I see many bloggers posting their “top posts” this time of year. I wasn’t going to share a post of that kind, but once I saw the important theme that emerged from the most-read posts here, I wanted to share.
Yes…it may be interesting to see how my writing and thinking as a first-year superintendent have developed across 46 posts this past year (in addition to the 19 podcasts on TLTalkRadio with my colleague, Lynn Fuini-Hetten), but what I’m most proud of is that each of the most-read posts (and many others on this blog) connects to our practice and the work we are doing day in and day out in a real school district. This is not my work – it’s the work of fellow central office administrators, principals, teachers, school board members, parents AND our students. That collaboration and shared ownership are an indispensable part of the work – both successes and challenges.
I hope the real-world connections are what people find most valuable about coming here, and I’m looking forward to continuing the work and the sharing into 2016! And don’t forget to check out the podcasts on TLTalkRadio and more author interviews! Here are the most-read posts on Working at the Edge for 2015:
Leading Innovation for Systemic Change
Several days ago, I found this short video from Scott McLeod through Twitter. In the video @mcleod posits the next “big thing” in educational technology will be learner agency – a technology-rich landscape marked by a shift in learner autonomy and empowerment. As leaders, many of us are seeing pockets of this kind of learning in our institutions. But it’s just that – pockets; not systemic. I agree that the next “big thing” is learner agency, and I also… <read more…>
Writers referenced:
- Scott McLeod and his video 2015 ISTE Board Presentation
- Don Wettrick and his book Pure Genius: Building a Culture of Innovation and Taking 20% Time to the Next Level
- Ron Ritchhart and his book Creating Cultures of Thinking: The 8 Forces We Must Master to Truly Transform Our Schools
- Ed Catmull and his book Creativity, Inc
- George Couros’ post on 8 Characteristics of the Innovative Leader
Growing Success to Positively Impact Culture
Who doesn’t love Sylvia Duckworth‘s sketchnotes (check them all out on Fickr)? Her latest is The Iceberg Illusion, with “success” being the iceberg. While our stakeholders (teachers, students, parents, community and fellow administrators) may be able to identify “success,” they don’t necessarily understand all the factors “behind the scenes” — dedication, hard work and good habits; disappointment, sacrifice, failure and persistence. <read more…>
Writers referenced:
- Sylvia Duckworth‘s sketchnote on The Iceberg Illusion
Is there a monkey on your back?
There’s a Polish proverb, Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy. Literally translated, you get, Not my circus, not my monkeys. Basically, “not my problem.” Over the holiday break I read the quick read by Todd Whitaker, Shifting the Monkey: The Art of Protecting Good People from Liars, Criers and other Slackers. At first the title may seem a little jarring, but it actually has several valuable nuggets for all school leaders. We all deal with monkeys. Whitaker describes a monkey as… <read more…>
Writers referenced:
- Todd Whitaker and his book Shifting the Monkey: The Art of Protecting Good People from Liars, Criers and other Slackers
Busting Myths of Creativity
Education isn’t the most creative or innovative sector of society. Sure, we have classrooms within our system and schools around the country known for innovative practices. Generally, though, the field of education is firmly rooted in an industrial model and not too willing to change. As a superintendent, I work with those in my district to embrace a more progressive vision of education (Make School Different) and want to see our students, teachers and school leaders… <read more…>
Writers referenced:
- David Burkus and his book The Myths of Creativity: The Truth About How Innovative Companies and People Generate Great Ideas
Is learning the priority?
As a wrap-up to the 2014-15 school year, our full complement of leaders met recently to reflect on the past year and plan for the future. These full day meetings can be challenging – the school year has just concluded with everyone keeping pace with the frenzy that inevitably develops over the last month of school. Sometimes we just lack the energy and enthusiasm to make these days very productive. This day was different and the feedback from the team was… <read more…>
Writers referenced:
- George Couros’ post on 8 Characteristics of the Innovative Leader
- Harold Jarche’s post on the literacy of the 21st century
Connect with Randy on Twitter and on the TLTalkRadio podcast!
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