, sharing knowledge and resources across cultures and continents.

20. …But wait, there’s more! RYHT holds an annual two-day reunion conference for all Harvard Leadership Program alumni in Texas. Purposes: Reconnect with your summer learning cohort Network with other HLP alumni from around the state Continue to learn in high-quality professional development sessions, led by accomplished faculty, policymakers, and more

21. But you don’t have to take our word for it… “The trip to Harvard was probably the best professional experience I have ever had.” – Principal, Ector County ISD “ The experience at Harvard was a highlight of my career.” – Principal, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD “The time I spent at Harvard was amazing and I know it has positively impacted my role as a school leader.” – Principal, Northside ISD “Harvard last summer was the most rewarding professional development experience!” – Principal, Irving ISD “I must tell you that I am so grateful for the time I spent last summer at Harvard. The experience has truly changed what I do on a daily basis!” – Principal, Klein ISD “My Harvard experience was one of the highlights of my educational career and I definitely enjoy our reunions. ” – Principal, Ysleta ISD

22. But you don’t have to take our word for it… “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to attend Harvard's Leadership Academy. Without the support of Raise Your Hand Texas this would not be possible. Thank you for the support you provide to education and those who serve children throughout the state of Texas. ” “Quite honestly, in the challenges, struggles, and successes of each day, I so often reflect back on a conversation I had while at Harvard or a speaker/presentation that I heard. I truly believe that my Harvard experience has strengthened me as a leader, and I am grateful for every opportunity to learn and grow!” “I want to share that I am so excited and thankful for all your support and paving the way for our school and my colleagues. I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of attending Harvard and will put all the skills to work this upcoming school year.” “I just wanted to let everyone associated with Raise Your Hand Texas know that my experience at Harvard last week was amazing! I went with very high expectations for learning and all of my expectations were met and exceeded!”

23. But you don’t have to take our word for it… “Thank you to RYHT for affording me the privilege and opportunity to attend the Harvard Principals’ Institute last week. It was truly an exhilarating and life-changing experience. I have learned so much, and I’m already at work with implementing the strategies and lessons learned to reform my high school. I can’t wait to see my teachers and students return.” “The opportunity to participate in the Harvard Redesigning High Schools for Improved Instruction institute was very rewarding. The institute was incredible and it challenged me as an educator and administrator. I will be able to utilize the information, materials, and professional contacts from the institute to positively impact the students of AISD. ” “My school made Exemplary this time! I owe a lot of it to Harvard and RYHT!”

24. Please take our business cards and send us an e-mail! We will be sure to notify you as soon as the online application goes live. www.raiseyourhandtexas.org (512) 476-4178 Miriam Goldberg mgoldberg@ryht.org Christen Needham cneedham@ryht.org