Tony Flach is a Professional Development Associate with The Leadership and Learning Center. He has also served as Senior Coordinator for Data Support in Norfolk Public Schools. In that capacity he assisted PK-12 teachers and administrators in the use of data to support instruction, the design of rigorous standards-based assessments, and constructs data collection and analysis systems. Tony focused intently on helping schools design and implement their School Accountability Plans, a part of the NPS Comprehensive Accountability System. That Accountability System, along with many other innovative practices, has earned Norfolk recognition as one of the best urban school systems in the country. Accolades for Norfolk’s work have come from such prestigious organizations as the Broad Foundation, the Council of Great City Schools, and the Stupski Family Foundation.
Prior to his placement as Senior Coordinator for Data Support, Tony served as a Title I Math Specialist. In that position he conducted embedded staff development training in mathematics. His focus was on identifying the big idea standards for each grade level and modeling for teachers how to incorporate multiple standards into a single unit of study. In addition, Tony has worked with the mathematics department to promote the use of performance assessment as an ongoing component of mathematics instruction at the district level. This effort has lead him to produce curriculum maps and pacing guides that highlight the big ideas and link those with other standards in order to provide the connections vital for student understanding. He has worked in conjunction with the division’s Department of Research, Testing, and Statistics in viewing local testing data in a manner consistent with the state’s method of measuring success on the Standards of Learning Examinations. From sharing examples of student work to the creation of a “Task” as a component of a conceptual unit, Tony is a coach and a mentor. Tony has also contributed to the distance learning programs at the NASA Langley Research Center.
At the district level, Tony has conducted staff development on a variety of topics from calendar math to using technology to improve instruction. Tony was a member of the curriculum team that was responsible for revising the Norfolk Mathematics curriculum to more closely correlate with the Virginia Standards of Learning. He has also conducted several parental involvement workshops as a part of the Families Achieving National Standards in Math and Science program.
In his last year as a classroom teacher, Tony’s students achieved a 94% passing rate on the Virginia Standards of Learning Mathematics exam. He also served as Technology Facilitator, modeling ways for teachers to incorporate technology into classroom instruction and maintaining the instructional technology in the building, and served on the budget committee for his school.
Prior to becoming an educator, Tony was in the business field. He learned the value of customer service while maintaining a sales territory with a volume in excess of $1,000,000. His responsibilities included merchandising retail operations, presenting at industry and company trade shows, revision of the company’s ordering system, and conceiving marketing promotions for a wholesale distributor. An experience while volunteering in a special needs classroom convinced Tony to leave the business world for education.
Tony holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Old Dominion University, and is completing an Ed.S. program through Virginia Polytechnic and State University.
Tony is the proud husband of Michelle, a special education teacher, and father to Taylor Ann. He is active in his church as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council and as a Lector. He supports the United Cerebral Palsy Charity and the American Cancer Society. He enjoys woodworking, bicycling, water sports, and reading.
Video Introduction
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What Clients Say
“I cannot adequately express how much I enjoyed your session on Advanced Data-Driven Decision Making last Thursday. It provided me with tools and ideas that will enable me to more effectively assist my schools with the school improvement process. Your presentation had all of the ingredients that are associated with the Center for Performance Assessment—professionalism, knowledge of subject matter, flexibility, inspiration to implement the new learning, and a wealth of information and tools. My respect for the organization grows daily.”
“I will truly use the info and apply the strategies discussed in my classroom as well as my departmental meetings.”
“He is an effective teacher and has presented the material in a way I can apply it.”
“It was most helpful to learn that we should stop wasting time talking about things we have little or no influence over and focus on things we can change.”
“I learned how to interpret data and how to analyze what needs to be done to make improvements in student achievement.”
