Yes! Slide certified!
I got to visit the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta last week. Our students read from The Essential 55 every morning during our school-wide Morning Meeting held in the gym and I've read Clarks' books, but nothing prepared me for what was in store!
I'm not sure I can describe the experience.
We were met at the gate by the students of the school and escorted to the library, where we danced through columns of students "Soullllllll Trainnnnnn style!"
It was a day full of energy, excitement, and engagement! The faculty walks the walk and talks the talk.
I observed a fifth grade math class and was BLOWN AWAY by the kids.....and Ron! Students taught, critiqued each other, and even had their teaching critiqued by Mr. Clark (and critiqued his). I even wound up dancing on the table at the invitation of a student to celebrate their success!
The students ate lunch with us, shared their experiences, answered our questions, and even asked us questions. They definitely lived and breathed The Essential 55!
At the end of the day, each participating educator was allowed to slide down the big, blue two-story slide to become "slide-certified."
You can see it in the pic below.
My principal and I will share what we learned with our faculty, but nothing will compare to the excitement of being there live.
If you can't make the trip to Atlanta, try to read Ron's books, especially The Essential 55 and The End of Molasses Classes. (Click on the pic below to buy the books through my Amazon affiliate.) If you'd like more info on RCA, click {HERE} to visit their webpage.
Have you been to RCA? Comment below with your experience. I'd love to hear it!
