He's not punitive or vindictive, but the bottom line for him is success in the use of people's efforts. With the money saved by dismissing Sylvan, the school stocked a reading lab with new computers. Harper also hired two teachers with elementary school experience, Gamble and Powell, to teach freshmen with reading scores below 8.0 level, or the beginning of 8th grade. I'm not used to that. Gamble stresses active learning.
Students work in groups after reading aloud or silently.
They present their findings to each other and discuss their work. In analyzing literature, they incorporate role playing, skits, rap poetry and art. They read and analyze novels. In a nod to standardized tests, they do timed readings, too. I do see progress with some students.