[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           DR. SHANNON HARVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a 
principal in the 8th District of Washington, Dr. Shannon Harvey, who 
earned the National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation 
and a prize of $25,000 for showing exceptional educational talent and 
great leadership. The prize was awarded to her in October, and she was 
the only educator in Washington to receive the distinction.
  Dr. Harvey is the principal at Cascade Elementary School in Renton, 
WA, and has been since 2004. She started at Cascade as a teacher and 
has worked with the district for 16 years. Under her leadership, 
Cascade involved community leaders and parents in developing a 
comprehensive learning environment that benefited students and 
teachers. She instituted such innovative ideas as giving her staff more 
time for professional development and posting test scores on a wall 
within the school for teachers and students alike to track academic 
progress.
  The overall effect of Dr. Harvey's efforts has led to a wonderful 
balance of teacher intervention and student independence. Outside of 
clear anecdotal effects, her changes have led to a large jump in 
students' test scores on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning. 
When Dr. Harvey began as principal, 48 percent of students at Cascade 
were passing the reading portion of the test. Now, the percentage has 
jumped to 81.
  When Dr. Harvey learned she won the award, she was quoted in the 
Seattle Times as saying, ``It seems unfair to be honored for something 
I love.'' Dr. Harvey truly possesses a servant's heart, and I believe 
it is appropriate for this body to acknowledge her selfless dedication 
to the future leaders of America.

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