Sowing Seeds of Greatness: Reculturing Urban Schools

Audience: Diploma Programme
Session: Block 1: Friday 11:15 to 12:30, Room: Bayview Room B

Teacher expectations, the hidden curriculum, and self-fulfilling prophesies can impact student achievement. Learn how an urban high school went from not meeting its AYP to being nominated for the US Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award through an inquiry of the school's practices and an exploration of research-based ideas and staff development. This session will assist educators in identifying issues hindering urban students from enrolling in IB and AP classes, provide practical solutions to re-culture a school to provide open access to college prep classes, and offer academic strategies that significantly increase test scores and promote scholarship for all students.


Regina Ellis, Director of Guidance, Kansas City Missouri School District

Regina Ellis is currently the Director of Guidance for the Kansas City Missouri School District. She promotes devotion, passion, and diligence toward learning, while offering ideas pivotal to academic rigor and school re-culturing. During her tenure as administrator of an urban high school, Ms Ellis led a school-wide effort based on systemic reform and high expectation that resulted in 100% of junior and senior students enrolling in International Baccalaureate, Advance Placement, and Dual Credit College Classes, a 70% increase in state assessment test scores, high ACT scores, and a nomination for the US Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Award.

Uhsa Saha, Assistant Principal, Lincoln College Prep Academy

Dr Uhsa Saha serves as Assistant Principal and Diploma Programme Coordinator for Lincoln College Prep Academy. She holds graduate degrees in Education, Botany, School Administration and Biochemistry. Dr Saha advocates a high quality school that fosters positive social and emotional development of students by providing a challenging and dynamic curriculum. She has a working knowledge of internationalism and promotes a global education for all students.

Sharon Showalter, IB English Teacher/IB Coordinator, Lincoln College Prep Academy

Sharon Showalter has taught school for 41 years. Her unique approach to teaching English both engages and challenges students to rise to high expectations. Ms Showalter is committed to excellence and has demonstrated her ability to motivate students to excel in their acquisition of a college prep curriculum in English. As her school's Diploma Programme Coordinator, she encourages participation of all students and offers support to ensure success. Students enrolled in her English classes have passed IB exams at an 80-95% success rate.