With all that is going on with Manual lately, it got me to thinking about Dr. Kherat. When I followed the link on the "What's going on with Manual Academy" post below to re-read an earlier post. The post reads:
Sources tell 1470 WMBD Dr. Kherat has accepted a job in the Springfield School District's Central office, where she will serve as a turnaround officer. This evening, WMBD31 reported that Kherat expressed her dislike of the the constant changes required by the turnaround process as one of her reasons to leave Manual.
Just a littlle bit ago Emerge Peoria got word that all 150 Principals were called to a meeting. That tidbit was followed up by this post:
Sharon Crews said...And guess who the presenter from Springfield is at the principals' meeting-Sharon Kherat. Disgruntled employees-fired or resigned, may come back to haunt Lathan. Thursday, 10/06/2011
From what I can find, Dr. Kherat is listed as a Transformation Officer for Springfield Lanphier. The State of Illinois recently created a State turnaround office and they need highly qualified professionals. It is possible that Transformation Officers may work in more than one location. Dr. Kherat would certainly qualify, considering her turnaround experience at Manual. How ironic would that be, if at some point, Dr. Kherat had some input in the turnaround efforts of District 150?
On January 1, 2010, a Task Force reporting on "Innovation, Intervention, and Restructuring", advised that the ISBE should create an effective process for monitoring and oversight of the turnaround school effort. It was highly recommended that the ISBE create a designated unit within the agency that has authority and resources to oversee the lead and supporting partners’ efforts as well as to track and share best practices and collect data on effectiveness. The ISBE was advised to develop an oversight office whether or not they receive funding through Race to the Top.
Turnaround/transformation officers provide coaching to district and school leadership as well as professional development for school administrators engaged in school turnaround and transformation. • Lead, in collaboration with school principal and district leaders, school transformation and turnaround initiatives to meet the requirements of school improvement grant 1003G including progress monitoring and reporting. • Evaluate instructional programs and provide professional development and feedback to teachers • Support family and community engagement initiatives as outlined in district SIG plans • Provide guidance and support on initiatives to the school site on a daily basis.
Turnaround/transformation officers provide coaching to district and school leadership as well as professional development for school administrators engaged in school turnaround and transformation. • Lead, in collaboration with school principal and district leaders, school transformation and turnaround initiatives to meet the requirements of school improvement grant 1003G including progress monitoring and reporting. • Evaluate instructional programs and provide professional development and feedback to teachers • Support family and community engagement initiatives as outlined in district SIG plans • Provide guidance and support on initiatives to the school site on a daily basis.