Working At The Edge

Make School Different: Digital leadership & Transformation

Engaged Leadership

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I enjoy reading the monthly PDFs published by ChangeThis. Each month the site publishes several PDFs focused on key ideas around leadership, innovation and the like. This month, one title in particular caught my eye: Leading from Above the Line. Based on the book, Above the Line: How the Golden Rule Rules the Bottom Line, […]

AFT video on PISA – What does it say?

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While those wishing to put stock in the rankings of the latest PISA results may claim some bias in this video from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the arguments reinforce the idea that our public schools are a reflection of our society. Until we (policy makers specifically) more effectively address issues such as poverty […]

What’s not in a score?

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With the release of Pennsylvania’s  School Performance Profile, we continue to label schools, this time with a single score. While SPP is being touted as based on multiple measures, that’s really a bit of smoke and mirrors. Ninety percent (90%)  of the score is still based on a single testing window (PSSA/Keystone Exams) snapshot in […]

Deeper Learning MOOC – January – March 2014

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This morning while scanning my RSS feeds I discovered the Deeper Learning MOOC coming this January. I like the way deeper learning is defined: Master core academic content Think critically and solve complex problems Work collaboratively Communicate effectively Learn how to learn (e.g., self-directed learning) Academic mindsets The Deeper Learning MOOC is going to feature […]

Yes or No to “after-hours” work/email?

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As we enjoy an extended holiday break away from the daily routine of work (and the fact its the time of year for resolutions), I wanted to reflect on how I balance my time between work and leisure. There are different perspectives out there! For example, here is an article that was recently shared by […]

3 for the week

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4 Minutes Guide to Creating Graphs and Charts in Google Spreadsheets There’s nothing particularly earth shattering about a 4-minute video on using Google spreadsheets to create graphs and charts. The prevalence of this kind of information on the internet should prompt all educators to reflect on the value they add to the classroom in a […]

As a leader, are you mapping, making AND meshing?

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I recall reading, several months ago, a few different articles online about a sizable number of “unhappy” workers in the workplace. (Nearly half of global employees unhappy in jobs and Most Americans hate work so much they’re sabotaging their employers are just two examples. You could search and find more.) Upon reading the gloomy statistics, […]

Inquiry as part of the solution

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How much student and teacher inquiry is currently going on in our classrooms? Does the current structure of our educational system promote or stifle inquiry? Over the past semester, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a group of practicing teachers on a course (new for me), Teacher as Inquirer at Moravian College. The course […]

Entrepreneurs, Leaders, Managers

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In the educational leadership domain, we frequently hear the argument about being a leader, not just a manager. (Here is a nice breakdown, or just enter a search into Google.) This morning, I ran across this article that added “entrepreneurs” into the traditional leader/manager dichotomy: Understanding Three Archetypes: Entrepreneurs, Managers, Leaders. One of our greatest […]

Digital Citizenship – A Platform for Good

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I found this great resource and wanted to share. We hear lots about how students (can) use the internet for unproductive (or just plain stupid) endeavors. Educators and parents need to be teaching children and modeling the qualities of good digital citizens, not blocking sites such as social media. A Platform for Good is a […]