Along with educators throughout the state, The School Leadership Center of Greater New Orleans (SLC) has anxiously awaited the release of School Improvement Scores from the Louisiana State Department of Education.

Dr. Kenneth Leithwood , Associate Dean for Research of the University of Toronto , studied Center schools annually for five years:

· “…the SLC has made remarkable progress over the brief five year period of its history and now represents one of the premier organizations of its type in the country.”

· “Clear indications that student achievement is improving significantly more in (SLC) Fellows' schools than in other comparable schools across the state.”

The most recent School Performance Scores once again confirmed that schools in SLC programs progress at a faster rate than non-SLC schools. Using the La. Dept of Education school performance scores:

· SLC schools showed a 54% greater academic growth than non-SLC schools within the five civil parishes that SLC serves (Leithwood, Porter , Bauer 2004).

Of particular note are the SPS scores in Orleans Parish.

· SLC schools improved 124% as compared to non-SLC schools (Leithwood, Porter , Bauer, 2004).

Dr. Brian Riedlinger was pleased with the newest addition to the Center's achievement record. “Review of these scores is critical if the Center is to maintain its ongoing efforts at school improvement. Over a 6 year period, it is very clear that principals who involve their staffs in the Center's in-service opportunities see significant academic growth. By all indications SLC has accomplished its goals and even extended the imaginings of its founders.”