I’m in Philadelphia attending an event called Educon2.3. This is a unique and wonderful event which expresses all of the best that our schools can be. The evidence is in the kids. Educon is held at Science Leadership Academy (SLA) which is a public magnet high school operating in downtown Philly, within walking distance of the Ben Franklin Institute and many other very cool places. The kids at this school impress me in a very big way.
Ben Franklin Institute
Last night, we gathered at the Franklin Institute for an evening panel discussion. A high school junior provided the welcoming opener. She was outstanding. Her poise, her clear and eloquent speech, and her clear enjoyment in the moment were remarkable to me. But then, I think all the kids at SLA are remarkable.
This morning, Chris Lehmann, the principal of SLA, welcomed us and introduced the morning keynote speaker, Philly’s deputy superintendent. But before that, he explained to us that the kids, these kids here at SLA, were entirely responsible for planning this event. As Chris explained, when the call came that Philly schools would remain closed on Friday for another snow day, he immediately sent a text message to the two student conference co-chairs. Within 30 seconds they responded, asking how he was doing. You see, the kids were scheduled to play host for all of the Educon attendees coming in early to spend the day in classes with the kids. The snow day meant they wouldn’t be able to do this and their visitors would not gain the experience of what a day at SLA feels like.
Chris went on to explain how completely the kids handled the conference planning and reminded us that a professional conference planner couldn’t have adapted to this changing situation any quicker than these kids had. Within minutes they had a plan B. These are high school kids, folks. They are smart, capable, and EMPOWERED because of the climate and culture of SLA.
We need more schools with this kind of culture, climate, and philosophy of learning. I really want to see many, many more schools like this. We need it. The kids need it. May there be many more SLA inspired schools!
Thank you to the students, parents, teachers, and staff at SLA for providing this event so that others can learn and take these ideas back to their own spheres of influence.