Testimonials

Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School & in Life - In this clarion call for personal responsibility for students, teachers, and families, Kafele offers practical advice and a demanding set of standards.  He balances an emphasis on self-esteem with self-discipline, knowing that the former will not be meaningful without the latter.  The appendices provide practical lists for students, aspiring leaders, and teachers.  His work is consistent with the outstanding work of Carol Dweck of Stanford (a review of her excellent book is forthcoming) and Jeff Howard of the Efficacy Institute.  Kafele's personal story and his extensive experience demonstrate that urban students in general and African-American males in particular benefit not from well-intentioned sympathy, but from rigor, high expectations, intensive literacy support, and pride in who they are and who they will become.  

I want to thank you for coming to Eagle Pass this past week. Your presentation was right on target for what Mr. Sanchez and I both wanted for the Principals and Administrators to hear. I read the evaluations and they were very good. Many of them really reflected on some of the things you brought out on instructional leadership. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses and I think you gave them both positive strokes on what they are doing right while giving them some suggestions for improving upon the things that will make them better leaders. Again, thank you so very much.

I am extremely appreciative of you taking time out from your busy schedule to speak to our students. Students were highly engaged and appreciated and responded to your sincerely. Your message on responsibility and maturity was right on target. Since our program's inception, we have observed an increase in student achievement, and we hope to capitalize on this auspicious start by following this cohort during their years at the high school. The students in your building are very fortunate to have you as their principal; your dedication to education is inspiring. Please accept this plaque recognizing your contributions in helping us elevate our students' performance.