LeaderTalk
The first group blog by school leaders for school leaders, LeaderTalk expressed the voice of the administrator in an era of school reform. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: school leadership and principals.
Education
Opinion
Job Readiness... Part Deux
Last month we wrote about teacher preparation and what colleges may consider doing in an effort to better prepare teachers for the workforce. This blog entry examines options for districts to explore through an explanation of the orientation that takes place in our district.
Education
Opinion
When the Boss Says, 'I Think,' the Thinking Stops
While on the plane from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) airport to Raleigh last month, I got the chance to sit next to Steve, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. We talked about children, sports, and rivalry between UNC and Duke in basketball and how it compares with Texas and Texas A&M in football.
Education
Opinion
Systems Do Not Equal Prisons
Last month I wrote the article, All Systems Go, about how spelling out rituals, routines, and clear expectations for student conduct during the school day leads to a safer, more productive learning environment for all. I explained how empowering teachers to be the guiding force behind the change in school culture would lead to fewer behavior problems in the classroom, and hopefully, to the greater goal of improved student achievement. I also expressed how the systems were working well, and that the order created by the scripted expectations for conduct on behalf of the teachers and the students have been appreciated by both parties.
Education
Opinion
Grading Dilemmas in a K-8 Setting
As an administrator of a K-8 school, one of many responsibilities is to measure and report student progress to the larger community and particularly to the parents. I am not referring here to high stakes testing but to the individual learning taking place with individual students. Seeking answers to the following question form a central part of my work each day. “How are students learning? What are students learning? How do we know that they are learning?”
Education
Opinion
Bringing the 4 Rs to Teacher & Principal Evaluation
Seattle Principal Justin Baeder argues that the teacher and principal evaluation process doesn't have to be perfunctory, and is more productive when it focuses on rigor, relevance, relationships, and results.
Education
Opinion
Align Our Beliefs and Actions
With a whirlwind of action greeting me at the door, I entered the classroom unsure of what I was getting myself into with these scientists. Within moments of being in the room, the learner-centered feel of the room became clear as the students engaged deeply with their explorations into the world of material science.
Education
Opinion
Leadership for Arts Education
October is National Arts & Humanities Month. With the push in our country for greater accountability (i.e. higher test scores) and an emphasis on STEM education, too frequently the arts get short shrift. At best, they suffer from reduced funding for supplies and materials. At worst, they are cut completely from our schools.
Education
Opinion
Are you ready for this?
Therefore, we would like to discuss the possibility of including something in the coursework for the teacher and administrators' college curriculum... something we like to call: "Reality Check: What your role as teacher or administration REALLY looks like!"