This belief formed the core of his Children Achieving strategy in Philadelphia and, in his opinion, was the source of most of the controversy he experienced. Gaps in student achievement are indications of political and social will , not indicators that some children can learn and others cannot, or even the need for further research. Until we send a different message to those in power, it will be hard to challenge and change what they are willing to offer. Hornbeck is currently working to form such a movement of congregants from different faith communities, parents, and college and high school students designed to withdraw permission for the educational mistreatment of so many children. They are only instrumental when well-used in a context of goals, accountability and support programs.
Time is needed for superintendents to provide sustained results.
Leadership and passion are required. Leaders should not be confused with managers. While excellent managers may be able to manage anything, excellent leaders can only lead that which they believe in deeply. Leaders should provide a moral authority, value structure, content and persistent focus on goals. More and more school districts are contracting out the academic work and hiring a manager as superintendent when in fact they should hire the visionary instructional leader and contract for the management work.