One of the things on every educational leaders “to-do” list should be addressing early learning. Similar to what Jeffrey Canada has taught us in the Harlem projects (see previous post), this project in South Shore School District is addressing this challenge. Consistent with this is a need to look at Birth to 3 programs that […]
Critical thinking? You need knowledge – The Boston Globe THE LATEST fad to sweep K-12 education is called “21st-Century Skills.’’ States – including Massachusetts – are adding them to their learning standards, with the expectation that students will master skills such as cooperative learning and critical thinking and therefore be better able to compete for […]
Another version of the same old mantra – If I know something, I can repeat it. If I understand something, I can discuss it. If I truly grasp something, I can create on my own. Thus, students must be able to articulate their learning (not just products) in order to assess whether they truly grasp […]
This is a piece from Dr. Marilyn Simpson’s work on learning targets and students articulating their learning. [flv:/wp-content/uploads/studentsreflect.flv 320 240]
Learning targets for students and what leaders look for in classrooms: Consistent with our understanding of building to higher levels of meaningful processing, there is a connection that is developed between criteria and resources to achieve the incremental targets established by the criteria. For this reason, a student is guided to articulate their journey as […]
After discussing the Harlem Children’s Zone… What would you rather have, a blanket of mediocrity, or a quilt of excellence? This American Life Podcast – Interview of Jeffrey Canada Baby College – where it really starts. Bringing the best of understanding childhood to the parents of Harlem.
Evan Wittenberg discusses Google’s beliefs about leadership. In the first statements, he captures the best of transformational leadership in articulating succinctly the Google vision. The rest is about individual consideration and internal development of leadership values that reaches beyond the typical “push” model and looking more to “creating environments” where people can learn and develop […]
In the current world, change seems to be our greatest challenge. Creativity seems to be accepted as necessary to competitive competence, but the sustainability of change is something quite different. I’ve been party to many “new ideas” that have disappeared and reappeared in what seems to be associated to the whim and tide of perception. […]
For those of us in education, a lesson in leadership and its impact on policy is underway right now in Washington as hearings proceed on NCLB impact in advance of re-authorization sometime in the coming year. Of particular import for leaders is the implications for the improvement of teachers, a key component of the legislation […]
A wonderful song for reflection as vision and mission statements are reviewed and re-thought. Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
A tidbit of a new concept under reflection: Uhl-Bien, M., Marion, R., & McKelvey, B. (2007). Complexity leadership theory: Shifting leadership from the industrial age to the knowledge era. Leadership Quarterly, 18(4), 298-318.
Warren Bennis (1985), an expert in contemporary leadership studies, stresses the need for self-knowledge as a prerequisite for leadership effectiveness. He wrote: I am dismayed by the number of men and women I interview who have retired from leadership positions decrying their failure to take time for personal reflection while they were active in their […]
Please join us on June 14, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for an open house before we start packing up. We’ll have memory books and lots of good treats for all to share. Farewell Invitation Map instructions ala Google: Click Here Please join us!!
While rules are always important, they are not the most critical things in life. In fact, it is the exceptions that excite us, empower us, and stretch the boundaries of our imagination.
Lencioni (2002) paints a wonderful picture of the development of teams that captures a valid representation of team renewal that also serves as a reflection on the key components of ongoing team development. At the foundation and consistent with my own beliefs is the critical need for trust at the base of a team’s pyramid. […]
Grand Champions Originally uploaded by chinazurfluh Shared leadership is tremendously enjoyable when you have people so focused on making it a special event for others. This year’s Pinewood Derby was an example of like minded people coming together to serve the enjoyment and fulfillment needs of their sons. It was a day for the family […]
Three interesting events linked in my consciousness and have driven me into inspiration. Stay with me while I meander through my thoughts. Celebrating the Chinese New Year for the 10th time in Asia has caused me to look deeper into this phenomenon with each passing year. The fireworks, the chaos, the calm and the almost […]
A short missive with a family update. Leadership is about balance and family is an important component of that balance. Christmas Letter 2008 As the letter states: May you spiritual life inspire you, your work life fullfill you, and your family life sustain you. Blessings for 2009 and beyond!