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Washington, DC   – December 7, 2007:  The Chancellor of DC Public Schools, Michelle Rhee, visited Higher Achievement’s Ward 7 Achievement Center last night.  Four middle school scholars showed her the program in action and discussed their perspectives on Higher Achievement and DCPS with Rhee. Accompanying the Chancellor was Washington Post reporter, Jo-Ann Armao, who later authored an article on December 16th, that highlighted Rhee's visit with Higher Achievement. (The link to Armao's article can be found below).

 The scholars shared with Rhee the impact of Higher Achievement’s one-on-one mentoring attention, the environment of critical thinking and advanced learning, and the annual overnight college trips. The principal of Kelly Miller, Sheena Tuckson, commented that “Higher Achievement sets a different standard for its scholars, and they become positive role models for other students”.

Rhee asked the students, “What can adults in this city do to improve education?” Scholars replied, “Start encouraging. Push us more. Parents should be more involved.  Business people and doctors should come to schools, even if they don’t have kids in the schools.”  

  Higher Achievement’s scholars also asked Rhee questions about the proposed closings of 23 DC public schools, including “Will Ward 5 kids still be able to walk to school?”, “Will schools be more crowded?” At one point, 5^th grader Anfeni Carroll turned to Rhee with a sympathetic look and asked, “Was it a hard decision?”  Rhee smiled and responded, “Yes, it was. It’s the hardest part of my job.” 

 In conclusion, Rhee shared, “The most important work in education is the one-on-one work with kids everyday.  It is really important to have partners like Higher Achievement at a time when we’re really struggling.”

Higher Achievement scholars were prepared for this discussion.  In March, Higher Achievement scholars across the city engaged in a debate over the proposed Mayoral takeover of DCPS.  Since City Council approved the governance change, scholar have stayed engaged on the issues of school reform and have met with Deputy Mayor Victor Reinoso and several members of City Council, including a recent visit by Councilmember Yvette Alexander to the Ward 7 Center on November 29^th.

To read the Washington Post article that highlighted Rhee's visit with Higher Achievement, please click here.