A Brief History of the ATLAS Principals' Institute

1996 First Inaugural Principals' Institute
Memphis, Tennessee:
Twenty-five principals came together in Memphis for the inaugural ATLAS Principals' Institute. The success of this meeting laid the ground work for future institutes. Several of the principals from this first meeting have made subsequent annual trips, and they continue to be a valuable resource for all of those who attend.

1997 Courageous Leadership in Learning Communities
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
In April of 1997 forty-six principals joined us in the historic city of Philadelphia.
John D'Auria, the principal of Wellesley Middle School, Wellesley MA, led the discussion, "Why aren't teachers and principals considered to be scholars". The text was Lincoln on Leadership. The discussion question was: What if Lincoln were a principal? Mary Russo, principal of Mason Elementary School in Boston MA, showed an example of an exemplary model of professional development."

1998 Leading in Strong Learning Communities
Seattle, Washington:
By the time the Principals' Institute reached its third year, there were sixty-seven participants. Dr. Vivian Johnson of Boston University led a discussion on "Shared Purpose". She presented two models, a business model and an educational model, geared towards engaging corporate leaders and education leaders. Dr. Dale Lick shared how schools become more effective organizations by paying attention to proven organizational development strategies. Carlene Murphy and principals who had worked with her shared their experiences implementing Whole-Faculty Study Groups.

1999 Being in a Different Place in Our Leadership
Norfolk, Virginia:
More than sixty principals came together in Virginia to engage in the 4th ATLAS Principals' Institute. The institute was fortunate to have two keynote speakers. Dr. Theodore Sizer, the founder and chairman of the Coalition of Essential Schools, led a discussion with the group. Warren Simmons, executive director of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform and one of the four founders of ATLAS, led a discussion on providing technical assistance and professional development to advance teacher, principal, and central office understanding of expertise in the use of academic standards to enhance learning outcomes of students.

2000 The Millennium Principals' Institute
Boston, Massachusetts:
More than one hundred and twenty principals came to Boston for the Millennium Principals' Institute! Eleven guest speakers came to provide their expertise in diverse areas. Gene Thompson-Grove, National School Reform Faculty and Principal Associate for the Annenberg Institute for School Reform, presented on the various methods of examining student work. Dr. Vivian Johnson of Boston University spoke about creating family centers and the roles these centers can play in expanding relationships with families in support of children's learning. Dr. Karen Mapp, President of the Institute of Responsive Education at Northeastern University, engaged principals in an interactive work session to explore "successes" and "challenges" in their habits of stewardship in creating respectful partnerships with families.
2001 Fort Lauderdale, Florida: ATLAS Communities, Speaking and Sharing Authentically
128 principals came to the 2001 Principals' Institute. Gene Thompson-Grove,
Co-Director of the National School Reform Faculty, led participants to a deeper and authentic understanding of the importance of looking at student work. Marge Stealey, principal of Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia, shared her and her school's journey towards excellence as an original ATLAS principal and school.

2002 Leadership in the new Millennium: New Challenges, New Opportunities
San Diego, California:
In 2002, the ATLAS Principals' Institute put education on trial. Dr. Gwendolyn Webb Johnson and Dr. Barbara Townsend led participants in a trial that placed the American education system on trial for failing to provide adequate opportunities for ethnic minorities and impoverished children. Keynote speaker Professor Pedro Noguera challenged participants' thinking on the ways in which schools respond to social and economic forces within the urban environment. With the guidance of Gene Thompson-Grove, Co-Director of the National School Reform Faculty, participants learned to use at least two protocols as they scrutinized the authentic work of students. All participants were challenged to take ensure equity in their schools and become agents of change.

2003 ATLAS Leaves no Child Behind
Miami, Florida:
More than 100 Principals gathered in Miami, Florida for the 8th ATLAS Principals' Institute. This year's focus was on the implications of the No Child Left Behind legislation for Principals and students. Keynote presentations from Margaret Ciardi, Pedro Noguera, and Gloria Ladson-Billings included topics such as using data to improve teaching and learning, and the importance of "leaving no teacher behind." In addition to several exciting workshops, a highlight of the Institute was a "Fireside Chat" between Dr.
Allan Alson and Dr. N. Gerry House - a provocative discussion of the impact of NCLB on schools. In Home Groups, participants discussed the difficulties they have faced as leaders, and also used protocols to explore examples of literacy dilemmas. The Institute closed with a powerful performance by students from the Miami Cutler Ridge Middle School.