Mission Statement

After working in over 40 schools and districts in the past three years, the research is clear; those schools that have experienced significant improvement in student achievement have focused on Professional Learning Communities, a Balanced Literacy approach to teaching reading and writing, common assessments, and non-fiction and constructed response writing. When principals expect and require deep implementation of these research-based strategies, they are positioning their school for continuous, sustained growth over time.

Dr. Craig Drennon, Former Turn Around Specialist, State Department of Education

In every case, we have seen dramatic improvement in students',  reading, writing, and comprehension in those K-8 schools whose teachers have been trained in the balanced literacy instructional model.

Dr. Vicki Holcomb, Former Director of Elementary Education, Buncombe County Schools

• Erwin High School... view results
• Maryville Elementary School... view results
• Cane Creek Middle School... view results
• Coltrane-Webb ES... view results

• Amy Rhoney, Principal Cane Creek Middle School, N.C. Honors School of Excellence 2009/2010

Our teachers are believers now. With our outstanding growth in one year, we have created a completely new culture at our school. Teachers are excited about using data to drive instruction, and we are now giving common assessments every two weeks, non-fiction writing twice a week and constructed response writing once a month. These strategies work!!



• Stephanie Bell, Principal, Maryville ES

Without a doubt, balanced literacy has given us an instructional framework that addresses all components of reading, writing, and comprehension. Along with common assessments, non-fiction writing, and data analysis, it has been the driving force behind our academic success.



• Dr. Jim Brown, Principal, Erwin High School

In one year, grade and content level collaboration around essential questions of the NC Standard Course of Study, Common Assessments, and Non-fiction writing has really made a positive impact on our school.  Our total student proficiency rate improved from 64% to 74% across all content areas; we were selected as a NC School of Promise with High Growth, and we were the only high school in Buncombe County to make AYP in 2009.



• Mike Cavaris, Principal, Rosemary Middle School

We have worked with Dr. Drennon for the past four years and we continue to make steady growth. We’re not where we want to be, but we have cut our BB students and increased our proficient / advanced population significantly. In our school, Dr. Drennon has supported the implementation of curriculum guides, data driven decision making, common assessments, non-fiction writing, and advisor/advisee modules. He has become a trusted friend and colleague.



• Paige Moore, Principal, Coltrane-Webb Elementary School

We saw significant growth in grades 3-5 under the guidance of Dr. Vicki Holcomb. Last year we leveled our students and our library in grades 3-5 and this year we plan to level our k-2 students and books. We saw such a huge achievement gap between students who were in leveled books and balanced literacy and those who were not. We are now all using the same language and strategies in regards to literacy and everybody is excited about our progress. Dr. Holcomb’s literacy expertise has made a huge impact on our instruction.



• Dr. Tim Carnahan, Principal, Waccamaw Intermediate School

Dr. Drennon, we have had two great days of training and only one more to go. We may not have a common assessment ready by the time you return but are moving in the right direction. Today was our first day for Balanced Literacy and it was awesome! I know this is going to help our teachers grow as educators, and eventually lead to increased student achievement. Thanks for all your help!



• Dr. Harold Long, Greenville County Schools

By every standard, Dr. Drennon and his staff are accomplished educators and leaders whose expertise and skill are unparalleled in raising the achievement of both individuals and schools. More importantly, I have witnessed the significant influence his work has had with implementing leadership, curriculum design, alignment of standards and instruction, assessment, and research.



• Mr. Bernie Bell, Principal, Creek Bridge High School

Dr. Drennon facilitated a faculty retreat for us this summer and he is continuing to work with our middle and high schools on a monthly basis. I can truthfully say that we are off to the best start we’ve ever had. Teachers are positive, supportive, and engaged in the work of school improvement.