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Dr. Rich McGrath is an expert in all phases of education, particularly versed in school-wide reform of inner city schools; with experience leading a school of students with over 90% poverty and over 60% English Language Learners.

Dr. Rich McGrath is an expert in all phases of education, particularly versed in school-wide reform of inner city schools; with experience leading a school of students with over 90% poverty and over 60% English Language Learners.

In the current issue of Quality Digest, Rich McGrath Ed.D., and Thomas R. Cutler examine the vital role of elementary education in preparing the future workforce.

For the past twenty years, Rita Vannatta an elementary school principal has worked closely with Dr. Rich McGrath. Vannatta commented, “I have been impressed with Rich’s knowledge of educational best practices. He especially has a comprehensive knowledge of language arts. Dr. McGrath exemplifies excellent professional traits in word, disposition, and deed. As principal he actively works with the professional learning communities to share information as to students’ initial level of academic achievement, where they are at the present, and where they are expected to be in terms of the district’s standards and benchmarks.

Mary Kay Kollars is an elementary school principal who has worked closely with Dr. Rich McGrath over the past decade and noted, “Whenever I have needed advice or guidance regarding strategies, program initiatives that would improve student achievement I would consult with him. He is a great listener who it cares about kids and is passionate about improving student learning and achievement levels. His expertise and background knowledge in the area of reading is extensive. When our building leadership team analyzed student achievement data and had questions regarding the implementation of math or reading initiatives we definitely relied upon his wise advice and knew that we could count on his support.” Kollars went on to say Dr. Rich McGrath is… “Analytical, thoughtful and compassionate…these are three words that immediately come to my mind when I think of Dr. Rich McGrath. As an elementary principal I have had the privilege of working with him over the past 10 years.”

According to Linda Steele, a Middle School Assistant Principal, “Dr. Rich McGrath is a leader in many capacities. He has led his staff through many initiatives that have led to improved student achievement in his building. He has deep knowledge in the area of struggling learners and the interventions that are most effective for these students. His ability to lead his staff through the professional development necessary to make these improvements is a skill that only the most distinguished principals possess.”

Jason E. Glass, Director of the Department of Education for the State of Iowa, thanked Dr. Rich McGrath for his years of service to education of Iowa students. In a letter of appreciation, dated May 11, Director Glass noted sincere appreciation to Dr. Rich McGrath on behalf of Iowa students.

Education is beginning to recognize that school performance and accountability is tantamount to the Director of Quality role in every manufacturing plant. Some of this shift is taking place because No Child Left Behind, while valiant in concept ten years ago, is not equally suitable to all learning, all children, or all schools. Nearly two thirds of all states have requested or received waivers from the Department of Education to measure performance and achievement using metrics most suitable to the desired performance outcomes.

In the current issue of Quality Digest, Rich McGrath Ed.D., and Thomas R. Cutler examine the vital role of elementary education in preparing the future workforce.

Rita Vannatta is an elementary school principal who has worked closely with Dr. Rich McGrath over the past twenty years and offered, “I have been impressed with Rich’s knowledge of educational best practices. He especially has a comprehensive knowledge of language arts. Dr. McGrath exemplifies excellent professional traits in word, disposition, and deed. As principal he actively works with the professional learning communities to share information as to students’ initial level of academic achievement, where they are at the present, and where they are expected to be in terms of the district’s standards and benchmarks. Dr. McGrath possesses technological know-how and uses it to the fullest and most productive capacity. His commitment to ongoing advancement within our field is commendable and valuable to our students, our school district, and to the education profession.”