The Evolution of Education

Leadership Essential: I'm Not Making Excuses

2012-01-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

"Excuses Change Nothing, But Make Everyone Feel Better."

- Mason Cooley

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and they say,
"I'm not making excuses but ....."?

Perhaps you are even guilty of using this phrase yourself. What typically follows this phrase? If you listen closely you will indeed hear a long list of excuses about why the organization is not moving forward.

What would happen if this phrase was banned from your organization?
What if you were only allowed to focus on your initiatives instead of all of the obstacles?
What if we weren't really making excuses?

I believe the results will be far more impressive than the reasons why we couldn't do it in the first place.

Leadership Lessons from Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

I have always been inspired by the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. This began at an early age when my mom showed me a napkin that he signed for her during a chance meeting. It has continued through my professional career as I often quote Dr. King in speeches and presentations. There are numerous lessons that one can learn from in studying the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. The following are leadership lessons taken from quotes attributed to Dr. King.

“We must use time creatively. “

We are all given the same number of minutes each day. Furthermore, we get the same number of minutes a day that Dr. King had when he was alive. How are you using your time? A leader’s calendar will always show his or her true priorities. How does your calendar match up with your stated beliefs, priorities, and initiatives?

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.”

Leaders often search for consensus when beginning new initiatives or reaching critical decisions. The idea of searching is quite passive. Think about when you search for something on the internet. Sometimes you are able to find it easily while other times you get distracted with different things you found. The best leaders take control in critical situations and actively mold consensus.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

Leaders know where they want the organization to head before many of the other stakeholders. There are many similarities between innovation and leadership. One of the key ideas that both concepts have is that if everyone is happy and content then neither is taking place. A leader is responsible for continually moving an organization forward. This will likely be in direct conflict to people who really like the way things currently run. A leader has to be okay with people not agreeing and directly opposing initiatives. Many people cannot see the staircase and therefore refuse to budge.

“I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.”

Leadership is about passion. The best leaders in history were passionate about the initiatives they were leading. Dr. King is the perfect example of this belief. What are you passionate about?

Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions.

People often look for the quick fix as it pertains to all areas of life. This is no different when it comes to leadership. The best leaders engage themselves and others in hard, solid thinking around critical initiatives. The easy way is also the route that most other people are currently taking. The path to excellence is never easy but always worth the work.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”

Nowhere in this quote is the mention of bubble sheets, minimum standard assessments, and a deluge of data. Leaders often set the bar too low in an effort to ensure success. True leadership is about taking some risks in order to achieve greatness. Greatness begins with an education system that teaches students to think both intensively and critically.

“Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.”

My father believed that if you weren’t going to do your best at a task (any task), then you shouldn’t even attempt it. This also holds true for leadership. The people whom you lead will both notice and emulate your relentless approach. Similarly, they will also notice and emulate your approach if you are putting forth less than your best.

These are just a few of the leadership lessons from a man who made a tremendous impact in the face of overwhelming adversity. How will you employ these lessons into your leadership practices?

This is What Happens When People Don't Understand the WHY Behind Technology Integration

2012-01-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

Preview

Leadership Essentials

2012-01-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

ALWAYS Make Sure That

Your ACTIONS Match Your WORDS

CC licensed photo shared by Flickr user charlottel

Making the Most of Mistakes

2012-01-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."

- Albert Einstein

Earlier this week I began writing about the second new year for leaders. You can read the introductory post for more background information here. We have already admitted that the beginning of the school year has not been exactly perfect and mistakes have been made. That brings me to the following question:

What do the best leaders do when they make a mistake?

Run in a different direction
Blame somebody else
Hide from anyone who knows the truth
Ignore the mistake and it will go away

Unfortunately, none of these would be the correct answer. Even worse, these are strategies employed by many leaders when they are facing their mistakes. The best advice I ever received around making mistakes involves the quote that began this post. As a leader you are striving to make your organization a better place. This will invariably mean making quite a few mistakes along the way.

If you aren't making mistakes along your path; you really aren't doing anything new or innovative.

What should a leader do with his or her mistakes?

1. Own the Mistake - The most important thing you can do is to own the error. People want to follow someone who not only makes mistakes but is brave enough to own it. This also encourages others to take risks and push the envelope without fear of repercussions or blame.

2. Decide the Lessons Learned - Failure is only beneficial if you learn something as a result of it. Think about the following questions once you have owned the mistake. Make sure you talk to other people and get their insights as well.

Did you learn anything from your mistake?
Will it get you closer to the desired outcome?
What would you do differently the next time?
How will you use this information to propel your organization forward?

Failure is the key ingredient to success and innovation. Your second new year will bring many more failures. The power will be in how you handle each failure as a leader.

A Second New Year

2012-01-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."

-Abraham Lincoln

January 1st brings about a unique opportunity for school leaders that often goes unnoticed. School leaders actually have the benefit of celebrating two "New Years". The initial New Year arrives on the first day that the staff assembles in the summer before students start back. Everyone is excited about the possibilities that the new school year can bring. Time is spent analyzing data, discussing new initiatives, and spending time in professional development opportunities. The second New Year begins today (or whenever you return to school in January). Each day this week I will write about how school leaders can make the most of their second “New Year”

I am quite certain that the beginning part of your year has not been perfect. I believe that failure is a great teacher and the lessons learned in failure are invaluable. Failure has been a big part of the beginning of the school year for me. Most of this failure is the result of spending far too much time "Managing the Present" instead of the work that I love which revolves around "Creating the Future". This type of failure can be seen in an iPad2 administrator pilot, in various coaching roles, and even in a lack of writing (Full Disclosure: Last Post from me was on August 22nd).

This type of failure is directly related to allowing my days to run away with me. I am quite sure that the business of "Managing the Present" has resulted in some of your meaningful work yielding less than stellar results. Here are a few of the things that I am planning to do to make the most of the New Year, take back my day and create the future our students desperately need.

Focus – Other people will typically have other plans for your day. You could spend every day extremely busy without ever planning a thing. Someone who needs something sometime always show up at your door sometime throughout the day. That’s why my “Creating the Future” projects will be in front of me at all times. I begin my day with my project list and the tasks that are assigned. This is very different from a traditional "to do list". It is much more of a map that will get you to your desired outcome.
Short Term Goals - Many of these initiatives get lost in the fact that the timelines are so far off or there is no timeline at all. What can you do this week that will make a difference in your project or initiative?
Reflection - I end my day the same way it starts. I focus on the project list/map and the progress that has been made. This allows me the opportunity to get a jumpstart on tomorrow's "Creating the Future" work.

The beauty of a 2nd new year is the opportunity to refocus the majority of my energy on "Creating the Future". How will you begin to make the most of your 2nd new year?

Removing Roadblocks

2011-08-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.

Mary Kay Ash

One of the primary responsibilities of a leader is to remove roadblocks so that people can innovate and move the mission forward. Change is a difficult process without roadblocks in place. Unfortunately, leaders often unknowingly put additional roadblocks in the way. Here are a few of the roadblocks that I have seen put in place by leaders with great intentions.

FORMS - People are required to fill out a form for absolutely everything. These forms could be filled out to document that a meeting took place, a meeting will take place, planning occurred, etc. If you put a box on a piece of paper it will be filled out. That doesn't mean that anything different will ever take place. Take a close look at what you are asking people to complete. Does it match what you say you are about? What would be different if nobody filled in a form?
COMMITTEES - It seems like there is a committee for absolutely everything these days. That is not the true essence of shared leadership. Always start with your priorities. If it isn't a strategic priority, there shouldn't be a group of people meeting about it.
MEETINGS - I successfully led a building without ever having a staff meeting. It truly can be done. Technology can be utilized to convey the messages of traditional staff meetings. Your schedule tells people what is truly important to you. Every time you gather a group of individuals, it has to be focused on the mission of the organization. How much time do you currently spend in meetings? Is there a better, more effective and efficient way to accomplish the task?

These are just a few of the most common roadblocks disguised as organizational improvement structures. I'm quite sure you can find more at your workplace.

As a leader, keep the following three questions in front of you as you embark on a new year?

What is preventing the necessary changes that need to take place?

How are you contributing to these roadblocks as a leader?

What roadblocks can you move out of the way for your stakeholders this year?

Run Your Day

2011-07-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.
Friedrich Nietzsche

You have two choices as you enter each day. You can either "run your day" or "your day can run you".

Which will you choose?

Get a plan or someone will get one for you. Do something and start running your day.

People Development is the Key to Organizational Improvement

2011-07-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.

Albert Einstein

Organizations will only improve as the people who work there improve their practices. Much of what we currently do in terms of people development is isolated, ever-changing, and rarely related to organizational goals.

How can we begin changing the face of professional development?

Effective professional development occurs at the intersection of meeting both organizational needs and individual needs. How often does that typically happen in your workplace?

Here are some ideas to begin moving towards more effective professional development in your workplace.

1. Differentiate - One size fits all doesn't meet the needs of your stakeholders
2. Simplify - Choose one focus area the Development Plan
3. Recognize - Tap into individual strengths while raising the bar in other areas
3. Involve - Provide opportunities for individuals to be instrumental in developing their plan
4. Consistency - Avoid the temptation to constantly change your focus
5. Follow Up - Monitor the progress of individual plans through conversations and focused questions

Organizational improvement has ALWAYS been about people improvement. Effective professional development will be the key to your organization's success in the new year.

Stop Waiting For A Map

2011-07-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

"Please stop waiting for a map.
We reward those who draw maps,

not those who follow them."

- Seth Godin

This is one of my favorite quotes from the book Poke the Box (a definite must read for all individuals that breathe in and out).

Leaders have a responsibility to initiate the drawing of maps that will move their organizations forward. Unfortunately, these maps often appear in the form of lengthy, comprehensive improvement plans. These plans are largely ineffective and stakeholders rarely get passed the first page.

I believe leaders should create a very different type of map. Create a map that is similar to one that you would use in a GPS device. These maps provide structure for reaching your destination but still offer you choice and flexibility. They are relentless in getting you to your destination no matter how many times you fail. They will reroute you no matter how many times you get lost in the journey. Better yet, they typically fit on one page/screen. Leaders must take a GPS approach to moving organizations forward and exceeding goals.

Put away the volumes of improvement plans that have done little to move organization forwards. Instead begin creating a map for your organization by...

Involving stakeholders in creating a map that will move your organization forward
Including checkpoints to make sure that you are on the right track
Honoring that all of your stakeholders at different starting points
Differentiating development opportunities
Embracing failure that will eventually get you closer to your destination

There are many other factors involved in the creating maps. What would you add?

The Impact of Accountability on Technology

2011-05-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

During standardized testing windows all computers are set aside for testing purposes only.

The picture above represents the scene in many schools.

We get the results faster using this method but at what cost to learning?

Is this really how we want to measure readiness for college, careers, or life?

I could think of a million things that students could be doing with the same tools that would better prepare them for their future.

Creating Problems Solvers Who Need Answer Choices

2011-04-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

“The principle goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things,

not simply of repeating what other generations have done

- men who are creative, inventive and discoverers”

- Jean Piaget

The accountability movement has created a generation of problem solvers who rely on the fact that they will have multiple choices. This is the time of year where many states begin giving their standardized assessments. I thought I’d provide some thoughts about what I believe and practice as a leader in regards to standardized testing.

I believe that….

students should be creators of content not consumers of bubble sheets
true learning and discovery are open-ended and have no answer choices
students that are taught to think and problem solve without answer choices can easily navigate a multiple-choice test
putting a multiple choice test on a computer does not make it more engaging or effective
time spent on teaching test-taking strategies would be better spent on teaching a love of reading
students are passionate about saving the world not circling the best answer
performance based assessments provide a more authentic form of assessment
students should get multiple opportunities to demonstrate knowledge of a concept
no teacher got into this profession for the purpose of teaching students how to bubble in answers
the leader has a responsibility to go beyond what a multiple choice assessment can measure

These are just a few of my beliefs in regards to the current accountability movement. What do you think? What would you add and/or delete?

Deliberate Excellence

2011-04-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

“Excellence is never an accident;

it is always the result of high intention,

sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution;

it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”

- William A. Foster

This quote comes alive for me every time I work with, coach, and have conversations with leaders. The most successful initiatives have these key ingredients in them. Likewise many disastrous decisions are missing one or more of these components.

Often people do what they have always done or even what is easy to do. Instead the focus should always be on "Doing the Next Right Thing" using the quote above as a guide.

What if everyone subscribed to this definition of excellence? What if everyone in your organization did this? How would this change your practices or the practices of your organization? Remember that it all begins with you and your intent...

How Clear is Your Vision?

2011-02-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

"Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others"

Jonathan Swift

One of the cornerstones in propelling organizations forward is having a "Clearly Defined/Articulated Vision". This is referenced in journal articles and in any Leadership 101 course. Leaders that successfully transform organizations repeatedly cite the importance of a clear vision. With the research being so clear I ask the following question:

How Clear is Your Vision?

If you aren't sure, I'll give you some indicators to go by.

Can you articulate the vision of your organization in a way that anybody walking in would understand the work that you are doing?
Can you do it in less than 3 minutes?
Can you do it in 1 sentence?
More importantly, can other people in your organization clearly articulate the vision?
Is the vision reflected in the decisions you make as a leader?

Here are some ideas about how to create a clear vision just in case you answered no to any of the indicators above.

Project forward 3-5 years and imagine your ideal organization.
What does it look like?
What steps can you take today to turn your vision into your reality?
Involve key stakeholders in the process of developing a collective vision.
Deliberately tie every decision and action back to the vision of the organization.

Vision is critical to a leader's success. Communicating your vision does not always come down to the words you speak. You should strive to get to the point that your actions speak so loudly that you no longer need to say anything...

The Art of Deliberate Practice

2011-02-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

In Why Talent Is Overrated, writer Geoff Colvin declares that the “conventional wisdom about ‘natural’ talent is a myth.” If natural talent is a myth......What separates good leaders from truly great ones? Deliberate practice is the key ingredient related to talent in all fields. Deliberate practice is not just about working harder or the “practice makes perfect” model.

Deliberate practice is designed with clear objectives and goals in mind. When top musicians, athletes, etc. practice, they break down their skill into specifically defined elements. After breaking down the skill into parts, the individual relentlessly works on the element they need to improve most. During the entire practice session, they will only focus on that one aspect. That is what separates good from great in all areas of life.

The author of the book also outlines 8 key principles related to deliberate practice. Apply each of these 8 principles to your work and greatness will certainly follow.

Deliberate practice is designed specifically to improve performance.
Deliberate practice can be repeated a lot.
Feedback on results is continuously available.
It's highly demanding mentally.
It's hard.
It occurs before the work in the form of planning
It occurs during the work in the form of action
It occurs after the work in the form of reflection

The bottom line is that we all have the same amount of time in our day. It is how we spend our time that truly matters. Often we will increase the time devoted to an initiative and expect different results. It isn't necessarily the time that it is the issue. It is the intensity in which we utilize the time given.

Change doesn't occur overnight and it certainly will not be sustained without continued efforts. Repetition alone won’t get you to the level of excellence you desire. It can also true that you won’t reach greatness without it. Keep in mind that practice will not make perfect. Only "Perfect Practice" makes perfect!

Deliberate practice is the key to your improvement efforts. Make sure everything you do is on purpose. You must be intentional in your thoughts, words, and actions.

Be Deliberate, Be Intentional, Be Great

Groundhog Day in Education

2011-02-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

"Anyone Who Has Never Made A Mistake Has Never Tried Anything New"

Albert Einstein

The movie "Groundhog Day" depicts the main character repeating the same day over and over until he learns from his mistakes. Many of our classrooms today have that "Groundhog Day" feel. They really don't feel or look much different than they did fifty years ago despite countless reform efforts. There are certainly exceptions to this observation. Consider the following questions:

Would you be comfortable with a business looking the same as it did fifty years ago?
Would you be okay with being operated on using techniques from decades ago despite advances in technology?
Would you get on a plane with a pilot that isn't constantly learning best practices in air safety?

The obvious answer would be no. Why is it okay for it to happen in education?

There is a revolution in education beginning in classrooms and schools across the world. It is being led by classroom leaders, building leaders, and district leaders. It is being led because our children deserve better.

Start your (R)evolution in education today. Engage in discussions both face to face and virtually with leaders and educators who are making a difference. The power of my PLN always continues to amaze me. You have access to the most innovative people in education at your fingertips. Technology breaks down walls and allows you to span continents.

Most importantly, DO SOMETHING TODAY!

I propose that we only celebrate Groundhog Day on February 2nd. Whether he sees his shadow or not...We continue to evolve!

The Shift From At-Risk to School-Dependent

2011-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

I believe that the words you use are extremely powerful. The message you construct for your staff, community, etc. should reflect the vision/mission of the school. There is a term that is frequently used that I am officially banning from my vocabulary. The term I am referring to is 'at risk'. I spend a great deal of time talking to teachers, principals, etc. about students who are not successful. Invariably, the discussion comes to the students being 'at risk'.

I believe that all of our students are 'at risk' of something. The term 'at risk' typically involves a list of things that we are not directly in control of. While those variables may impact success, they are largely out of our control. I find that success is directly tied to the effort put into your circle of influence. The focus of our efforts as leaders should be on those variables that we do have control over. Our superintendent introduced us to the term 'school dependent' children.

We work with students each and every day that are 'school dependent'. This simply means that their success/failure is dependent on the school that they attend. After all, the greatest predictor of student success is the classroom teacher. Yet, many conversations still focus on the factors that are outside of our control.

This shift from 'at risk' to 'school dependent' puts the focus on the variables that we have control of. These variables include:

quality of instruction
interventions provided
opportunities to engage in clubs/activities
mentorship programs

Many of our students our 'school dependent'. Our conversations, initiatives, and development efforts MUST focus on the variables that we have control of. Please join the movement! Let's acknowledge that there our factors outside of our control. Then move forward with the things that we are in charge of. Success is far more likely with this approach!

Be Prepared To Be Nowhere Else Today

2011-01-26T04:55:00.000-08:00

"If You Don't Create Change, Change Will Create You"

I'm currently reading Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott. One of the principles discussed in the book that most resonates with me is to be here, prepared to be nowhere else.

As leaders we have hundreds of conversations each day with a variety of stakeholders. Often we are having multiple conversations at the same time. We are also guilty of emailing, reading, or working while we are having those conversations. The problem with multitasking is that it takes away from the conversation that you are having with the person.

Success in life (work, relationships, etc.) occurs one conversation at a time. Similarly, failure also occurs one conversation at a time. Your challenge (if you choose to accept it) is to practice being present in all of your conversations today.

This means putting down the blackberry, turning off your email, etc. Give the person that you are speaking to your undivided attention. Speak and listen as if this is the most critical conversation that you will have in your life. You never know. It truly could be the conversation that pushes your organization forward.

Creativity in the Classroom Begins with Leadership

2011-01-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

This post is my submission as part of the Calling all Bloggers: Sir Ken Robinson Blogathon via @joebower

There have been many definitions used to describe the term creativity. Sir Ken Robinson uses one that I really like. The definition is short but it has two critical parts.

“Creativity is the process of having original ideas that have value”

- Sir Ken Robinson

The first part of the creativity definition "original ideas" is the piece that we tend to think of. The important part of the definition is that the ideas have or add "value".

What does creativity look like in the classroom? Our district is undergoing a major curriculum revision to make sure that critical skills like creativity are embedded in what we do. Here is a sampling of some of the initial work. In creative schools all stakeholders (administrators, teachers, parents, students, etc.) are able to:

Analyze and evaluate information, ideas, or objects to develop a point of view, make predictions, or draw inferences
Identify and define a problem-situation and work through a procedure to determine viable and appropriate solutions and next steps and carry out as applicable
Generate and develop ideas, solutions and connections to create something original / novel that is meaningful or useful
Use an inquiry process to locate, evaluate and use sources based on accuracy, authority, and point of view to explore a question/topic and synthesize and share findings and give appropriate credit/ citation
Select and use appropriate format to effectively engage the target audience in a topic, point of view, argument and/or creative work
Contribute to the improvement of the local, national, or global community by making decisions / taking actions to enhance the welfare of society in an ethical manner
Work with others by sharing responsibility and critically examining knowledge and ideas to build consensus in order to achieve an objective
Independently select area of focus, develop achievable goals, organize and carry out plan, and seek feedback to achieve goals within designated timelines

This type of learning will only occur with a change in the way schools are led and the way teachers teach. The larger question for me as a leader is "How Can I Foster Creativity In the Schools I Lead?"

The short answer is to model what you expect teachers to do with every opportunity you get. This includes rethinking the way you....

lead faculty meetings
offer professional development
conduct interviews
participate in walkthroughs/learning walks
facilitate instructional conversations
develop improvement plans
analyze and utilize data for improvement initiatives
introduce new initiatives

Sir Ken Robinson also argues that creativity will be as critical as literacy in the workplace. We all know that schools need to change dramatically to meet the needs of society. Change always begins with you.....

What creative ideas do you have for leaders?

Who's In Your Starting Five?

2011-01-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn

I read this quote recently and begin to think about the people I spend the most time with as a leader. I believe that you should always surround yourself with people who make you better. I also believe in surrounding yourself with people who think differently and push you to stretch your thinking.

As a leader you can only lead people as far as you have gone yourself. That's why it is critical to continually re-evaluate your "starting five" to determine if they are helping to develop you as a leader.

The book The Wisdom of Crowds touches on some of these key points. These are four factors that make up a wise crowd or an all star starting five.

Diversity of opinion	Each person should be an independent thinker
Independence	People's opinions aren't determined by the opinions of those around them.
Decentralization	People are able to specialize and draw on local knowledge.
Aggregation	Some mechanism exists for turning private judgments into a collective decision.

I actually think about the five people quote in two different ways. First, there are the five people that I have the most face to face time with. These are the people who are on your leadership team, executive team, etc. These are the key decision makers who you rely on to get a project done. Are you surrounded by the right people?

The second way involves the importance of a Personal Learning Network (PLN). The five people I spend the most time with really depends on the project, area of interest, topic discussed, etc. The best thing about having a PLN is that you have unparalleled access to experts in all educational fields. In this way I become infinitely smarter with my starting five. I am able to garner resources, ask questions, discuss obstacles, and take advantage of opportunities. I often wonder how I ever operated without the benefit of my PLN.

Who is in your starting five? Take a look at those five people. Are you okay with your average? Is it enough to move your organization forward? How can you leverage the collective wisdom of this group to transform learning?

What Are You Doing For Others?

2011-01-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Many of Dr. King's quotes resonate with me. I often use them in speeches, presentations, and meetings. This particular quote defines a large aspect of what we should be doing as educational leaders.

Many leadership articles will encourage you to find a mentor. I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for my friend and mentor. I am encouraging you in this post is to become a mentor.

One of my guiding leadership principles is the belief in leading, mentoring and developing aspiring leaders. As a building principal, I always recruited and worked with people that were aspiring leaders. Not all of these people wanted to run their own schools. Many became teacher leaders or went into curriculum development, technology integration, etc. This belief in mentoring allowed me to build capacity in the organization, distribute leadership, and develop talented leaders.

It doesn't matter how much experience you have in the field. Someone out there has less! You will never know everything there is to know about leadership but you do have a lot to share with aspiring leaders. We have all made great decisions and terrible mistakes that people can learn from. Why not share that knowledge while providing a valuable service to the individual and the organization?

Here are some mentoring keys that I have used with aspiring leaders:

Set aside time to talk to your mentee. I often did this in 20-30 minute blocks.
Provide your mentee with a leadership project. I often would tie a school need to something the individual was passionate about.
Talk out loud about decisions, events, meetings, etc. This provides a good sounding board for you but also allows the individual to hear your thinking.
Transparency is key. Aspiring leaders need to see all sides of the profession. They need to know that:

Not every decision is a good one.
Not every project ends in success.
Not every parent is in love with your program

I believe that everything comes down to leadership. Everything great is about leadership and everything bad is about leadership. It is our responsibility to mentor the aspiring leaders that will lead future schools and future students. This is just one response to Dr. King's question "What are you doing for others?"

Interactive Communities of Practice

2011-01-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Growth is the only evidence of life. ~John Henry Newman

The key to transforming schools begins with the principal. The principal is the main change agent or blocker in the field of education. Michael Fullan writes that "Leadership for Change" requires a 'bias for action, a sense of urgency' and a mix of 'pressure and support'. This post explores these facets through the lens of an educational leader.

A Bias for Action
It is very difficult to transform a school without a bias for action. Leaders with a bias for action:

See a need and fill it
Anticipate a problem and head it off before it stops progress
Are always relentlessly pursuing a better way to do their work

A Sense of Urgency
This is the facet that is the most easily confused because many feel like they have a sense of urgency. Urgency has nothing to do with running around like crazy. A true sense of urgency is about a focused, driven plan. It is about treating every day as if it was the only one that mattered.

I read recently a line that really sums up this thought as it applies to education. No one has the right to waste a minute of a child's life. What would schools be like if we all embodied this concept?

A Mix of Pressure and Support
Change typically occurs when people either see the light or feel the heat. A combination of pressure and support is critical for improvement efforts. People need to stretched and developed to meet the needs and challenges of successfully educating all students.

These three factors are critical in developing interactive communities of innovation. These communities will propel schools forward in preparing all students to be college, career, and citizen ready.

And it all starts with a leader....

Teach Don't Tell

2010-12-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember;

involve me and I'll understand.”

- Chinese Proverb

There are several philosophies/practices that guide my daily work. Most of them I've picked up from my good friend and mentor. The philosophy of "Teach Don't Tell" has really been running through my mind quite a bit in my travels. We tend to do a lot of telling in education. I see it happen everywhere I go.....

District Administrators tell Principals what they should be doing.

Principals tell teachers that they should be instructing differently.

Teachers tell kids that their answers are incorrect and to do it again.

We are all teachers yet we spend very little time teaching. We have all spent countless hours in meetings and professional development opportunities where we are told what best practices to use and which manipulatives are best.

How often are you actually taught how to do things? I would venture to say rarely because it is easier to stand and deliver. I am proposing a different way of leading from wherever you currently reside. Take the time to teach somebody the next time you have the urge to tell them what to do. There is a simple process to employ that is guaranteed to yield greater results than the typical "I'm going to tell you what to do method."

The Gradual Release of Responsibility Model (Pearson and Gallagher, 1993) is used in many classrooms with students and also in coaching situations. What if it became the way we did business all the time? What if it became the way we led?

It begins with the expert demonstrating and it ends with the participant practicing independently. The shared and guided components are the ones that are typically missing. This model can be applied to many different situations with all stakeholders. The process can be differentiated by experience, comfort, skill, etc.

This is where true change and growth will occur. What if leaders began employing the best practices that we expect teachers to utilize?

What is Good Teaching?

2010-10-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution.
- William Foster

I participated in a workshop recently where everyone in the room watched the same videotaped classroom lesson. We were then asked to rate the lesson on a standard A-F scale. The room consisted of administrators and curriculum supervisors. This is the group of people that evaluates and coaches teachers in their respective districts. The grades ranged from an A to an F with everything in between. How could this happen in a room full of highly qualified educators?

First, I would almost guarantee the same grade distribution would happen in your district. It comes down to the simple fact that everyone has a different view of what quality instruction looks like. It is very difficult to move an organization forward without a sense common vision of quality.

I have been reflecting on the walkthroughs, learning walks, and instructional rounds going on in schools every day. I spend a great deal of my time out in schools coaching principals through learning walks and reflective conversations. How effective are these practices without a clear framework of what quality looks like?

Try a similar activity with your staff. Simply view a videotaped lesson and have each teacher grade the lesson. The data is astonishing and the conversation that results from this activity will move your school forward on the journey of defining excellence.

How can we begin to come to a common understanding of what quality teaching is? It begins with a conversation.

How would you define good teaching? What would you look for?

Are You Surrounded?

2010-08-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

It is better to have one person working with you
than three people working for you.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

My best friend always tells me that you should surround yourself with people that make you a better person. This is a principle that effective leaders have always employed. Great leaders surround themselves with a diverse group of people that push them to grow and develop.

Many leaders make the mistake of surrounding themselves with people that tell them what they want to hear which essentially stifles growth. No one person has all the answers and the concept of group think just leads organizations down the wrong path.

This is an important concept to remember whenever you have the opportunity to hire, add, or remove people from your team. How can you build a team that pushes you to be a better leader? B

Do The Unthinkable

2010-08-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

It always seems impossible until its done.

Nelson Mandela

How often have you encountered the million reasons why you shouldn't embark on an endeavor/adventure? This happens to us all in both our personal and professional lives. People line up to tell you the reasons why you shouldn't do something. The next time this occurs take a look at the doubters to see how they are approaching their work and their life.

Are they attempting to do the impossible?
Are they moving in the same direction as you?
Are they happy just going day to day?

Nothing great has ever occurred without risk. Most people settle because it is easier and safer. Greatness is always one step away even if we can't initially see it. It often takes faith to make that first step. The first step always leads to something greater in the long run.

We spend far too much time worrying about what other people think and not exploring our passion and unleashing our potential. The world is counting on people willing to take risks, explore new territory and do the impossible.

A new year is rapidly approaching for leaders everywhere. It is time to rid yourself of the noise that doubters bring. It is time to do the unthinkable. It is time to show the true greatness that is within.

What are you waiting for? The only thing you don't have is time? Today is the day. How will you embark on this journey towards everything you ever wanted? B

Moving Mountains and Making a Way

2010-07-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam

(I'll Either Find a Way or Make One)

There are many times where it feels like you have to move mountains to get where you truly want to be. I find that it often looks insurmountable because you are standing too close to the problem. This happens professionally when you are working intensely on a project or just managing your daily duties. It occurs just as often personally with relationships, decisions, etc.

The best advice is to just take a step (or two) back. Decide what you truly want the outcome to be and relentlessly go after it. You may still see a mountain but you will often see a path that will lead you across. If no path appears; you just have to make one. Either way you will find yourself on the other side. B

New Year

2010-06-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

July 1st brings in a new year for many organizations. It is the beginning of the fiscal year and it is the beginning of the school year for administrators. This new year is especially exciting to me as I transition into a new role.

I am leaving my role as Elementary Principal to become the Executive Director of Elementary Education. In this role I will directly work with elementary school principals in my district in an effort to transform all schools. This new role is extremely exciting and daunting.

It will certainly provide new challenges and new material to write about. It will also be the first time that I am not in a building working with students. I will be on the edge of the work trying to push leaders to make the changes necessary to prepare students for success.

How can you transform multiple schools at varying levels of the continuum while coaching principals? I'll keep you posted. B

No Excuses

2010-06-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

Success is a tale of obstacles overcome, and for every obstacle overcome, an excuse not used. ~Robert Brault

This is one of my favorite videos because it illustrates the fact that there are a million excuses for not starting something new or making a change. These excuses tend to be the gatekeepers to greatness. Figure out what you truly want and go after it. The worst thing that could happen is that you fail and learn a different way not to proceed. The terrible thing about making an excuse is that you never TRULY know what could have happened.

What would be possible in education/life if we worked from the framework of making moments happen instead of making excuses?

What is keeping you from greatness? B

Just Start!

2010-05-31T16:26:00.000-07:00

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” –Goethe

I believe that we let obstacles and excuses get in the way of our dreams. Pay close attention to conversations about change. The focus is typically on "what could be?" or "why we cannot do things differently". Very little time is spent on the actions that need to take place. We can debate the change that should occur in our world, lives, education, etc. The unfortunate thing is that nothing changes unless someone is bold enough to begin it. I have a couple of questions to ask as we wind down the present school year and plan for the next.

What are you bold enough to change?
What actions are you willing to take to accomplish the change?
How can we change conversations to focus on what truly matters?

The most important thing is that we opt to be bold, take action, and enjoy the moments that follow... B

Is Being in the Majority a Good Thing?

2010-05-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority,
it's time to pause and reflect."

- Mark Twain

Somebody recently said that they begin to get nervous when people start to agree with them. I love this quote because it reminds me to continually reflect no matter what side I find myself on. Complacency can easily occur when you are on the side of the majority. It is the downfall of many people/organizations. You have to continually reflect on your practices, beliefs, etc. How do you do this when the majority of people are telling you that you are doing great and headed in the right direction? I have two ideas that I find helpful.

1. TIME - Set aside daily time for reflection. It is the first thing to get cut out of a busy day but you cannot let it. Decisions, initiatives, etc. should be continually assessed to determine the effectiveness.

2. THE VOICE OF REASON/INSANITY - Find someone who gets the work that you do and the direction that you are moving in. This person is easily identifiable because they never just tell you what you want to hear. You can also identify this person because they have the innate ability to ask questions that will challenge your thinking. This person/people will be critical to your continued growth in your journey to be who you were meant to be.

I don't find myself on the side of the majority often. I think it has a lot to do with setting aside time and having that 'everything' person. Keep in mind that you really aren't changing/challenging anything if you aren't making someone upset. How do you continue to push yourself forward? B

Creating the Future

2010-05-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." -Albert Einstein

How does it happen?

When does it start?

Where does it go wrong?

When do you start using the phrases...

"This is how we have always done it."

"That will never work here."

"Things are just fine the way they are"

You encounter these phrases often when you are trying to implement change or move an initiative forward. If you do not encounter these phrases, you really aren't moving anything.

Many organizations attempt to use the same logic that caused a problem to solve it. The concept of recycling is alive and well in many organizations as the same ideas continue to be implemented year after year.

Unleashing creativity will be the key to sustained improvement in tomorrow's organizations. How do you unleash creativity and stop recycling ideas? Here are a couple of suggestions.

1. Lead by Example - Take chances, publicize failures, and model the thinking that leads to improvement.

2. Incubate Ideas - Give new, different ideas a safe place to be tested. Successful ideas can then be scaled up and implemented effectively because people have a visual of what it should look like.

3. Reward Forward Failure - Forward failure can be defined as any effort to make improvement that doesn't work as planned but gets you closer to the end goal. Provide opportunities, supports, and incentives for people who dare to be different.

Fostering failure and risk-taking will lead to a brighter future in the end. How are you creating the future where you are? B

Humility, Blinders, and the Impossible

2010-05-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

"You can't go back and make a new beginning,

but you can start today and make a new ending "

What role does humility play in trying to do the impossible? This is something that has dominated my current thinking. Success can be contagious and can easily lead you away from your mission. In an effort to do impossible things, you can end up becoming an impossible person.

I recently read a post entitled "Blinders". I even passed it on to a good friend because I thought the message was important. The post focused on keeping your blinders on. I believe that there are times to put on blinders but there are also times to remove them. This post explores both.

Blinders are critical when it comes to focusing on your mission. It is very easy to get wrapped up in what other people are doing/not doing. This can absolutely overwhelm you and make you lose sight of what is important. There are times as a leader that you need to put on your blinders in an effort to stay focused on the things/people that are truly important.

There are also times to remove your blinders. Blinders can be detrimental when it comes to how you are perceived as a leader. Leaders must be cognizant on how their message is delivered and more importantly how it is received. Leaders must take the time to remove their blinders in order to conduct a 360 degree evaluation. It is important to get honest feedback from all levels of the organization about your performance, attitude, etc.

Leaders can easily fall into the trap of putting on blinders when it comes to themselves and removing blinders when it comes to the work that everyone else has in front of them. Exceptional leaders understand when to put on blinders and when to remove them. It is this type of situational awareness and self awareness that separates good leaders from great ones. I've realized recently that I haven't been using my blinders very effectively. This realization (with help) has me focused on exploring the relationship between humility and leadership. Here are two important things to know about humility.

Humility can go a long way in a leader's journey towards success. It is important to remember that you are always part of something bigger. A leader typically falls when they put themselves before the mission/organization. This is an easy trap to fall into when you encounter success.
It is also important to remember that every member of the team brings something unique to the table. Great leaders capitalize on each individual person's talent in order to move the organization forward. It is very easy to get caught up in focusing on shortcomings and deficits. This will not get a leader very far because organizations are only successful if we all move forward.

Great leaders lead from a place of influence, not position. This influence begins with a strong sense of humility and the proper use of blinders.

Stay Focused. Remain Humble. Do the Impossible. B

When Nothing is Certain, Anything is Possible

2010-04-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

“In dreams there are no impossibilities.” Janos Arany

What if nothing was certain? What if you had unlimited possibilities and opportunities? How would you act? What would you do? Who would you involve?

Things change rapidly and nothing is truly certain. We have to stop operating from a place of "No" or "This is impossible" because it is keeping us from the truly remarkable things that are out there.

You will be amazed at the outcomes when you shift your thinking towards possibilities and away from obstacles. Take a step towards that dream and the obstacles will begin to disappear. Who knows....That possibility could end up being a "history in the making" moment.

How can you start operating like anything is possible? B

My Kids Can't Wait!

2010-04-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

"If you don't like the way the world is, you change it.

You have an obligation to change it.

You just do it one step at a time."

- Marian Edelman

There has been a lot of talk about reform and what needs to be done in education. I spend a lot of time thinking about next steps in the field of education. I'm a strong advocate for reform and I believe that we need to make some major changes in the way we approach learning, assessment, etc. While I believe that change needs to occur; my kids can't wait for it to happen on a national level. As a teacher and a leader I have an obligation to make it happen today. We need to make it happen locally and grow it nationally.

We are committed to showing people what education should look like. We will continue to aim for targets that are much higher and more rigorous than any standardized test score. My kids deserve that today. Don't wait for national reform. Start a movement today! What would be your first step? B

Separate Yourself

2010-04-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

"Don't Try To Stand Out In A Crowd; Avoid Crowds Altogether"

I've been reading a lot lately about reform efforts, innovation tactics, and fostering change. Reform typically doesn't work because it is aimed at fixing problems in the present and not looking towards future learning . The key to me is not about trying to keep up with the curve. The key is to actually set a new curve altogether. This must be an intentional, daily practice to truly be effective.

People are talking about becoming 21st century schools a decade into the 21st century. We should really be looking at the future and stop striving to be something we should have been ten years ago.

The following quote by Maria Robinson best sums up my feelings on reform, change, and innovation.

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

Today is definitely the day to make a new ending. What would that ending look like? How would we get there? B

Priorities, Passion, and a Podcast

2010-04-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

"A Great Leader's Courage To Fulfill His Vision

Comes From Passion, Not Position."

- John Maxwell

I recently had the privilege of recording a podcast for ASCD on "Examining the Blueprint for Reauthorizing the Elementary Secondary Education Act". You can read more about it by clicking on the following link.

http://blog.wholechildeducation.org/2010/04/02/upcoming-podcast-reauthorizing-esea/

The podcast airs on April 8th but I thought I'd post a preview of some of the topics that will be discussed.

1. Priorities: The proposed blueprint provide a greater emphasis on administrator accountability. As an administrator I believe in accountability at all levels. I've always been open to the idea of a 360 degree evaluation by all stakeholders. I currently have a boss that conducts my evaluation but my students and our community are the ones that truly count on me. I believe that all parties should have a voice so why not have a voice in my evaluation.

2. Passion: Standards need to be the floor that we walk on and not the bar that we are trying to clear. Schools should be places of passion and not test preparation centers. We know that all kids are different and yet we try to measure them with the same instrument. That makes as much sense to me as using a fork to eat soup because it does a good job with other food. Passion, pride, and performance are the ingredients that have made us a successful school. We take pride in the things that we are most passionate about. Embed the essential learning opportunities/standards with a passion-based learning approach. Engagement will soar along with the minimum standard test scores.

These are just two of the topics that we talked about in the ASCD podcast. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the proposed changes and their impact on the work that we do. B

The Power of Expectations and Attitude

2010-03-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

"High Achievement Always Takes Place In The Framework Of High Expectations"

Charles Kettering

I am very fortunate to work with some wonderful teachers who do amazing work with kids. My interactions with these teachers always leave me with the following questions.

Why is it that you can put any student in a particular teacher's room and you know that the child will be successful?
Why is it that certain behaviors will vanish as soon as the student steps foot in a certain classroom?
What factors do these unbelievable teachers have in common?
How can I replicate these factors in others?

The two common factors that are present in every classroom like this are expectations and attitude. The expectations in these classrooms transcend subgroups, standardized tests, and where a student resides academically. The expectation is that every child is successful every day. Why would we come to school with a different expectation? The attitude is that I'm going to do whatever it takes to make sure every child is successful. Why would we come to school with a different attitude? How do we replicate these traits in other people? I believe it begins by involving them in projects that they are passionate about. B

"Often Attitude Is The Only Difference Between Success And Failure"

John Maxwell

Where Are You Going?

2010-03-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Follow what you are genuinely passionate about and let that guide you to your destination.

- Diane Sawyer

"Where are you going?" is a question that I often ask people in my daily role as a school principal. The answers I get vary depending on the person and their interpretation of that very question. Most people often tell me their destination without much hesitation. Students tell me that they are going to the cafeteria, bathroom, classroom, etc. Staff members tell me that they are going home, to a training, or back to their classroom.

Today a student asked me that same question. My answer was that I'm not sure where I'm going but I'll definitely know when I get there. The polite student just kept going and is probably still wondering what in the world I was talking about.

I do believe that by following your passions you will end up right where you were supposed to be. I know for me it is currently in a place that very few thought was ever possible.

I'm very passionate about dispelling myths and proving people wrong in regards to the student achievement of high poverty students. I believe strongly that the amount of money in my pocket and the color of my skin have never determined how much I could learn or what I could do in this life. I'm really not sure where I'm going but I plan of following my passion wherever it leads me. The journey for me has always been far more exciting than the destination.

What are you passionate about and where is it leading you?

Building Schools in the Air

2010-03-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.

Henry David Thoreau

We tell kids every day to reach for the stars and that nothing is impossible. I've even written a previous post about the whole concept of "I'm Possible". Thoreau's quote speaks volumes to the approach that schools should take towards educating all children. We should be building castles in the air while providing a strong foundation for all students.

I'm willing to guarantee that not one of my students' dreams include being proficient on a standardized test or learning a skill in isolation. Why do so many schools do exactly that and wonder why students are not engaged? This approach does not provide the type of foundation for success in my opinion. Why would we settle for building a dwelling with no view when we can have a castle in the air? We must move beyond minimum proficiency goals and start building our schools in the air. The view from there will be amazing! B

Service Learning and Saving the World

2010-03-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed people can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

"Which part of your school are you most excited about?" This is a question that I get all of the time. The answer is often surprising because it isn't directly related to the Interactive Whiteboards, Mobile Computer Labs, Wireless Slates, etc. that our school is known for. The answer is always related to our service learning projects.

Service Learning is a powerful teaching and learning strategy that integrates instruction with meaningful community service activities. Our version of service learning incorporates the tools/technology that students love with the service activities that they are passionate about.

Some of our service learning projects occur right in our own backyard. Our third graders are currently working on a courtyard garden project that will not only beautify our landscape but also provide food for the local food bank. The students are engaged in various concepts from the parts of a plant to determining area and perimeter. These concepts take on a greater meaning when it is taken off of a worksheet and shown in a real landscape.

Other projects span the globe like our recent "Pennies for Peace" campaign. Fourth grade students are required to learn about natural disasters. This type of required learning typically occurs in isolation. This year our students have been engaged in a wide variety of activities from researching the impact storms have on the economy to student-created digital stories focused on preparedness. The students have also reached out to various countries that have been devastated by recent earthquakes. This student-led campaign brought in over $1,500.00 for earthquake victims in under four weeks.

Service learning makes the curriculum and essential skills relevant. The projects are rigorous and the level of learning is much higher than had it occurred in a traditional sense. Students work together to solve real problems, develop a level of expertise in their area of study, and share their newfound knowledge with classmates, teachers, community members, and the world (via our SchoolTube channel).

One of the keys to engaging today's learner is to tap into their passion. Service learning is a way to teach citizenship, academics, and the important belief that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. B

CRITICAL TRANSFORMATIONS - ASCD ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

2010-03-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I had the amazing honor of being named ASCD's Outstanding Young Educator.

http://www.ascd.org/news_media/Press_Room/News_Releases/2010_OYEA_Winners.aspx

I believe that any award with the word "young" in it is a great thing but this award was truly special to me. ASCD is an amazing organization that exemplifies the philosophy and approach needed to transform educational practices across the globe. I had the opportunity to speak at this year's conference and I've been asked many questions about the speech. The Jay-Z quote/reference has definitely been the topic I'm asked about most. I thought I'd post the speech in both Wordle and text form. This way you can see that Jay-Z was always part of the plan and also see how grateful I am to have received this honor. B

The theme of this conference is “Critical Transformations”. Critical Transformations occur in life at the fork in the road. I believe that Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best when he stated…

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. “

As I reflect back I see that the critical transformations in my life have led me to where I am today. I could have been led down different paths like my friends, siblings, etc. I am the first person in my family to graduate college. I have my master’s degree and am currently pursuing my doctorate. Not bad for a kid whose second grade teacher said that “There must be something wrong with him”. In the words of another hero of mine (Jay Z)….I’m not sure that’s how teachers should speak to kids…she’s on my list.

Today I stand before you as an example of what is truly possible with a whole child approach to education. I am an example of what is possible when someone believes in you enough to see past your exterior and look inside you to see that greatness lies with. Greatness is within all of us. I am here because of a teacher that took an interest in a kid that others had written off. I am here because of people like you. I was that student sitting in your class, school, or district that is disengaged, disinterested, and determined to get out of work. Critical transformations for 21^st century learners occur at the intersection of potential and passion. Find out what your kids are truly passionate about and start the transformation process there. Every person deserves to have someone that gives them the courage to be the person they are meant to be.

Nobody is passionate about bubbling in answers. My kids want to make a difference and save the world using the tools and technologies that excite them. Our kids are counting on us to prepare them for their future…not ours. Their successful transformations are going to be dependent on their abilities to communicate, collaborate, create and critically think about global problems.

I have the best opportunity in the world each and every day. I get to make a difference in the lives of 600 of the most talented kids at Hidenwood Elementary in Newport News, VA. Our theme at Hidenwood is that nothing is impossible because I’m possible. To the students and staff of Hidenwood and to the students and teachers across the globe…If I can stand here before you today…anything is truly possible.

We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.” We have the power and potential in this room to change the course of educational history and transform classrooms across the world. What will your next critical transformation be? I read recently that schools will change more in the next ten years than they have in the past 100. That transformation begins today…at this conference…with this group of determined people.

Thank you to ASCD for this tremendous honor. The Outstanding Young Educator Award will certainly serve as another transformation in my life.

Leadership, Morale, and a Snow Plow

2010-03-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

Today we are having another snow day in Newport News, Virginia. I'm really looking forward to flying out to San Antonio for #gtadmin and #ascd10 tomorrow.

As a 12 month employee I still come in on days like today. My drive into work this morning had me thinking about the #edchat morale conversation and how I contribute to it as a leader. I came up with a snow plow analogy that may or may not work for all but I thought I'd throw it out there.

The snow has prevented my students and staff from having a regular day today. There are many days that everyone does report to school but other obstacles get in the way of real learning. These obstacles can include an overcrowded curriculum, high stakes testing, or even equipment that isn't functional.

My role and responsibility as a leader is similar to the snowplow that I saw on the road this morning. It's job is to clear the road so that we can do the job we need to do. As a leader I need to be like a snow plow. I need to clear the road from the obstacles that prevent students and staff from taking chances and transforming educational practices.

One of the keys to morale, performance, and transforming education is to adopt a snow plow mentality in regards to obstacles. There are others but this one resonates with me most on a snow day. B

I'm Possible - Critical Transformations

2010-03-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

I am heading to ASCD's Annual Conference in less than a week. The theme for this year's conference is "Critical Transformations". We can all look back at our life and identify the critical transformations that brought us to the point we are at today. This is especially true for me since I owe everything I have to an educator who believed in me when no one else did.

Critical transformations for me have always been about overcoming adversity and doing things that others say is impossible. This has certainly carried over into my daily journey in education. There are people that doubt the students I serve on a daily basis. Many overcome amazing obstacles and do remarkable things. That is why our theme this year is a play on words.

We took the word "Impossible" added an apostrophe and a space to make "I'm Possible". It is the first thing my students see when they enter the building each morning.

You can also view our opening video with the theme and one of my amazing students here.

My students need to know that everything that they want to do in this world is possible. It is up to us to establish an environment where critical transformations can occur by igniting their passion and offering opportunities for all kids.

There are several keys to igniting a student's passion and watching their critical transformation unfold. Here are three that we put into our daily practice and have made a world of difference.

1. Develop a culture of risk taking and forward failure by students and staff members

2. Create opportunities for students to be involved in leadership activities and groups based on interest. Interest ignites passion and increases engagement. Our students are involved in a wide array of activities including chess, recycling, drama, mentoring, and video production

3.Develop a whole child approach to support the development of children who are healthy, safe, engaged, and challenged

This approach has not only allowed us to exceed academic benchmarks but more importantly facilitate critical transformations in our kids.

Passion is the key to transformation. What kinds of things are you doing to ignite passion and encourage critical transformations where you are?

Forward Failure

2010-02-27T11:18:00.001-08:00

"Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street." - Zig Ziglar

Failure is the greatest teacher that I have ever had in my life. I've learned more through my mistakes than I ever have through successes. One of the people I admire and read about often is Abraham Lincoln. Failure was a critical component to Lincoln's success. Here is a short list of the failures that helped him move forward.

He failed as a businessman - as a storekeeper.
He failed as a farmer - he despised this work.
He failed in his first attempt to obtain political office.
When elected to the legislature he failed when he sought the office of speaker.
He failed in his first attempt to go to Congress.
He failed when he sought the appointment to the United States Land Office.
He failed when he ran for the United States Senate.
He failed when friends sought for him the nomination for the vice-presidency in 1856.

Each one of these failures helped him move forward on his journey towards greatness. The most important thing I can do as a leader is to cultivate a culture of risk-taking and forward failure. This is the culture necessary to help students and teachers move outside of filling in bubbles sheets and into the world of problem solving, critical thinking, and creating new products/projects.

There are three things that we are currently doing to help cultivate a forward failing culture.

Provide opportunities for teachers and students to explore outside of the curriculum to find things they are passionate about and have them tie it into essential learnings.
Provide resources and support when presented with a new idea, approach, or plan to move the school forward.
Show people that forward failure is okay by supporting and assisting people when a project does not go as planned. This will lead to more risk taking and eventually a superior idea/product.

Lincoln is not the only prominent failure that exists in history. The video below shows several more. Keep in mind that Edison failed thousands of times before he revolutionized the world with his invention. Our students hold the key to the next great idea. We cannot continue to try to solve today's problems with yesterday's answers. We need to set up the environment that fosters the surfacing of that idea.

How are you cultivating a culture of "Forward Failure" in your work? Please share so that we can all move forward on this journey. B

Differentiated Leadership

2010-02-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams

As a classroom teacher I believed strongly in differentiated instruction due to the fact that my 20+ kids came in at all different levels. I always felt I was doing a disservice if I gave them all the same thing, at the same time, in the same way. I've always believed in high expectations for all students. I just knew that some students needed more scaffolding, support, etc. to get to their destination. As I transitioned into administration the concept of differentiation naturally came with me.

Differentiated leadership is really my daily approach/philosophy as an elementary school principal. I have nearly 100 staff members that are all at different levels in regards to pedagogical knowledge, classroom management, technology skills, etc. My approach to each staff member is very similar to the approach I used with students in my classroom. A staff meeting, professional development, etc. for all staff, at the same time, in the same way really just doesn't make sense. This is especially true since I believe strongly in modeling best practices for staff members. That's why the philosophy of differentiated leadership has been a cornerstone for our school's success.

These are the basic components to the differentiated leadership approach that I incorporate into my daily practices.

1. All staff participate in respectful work

2. Conversations, Planning, & Professional Development serve to build a foundation from which staff members can explore and create

3. Planning, Professional Development, and Coaching are based on individual learners and team needs

4. Multiple learning strategies and approaches are used in a coaching framework

5. Assessment and dialogue (formal & informal) occur in a variety of ways throughout the year

6. Administrators and teachers form a learning partnership where strategies are shared in order to move all students forward

You'll see that you can replace the adult in each principle with a student and you have the basic principles for differentiated instruction. There are certainly other principles that you could easily add. Please feel free to comment and add your own.

Hello World!

2010-02-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

Today is the day that I begin one of my new year's resolutions (better late than never). I was reminded about this resolution when I read @bhs_principal's guest post today entitled "Every Principal Needs A Blog". I agree that the best way to transform a school/education is to model the practices that you expect from your teachers. This is one way for me to accomplish that goal. The other reason is because there are quite a few ideas, thoughts, etc. that I just can't fit into 140 Characters. This is my "Hello World" post, my making good on a resolution, and more importantly a contribution towards moving education forward. We are trying to prepare students for a century that we are already a decade into. Hopefully this blog will provide some food for thought and fuel for change. B