From Reversing Dropout Rates to New Leadership: Carole Hasslauer Named Principal of Lycée Lacroix in Narbonne – Urgent Breaking News
Narbonne, France – A remarkable educator known for dramatically improving student retention and fostering a thriving learning environment is making a move. Carole Hasslauer, formerly principal of Lycée Jacques-Ruffié, has been appointed to lead Lycée Lacroix in Narbonne. This breaking news comes as Hasslauer leaves behind a legacy of innovation and a heartfelt connection with her students and colleagues.
A Principal Who Sees Potential: The Story Behind the Success
For Hasslauer, education isn’t about statistics; it’s about individual sparks. She vividly recalls Mehdi, a student with disabilities who was on the verge of giving up. “Seeing a student with stars in their eyes… that’s a real professional pleasure,” she shared, remembering Mehdi’s triumphant presentation on the Aude region, a project born from collaborative effort. This anecdote encapsulates her core philosophy: “Find the strategy that allows each student to succeed. Give everyone the means to make real choices far from determinisms.”
Project-Based Learning: Transforming a High School into a Hub of Opportunity
Hasslauer’s success at Lycée Jacques-Ruffié wasn’t accidental. She championed a project-based learning approach, transforming the school into a dynamic space where students could explore their passions and develop real-world skills. Initiatives like “Start’up Ruffié” – an in-school incubator for student projects – and revamped open days, where students themselves showcased their specialties, fostered a sense of ownership and engagement. Other impactful programs included workshops addressing discrimination (“All different and then?”) and a trades forum transforming the school into a career exploration center. These weren’t just extracurriculars; they were integral to the curriculum, adding meaning to traditional coursework.
Combating the Dropout Crisis: A Bold Strategy Yields Exceptional Results
Perhaps Hasslauer’s most significant achievement was tackling the alarming rate of students dropping out of school. Recognizing that many students were leaving in the crucial second year, she implemented a bold solution: reducing class sizes from 35 to 25 students. “The teachers cannot accompany everyone in an overly busy class. The risk is to leave on the side of young people in difficulty, the most discreet or even the silencer,” she explained. Alongside dedicated teachers, she proactively visited feeder colleges to personally explain the school’s offerings and support systems.
The results were nothing short of astounding. While the academic average saw an 8% decline in students transitioning to the first year, Lycée Jacques-Ruffié experienced a 3% increase. The school is now set to welcome 12% more students in the upcoming academic year. This dramatic turnaround demonstrates the power of personalized attention and proactive intervention. While acknowledging some challenges with students who experienced the smaller class sizes, the overall impact is undeniable.
The Future of Education: Lessons from Narbonne
Carole Hasslauer’s move to Lycée Lacroix represents more than just a change in leadership. It signifies a commitment to innovative educational practices and a student-centered approach. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that investing in smaller class sizes, fostering strong teacher-student relationships, and providing opportunities for project-based learning can dramatically improve student outcomes and create a more engaging and equitable educational experience. As she embarks on this new chapter, the education community will be watching closely, eager to see how she applies her proven strategies to a new setting and continues to inspire a generation of learners. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and ongoing coverage of education innovation.
