User:Kwamecarr

Kwame Carr is the principal of Turner Middle School in the Douglas County School System in Georgia. Turner Middle School is located at 7101 Turner Drive, Lithia Springs, GA next to Lithia Springs Elementary off of S. Sweetwater Rd. Turner Middle School has an attendance of 615-850 students from Beulah Elementary, Annette Winn Elementary, Sweetwater Elementary, Lithia Springs Elementary, and North Douglas Elementary. This school currently serves grades 6-8 and provides transportation for IB students (International Baccalaureate) to Douglas County High School. Buses typically depart @ 7:45 am. Most students go to 3 schools after they leave Turner: Lithia Springs High School, Douglas County High School or New Manchester High School. Turner has been recognized as one of the most prestigious middle schools in the State of Georgia and was named a School of Excellence in 2001. Turner hosts several extra-curricular activities, including Basketball, Football, Soccer, and Softball. They also have a great Band, P.E., Career Exploration, Foreign Languages, Chorus and Art. Turner Middle School is due to be renovated for the 2012 - 2013 school year and made Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind laws last year during the 2010-2011 school year. This year, 2011 - 2012, Georgia is seeking a waiver from the N.C.L.B. regulations, which will change how Adequate Yearly Progress is measured in the United States.

Principal's Bio Background and Beliefs

Education has been my passion for more than fifteen years. In particular, my success as a mathematics instructor and assistant principal at the middle school level, and as an instructional math coach at the elementary school level, and as an assistant principal at the high school level, has increased my passion exponentially. Throughout my years in education, I've learned a lot; I've implemented teaching standards and set expectations among teachers; and I've seen the possibilities in regards to student achievement. Teaching solely in Title 1 schools has given me the opportunity to challenge not only myself, but my students as well. Through dedication, passion, and research, I've been able develop students beyond the expectations of many.

Understanding the influence of leadership, within a school setting, has inspired me to a higher calling. In today's global economy, educators must produce students that are capable of sustaining themselves, as adults, in this technological age. Student capability will come from preparation, which we are entrusted to facilitate as educators. Unfortunately, large segments of our student population, across the nation, have been victims of the "achievement gap." It has been my experience that the achievement gap only exists in the minds of adults. As educators, we are the key factor in student success. Fortunately, there are many teachers that consistently overcome all excuses and demonstrate success, regardless of diversity and/or likenesses. As a school leader, it is my job to ensure we have teachers and resources that are benefiting student achievement.

I know that my organizational skills (with an eye for detail), my passion for student achievement, and my leadership capabilities will contribute to the overall success of Turner Middle School. Being trained in a middle school as a teacher enables me to understand the dynamics of the students and school structure in general. The demographics in Douglas County offer a wonderful mix of opportunities in school support, community involvement, and overall success. Turner Middle School has the potential to raise the bar for all middle schools and to exceed all standards, as measured by the state of Georgia and the national NCLB legislation. Failure is not an option for our students.

Not only do I bring the passion for excellence, but the knowledge and research base as well. My participation as a presenter in local and national educational conferences has sharpened my focus and desire for success. I believe that educators must practice what they preach and provide role models for our children and our communities.

The "at-risk" child was born and lives in the minds of adults, not in the minds of children!

Education--Kwamecarr (talk) 17:05, 16 October 2011 (UTC)

Douglass High School, Atlanta, GA 1987

Morehouse College, B.A. Economics, Atlanta, GA 1992

Mercer University, M.Ed. Leadership., Atlanta, GA 2007

Lincoln Memorial University, Ed.S. Curriculum & Instruction, Cleveland, Tennessee 2011