The Arizona Republic

The latest national push to improve education could be summed up in arithmetic: Multiply effective teachers and principals. Add good data systems. Subtract low-achieving schools.

A program in Arizona has already figured out that math. The Rodel Foundation, in conjunction with Social Venture Partners Arizona, recognizes and rewards exceptional educators who work in high-needs schools.

This year's exemplary teachers and principals, who will be honored at a banquet tonight, are part of an initiative that has a jump on many parts of the Obama administration's education strategy.

The Rodel winners, who receive a financial award, must agree to act as mentors to student teachers or aspiring principals. They must also remain in high-poverty schools. So, their success is multiplied, with a ripple effect in schools that need the most help.

The Obama administration's Race to the Top, a competitive program of state grants, emphasizes the effective use of data. That's a big factor for Rodel.

Frank Klajda of Fees Middle School in Tempe was named an exemplary principal, partly for how well he works with teachers to track and improve academic growth. A zero isn't acceptable: If students have unfinished work, they do it at midday, in what Klajda calls a "working lunch."

Lori Chavira, an exemplary teacher from Frye Elementary School in Chandler, has the attitude every parent hopes to find. She goes into the classroom aiming to inspire, to create successful moments for each child and to make learning fun. It's the level of expectations and energy that a high-needs school must have.

Arizona's application for Race to the Top funding includes a proposal to expand the Rodel initiative. That's good math.