It takes a special kind of hero to move abstract idealism to concrete reality. Robert Snyder is a special kind of unsung hero whose courageous approach to reform moved a mountain of resistant obstacles and led a journey to define and implement the American Agenda. His strategic five-year plan recreated a traditional, large, urban high school into a model for teacher leadership, technology, a collection of innovative student programs, and teacher training for improved classroom instruction . They want the opportunity to put those ideas into practice. It is through the development and leadership of people and ideas that the American Agenda gave teachers that opportunity.
Teacher leadership is the vehicle to reform.
American High is proof of that reality . The human resource and its power to create is our most valuable asset. Teachers who are excited about teaching produce quality instruction that challenges students. Improvements in achievement test scores, school climate, attendance, and drop-out rate are the result . The improved attitude of teachers who are professionally engaged is evidenced by instructional strategies and programs that involve students in more productive learning.