Recognizing a need for improvement in school districts, the College of Education has launched a new foundation to help initiate change. Superintendent Rod Paige came up with the idea for starting the center, and according to McAdams, UH responded to the challenge, implementing the center in April 1999. The CRSS operates under the idea of whole systems change, which means school systems must function together, from faculty and staff to human resources and administration. Therefore, the dysfunction of one single department can cause disharmony in the entire system. When one part doesn't function properly, the entire system will not work.
All parts have to be properly assembled and functioning together.
The center focuses on the many factors that aid in improving school systems, including leadership, high academic standards, effective school designs and business and community involvement. According to McAdams, these factors, along with good management, accountability and fiscal equity, make up the nuts and bolts that hold a school system together. The center also offers education and training for board members, consulting services, research, publications and conferences, which are available to business leaders, scholars and policy-makers. McAdams brings a strong background in leadership and education to the center, having served in various educational administrative positions, including serving two terms as president for the HISD Board of Education. He also has authored a book that is being released this month.