When I arrived at Remington ten years ago, we began the visioning process by establishing beliefs as a faculty. We brainstormed and created a vision of what we would like Remington to be in five years. Our vision included developing curriculum and instruction models that are brain-compatible while using our 20-acre site as a "being-there" experience to improve student achievement. 

Our first year we studied Kovalik’s ITI model, and our entire staff was trained in Gibbs’ TRIBES model. We concentrated on changing the physical and emotional environment to reflect our vision. We had murals painted on the walls and classrooms were transformed into learning environments. Lifeskills and lifelong guidelines were incorporated into our daily activities to teach us how to work together—both faculty and students. We began engaging in ITI professional development with all staff members completing the 3-Day Intensive Training and Model Teaching Week. 

Four summers ago the entire Remington staff engaged in a one-week curriculum-writing workshop. Each grade level was able to look at the PASS objectives and determine an appropriate Yearlong Theme (Concept) that is broad-based. Each grade level created long- and mid-range plans. PASS objectives were then aligned with the components. Inquiries based on Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences were created to provide choice and shape content. Teachers are provided one-half day per quarter to plan with colleagues. Four Remington teachers are graduates of Tulsa Public School’s Awohali Academy.

We have also developed an environmental center and trail system. Our latest project has been the development of a wetland complete with a gazebo and walkway for outdoor studies. We looked at where we wanted to be in five years. An examination of the gap between current status and future vision provided us with a clear understanding of areas to improve. Because my staff wants to impact the lives of children, they have allowed me to "hold the vision" and measure each effort against this vision.

As new teachers are interviewed to fill vacancies, we help them understand our vision and establish expectations for professional development. Tulsa Public Schools provides outstanding professional development opportunities, so it is very easy to prescribe ITI workshops in a sequential order.

Remington is a Title 1 school with 81% free lunch. Although standardized test scores are certainly not the only way to measure success, we are proud of our students for scoring in the upper quartile of Tulsa Public Schools these last five years. Our parent participation has steadily increased, and stakeholders have developed a sense of pride in our school. We have received environmental awards and grants, which have helped us, provide the gardens, trails, wetlands, gazebo, bird sanctuary, recycling center, and composting center. Students understand the environment in which they live and the importance of taking care of it. The atmosphere at Remington is much calmer than it was five years ago, and expectations are higher. Students are learning how to incorporate the Lifelong Guidelines and Lifeskills into their lives.

Our vision continues to grow as we continue to develop curriculum to meet the needs of our students. Our teachers are lifelong learners and provide instruction that is "creative, useful and emotional." To sustain growth, we must continue to engage in professional development, coaching, and curriculum development. We must also continue to work together and care for each other with enthusiasm and passion. We must continually look for opportunities for improvement both individually and corporately.