A Conversation with Valinda Jones from Gates High School

Episode 17  Valinda Jones from Gates High School

 

Valinda Jones is the principal at Gates High School in Tacoma Washington. 

 

She began as a Drug and Alcohol treatment counselor and found herself in Alternative Education.

 

IN this interview, we learn about her journey, how the high school grew, and became effective and a place of learning and nurturing.

 

How did they grow their graduation rate?  

 

How did they counter their massive dropout rate?

 

How did they nearly eliminate suspensions and expulsions?  What are their solutions? 

 

This is a great frank, and absorbing discussion on what they discovered and how working with the right team can change the culture of complaint to a culture of trust. 

 

Why did they change from being an Alternative Learning Experience to a Basic Education platform?  How did that work?

 

How does Alternative Education work in Washington State?

References:

 Laura van dernoot Lipsky the author of Trauma Stewardship, https://traumastewardship.com/laura-van-dernoot-lipsky/

She also has a great Ted Talk called Beyond the Cliff that talks about vicarious trauma, https://youtu.be/vnOO0mWcTbs

 

 Also referenced Randy Sprick, author of Safe and Civil Schools, https://www.safeandcivilschools.com/aboutus/trainer_bios/sprick.php

 

Dr. Bruce Perry and Trauma-Informed Training

 

Restorative Practices also came into practice. 

 

Join us, won't you?! 

 

Also, don't forget to join the new podcast, Alternative Jigsaw, A podcast that helps newer teachers begin to access the use of their instrument and talents in working in Alternative Education.

Please do visit the National Association for Alternative Education for more resources! 

And, visit AERO for more resources.