RCS hosts the Learning Achievement Coalition for Oakland

Rochester Community Schools is hosting the Learning Achievement Coalition-Oakland (LAC-O) meeting, sponsored by Oakland Schools, on Wednesday, March 9, where State Superintendent Brian Whiston is scheduled to attend.

At the meeting, more than 120 leaders from across the county will gather to discuss Michael Fullan and Joann Quinn’s work on coherence and discuss the concept of Deep Learning Labs. Fullan and Quinn, authors of the book, Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems, are scheduled to serve as the keynote speakers for the event. 

“We are truly honored to be hosting this event for Oakland Schools,” said Superintendent Robert Shaner, Ph.D. “The RCS team and Board of Education also studied Mr. Fullan and Ms. Quinn’s work on Coherence and found great value in the resulting dialogue.” 

In June 2015, LAC-O launched the County Effective Practices Conference, where Fullan was invited to serve as the keynote speaker. Fullan, in turn, invited the county to send a team of six representatives to an international workshop in Seattle, Washington, which focused on deep learning partnerships. “The interaction then prompted our study of the book, Coherence, by Michael Fullan and Joanne Quinn, which we hope will inspire our LAC-O team,” said Shaner, LAC-O project Co-Facilitators Larry Thomas and Mike Yocum, and Oakland Schools Superintendent Wanda Cook-Robinson in a recent correspondence. 

“Our district is so proud to host this wonderful event, and we extend a warm welcome to State Superintendent Whiston,” said RCS Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Debi Fragomeni. “But we are also excited that our former superintendent, Dr. John Schultz, will be joining us as well. Dr. Schultz served as a legacy builder with the district for more than 20 years.” 

RCS is currently working with district partners to ensure members are provided with an enjoyable experience. “Attendees are encouraged to park at the City Lot 10 near the Rochester police station, where Durham bus transportation services will shuttle the LAC-O members through beautiful downtown Rochester to the administration building. Our district’s food service provider, Chartwells, will also be cooking up a wonderful lunch for our guests,” said Fragomeni.