Delling

Delling's frustration is that many people are not ready or willing to engage in the difficult talks that will bring about positive change.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011

"Nine years ago I made a decision to build a college-going community," Delling said.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011

It's only a small part of the overall curriculum, because Delling is not a fan of the tests, which he says emphasize technical, data-heavy learning over traditional liberal studies, such as literature.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011

"Self-esteem isn't something you get as a gift; you earn it," Delling said.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011

"This rote testing that masks as reform is dehumanizing," Delling said.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011

Delling has found ways to make the tests work for his school.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011

Delling says that when the standardized tests were instituted 12 years ago, there wasn't any playbook given on how to produce the required success rates.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011

Delling will paint himself blue and sit in the lunch room as his top students toss pies at him.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011

"There was no 'how' considered," Delling said of the minimum acceptable scores required to ensure teachers would keep their jobs.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011

"Nobody would say don't measure learning," Delling said.

Laura Sturza: Under the Watch of Principal Randall Delling, North Hollywood High School Racks Up Local and National Attention Laura Sturza 2011