In this episode of Lumos Lens, host Rich Katz, Superintendent-in-Residence with Lumos Learning, sits down with Graham Aderholt, Principal of Elkmont High School in Alabama.

Graham shares his 18-year journey in education, from college basketball player and high school coach to classroom teacher, assistant principal, and now school leader in the community he calls home. Throughout the conversation, he explains why closing achievement gaps requires more than programs and interventions. It starts with relationships, belief, and a culture where students and teachers feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.

Rich and Graham dive into why traditional approaches to remediation often fall short, and how intentional relationship-building, better questioning strategies, and student-owned data conversations are helping shift both mindset and outcomes. Graham also shares how Elkmont is using targeted, individualized instruction for key subgroups, while still maintaining high expectations and expanding opportunities for all learners.

Key Moments

01:04 Graham’s path into education through athletics and coaching

02:17 Returning home and stepping into leadership at Elkmont High School

03:03 Launching Lead Full Circle and connecting leadership at work and home

05:43 Why relationships are foundational to closing achievement gaps

06:44 A 23% science growth story driven by teacher-student trust

08:09 Using questioning strategies and technology to support assessment readiness

08:49 Student-owned data conversations and building skill awareness

10:48 Early signs of growth and shifting student effort

11:28 Individualized instruction for students with disabilities and English learners

13:34 Supporting teachers through simplicity, trust, and protected time

16:05 Character education and modeling leadership for students

17:45 Engaging families through Parent University and curriculum nights

19:46 Why mindset and belief separate stagnant schools from growing ones

23:10 Navigating social media concerns through face-to-face relationships

24:31 Leadership resilience, routines, and the importance of strong teams

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This episode offers a grounded, practical look at what it really takes to close learning gaps without lowering expectations. You’ll hear how culture, consistency, and relationships can drive academic growth just as powerfully as any intervention program.

If you are a school or district leader looking to strengthen student ownership, support teachers without burning them out, and engage families as partners in learning, this conversation provides clear insights and real-world strategies you can apply in your own context.

Connect with Graham Aderholt | Principal, Elkmont High School
Website: https://www.elkmonthigh.org/

Connect with Rich Katz and Lumos Learning

Rich Katz
Superintendent-in-Residence
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-katz/

Lumos Learning
Website: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumos-learning/

About Lumos Lens
Lumos Lens is a podcast where education leaders share how schools are helping students feel more confident and prepared for state assessments, and how district leaders are using data, culture, and technology to close learning gaps and improve student achievement.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Lumos Lens for more conversations with leaders strengthening teaching, learning, and student outcomes.