Chad Carr, Mosaica's Regional Vice President of the Year
Mosaica Education, Inc., a global leader in education reform, was founded in 1997 by Gene and Dawn Eidelman. One of Mosaica's most successful schools is Ohio's Columbus Preparatory Academy (CPA) led by Chad Carr. We recently caught up with Chad Carr, who is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO, another term for School Leader), while also serving as Regional Vice President for five Mosaica schools in central Ohio.
Now beginning his fourth year as CAO, Chad did not have it easy when he started. In 2007, the overall school academic performance score was 67. In 2008 the number increased to 69. In 2009 it rose again to 83, reaching 92 in 2010. This 25 point increase is remarkable! In recognition last year, Carr received the Mosaica Education Regional Vice President Award. The year previous, he earned Mosaica’s RVP Rising Star Award. His aim is for 100 this coming school year. 'We don’t believe in second place trophies. We try to win at everything.' To reinforce this, he wears the number 100 on his sleeve!
The Paragon Curriculum and The Blitz
Mosaica’s central educational pillar is the Paragon curriculum, created by Dawn Eidelman. It aims to provide historical knowledge for students to learn and retain information. For whatever historical time period is being taught, students study, role-play, create art, literature and even dramatic plays with content of that era. Carr says this approach affords a higher level of thinking skills: actually making and creating historical experiences. When they have finished a unit, there is a 'Paragon Night' where parents and community leaders attend student plays along with a showcase of art. These nights take place four or five times during the school year.
Chad has added 'The Blitz' to the Paragon Model, using competitive football and the sport’s jargon to further spark student achievement. Small quizzes, for instance, are 'scrimmages.' Signs in the hallway say 'Blitz the OAT (Ohio Achievement Test.' 'The idea,' he adds, 'is based on competition: pep rallies and the like that are geared to celebrate the test rather than fear it.'
'PSI is an important part of our school’s mission. PSI provides those services that help our students obtain better grades as well as making sure that all our special education programs are state compliant. Their services at the Academy include psychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy and school health.'
About the Mosaica award, Chad says 'I was picked because of my work ethic—my one talent is dedication to the job!' Another key to success is supporting the teachers. 'Three years ago this school wasn’t the best. At that time, teachers felt they weren’t supported. The most important thing I ever did was to show them I was on their side. It comes down to this: support your teachers, train your teachers, set a goal and hold students accountable. The Blitz is a terrific tool to get these all done at the same time.'