International Center for Leadership in Education

Jim Warford is a courageous educational leader who did not follow a traditional career path. His unique combination of educational, business and creative experience allows him to translate his vision and passion for school reform into well-executed systemic changes resulting in dramatic increases in student performance. In early 2003 he was appointed as Florida’s first-ever Chancellor for public schools. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Florida Association of School Administrators and as a Keynote Presenter and Senior Advisor for Dr. Bill Daggett's, International Center for Leadership in Education in Albany, New York.
As Florida’s Chancellor he was responsible for Florida’s $16 Billion budget for public schools and focusing every bureau within the Department of Education on the goal of raising student achievement. As Chancellor, he created and implemented Florida’s Continuous Improvement Model used by the "Assistance Plus" program, the largest state-intervention in low-performing schools in the nation, which resulted in over 80% of these schools moving off the list of failing schools. As Superintendent of the Marion County Public Schools, he implemented the Continuous Improvement Model district-wide. As a result, school grades went from three "F", eight "D" and only one "A" school in 1999 to twenty "A", 16 "B" and no "F" schools in 2003. Under his leadership the high school dropout rate was cut almost in half and Marion County had the lowest elementary class size in Florida. Jim Warford taught applied technology courses at the high school level for 17 years and created a Computer Graphics/Television Production program that won many national and state awards. He was named Vanguard High School Teacher of the Year three times. Jim Warford holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. In addition, he served for 20 years with Glenn Associates of Florida, a family-owned electrical manufactures consulting firm in operation since 1929. Throughout the 1990’s, he also served as a consultant for Florida’s Silver Springs Attraction where he was responsible for creating new rides, shows and training employees. He is married and has three children.

Presentation Topics Include:

Today’s Students Are Wired Different!
Today’s students live and work in a world that is being changed dramatically by technology and globalization. These same forces are changing the young people in our classrooms as well.Vivid examples will be provided of how, and why, today’s students are “wired differently” from previous generations, and what this means for our classrooms if we want all students to have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this changing world.
The Continuous Improvement Model
As Chancellor of Florida’s public schools, Jim Warford led the creation and implementation of the Continuous Improvement Model throughout Florida. State tests and NAEP data confirm that this implementation resulted in some of the most dramatic student achievement gains in the nation and significantly closed the state’s achievement gap for African-American and Hispanic students. Learn how more than 80% of Florida’s lowest performing schools improved enough to get off the state’s low-performing list.
Put the “Art” Back in Teaching
Modern brain research is showing us the powerful connection between creative work and learning. Great scientists and artists are more alike than different, and educators intuitively understand that good teaching is a blend of both art and science. But, are we in danger of losing the balance between the two in our classrooms? This presentation will provide examples from the latest brain research about why we must find ways to value the "art" of teaching and value the Arts in our schools.
What Works for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
The extraordinary increase in the number of English language learners and the shortage of teachers trained to work with these students are dramatic trends in our schools. To meet this challenge, educators need ongoing training and support to develop capacity to provide instruction that will take the ELL students to higher levels of learning and performance. This session will highlight the second language acquisition process to differentiate instruction and provide a curriculum framework from which educators can begin to examine the many factors involved in designing appropriate instruction for ELL students.
Preparing Today’s Students for a Changing World
Today’s students will live and work in a world that is being changed dramatically by technology and globalization. These same forces are changing the young people in our classrooms as well. Vivid examples will be provided of how and why today’s students are different from previous generations and what this means for our classrooms if we want all students to have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this changing world.
Rigor and Relevance for ALL Students
Highly successful schools have academically rigorous curricula that also incorporate real-world relevance. These schools understand that rigor, while essential, is not adequate to lead all students to high levels of achievement. This presentation will provide an in-depth look at the Rigor/Relevance Framework, created by the International Center for Leadership in Education, which has become a cornerstone of curriculum and instruction for schools throughout the country and abroad.
Redefining Literacy for the 21st Century
Literacy is the most critical skill needed in the 21st century. As society is challenged by constantly changing technology, individuals need to read and write at higher levels than in the past. Our literacy efforts in schools must include more than the traditional emphasis on prose. Quantitative, technological, and document literacy are becoming increasingly important. This session will describe the need to intensify our literacy requirements in all three areas and share successful practices in moving all students to higher literacy levels.
Success in Reaching Adequate Yearly Progress
For many schools, the adequate yearly progress (AYP) provision of No Child Left Behind is a major challenge. Other schools, through the effective use of data and focused instruction, are having success in meeting AYP for all students. Data and strategies will be provided that schools can use to achieve the continuous improvement needed for all student subgroups to meet AYP.
Skills for the Global Economy
The academic skills needed for today’s workplace are higher than, and different from, those needed for college. The requirements of business and industry today are putting pressure on schools to make dramatic changes in both their academic and career-technical programs. This session will describe the skills that are required in our technologically based, globally driven society.

"Leadership"

"Engagement"

"I know Jim makes a difference. He is driven by his endless energy, a clear vision of the future, and a desire to do what is best for students."

Jim Yancey, Superintendent
Marion County Public Schools
Florida

“Jim Warford is a passionate presenter who combines a deep faith in public schools with a clear understanding of why we must transform them for the 21st century.”

Steve Woolf, Title I Administrator
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL