Working At The Edge

Make School Different: Digital leadership & Transformation

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Outcome-driven learning? Curiosity-driven learning? Or somewhere between the two? 🤔

By Randy Ziegenfuss

Outcome-driven learning? Curiosity-driven learning? Or somewhere between the two? 🤔

One of the challenges of the current standards-based system of K-12 education is that as educators we feel we need to approach the design of learning with highly scripted opportunities. In the extreme, it’s right there in the textbook… …”hook” the class by asking the following question…. …then deliver this direct instruction…. …then use these […]

Filed Under: Learning, Teaching

Are you asking these questions about #edtech?

By Randy Ziegenfuss

Are you asking these questions about #edtech?

In a previous blog post, I suggested educators, particularly leaders, ask this question about technology use: How does the technology advance us toward our vision for learning? Keeping in mind that learner agency is a big part of that vision, I’ve been intrigued by a quote from Gary Stager: Technology is not neutral. It bestows […]

Filed Under: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Learning, Teaching

Message to the Class of 2016

By Randy Ziegenfuss

Message to the Class of 2016

As Superintendent, I have the honor and pleasure of addressing the graduating class.  Here is this year’s message! Accomplished graduates of the Class of 2016, School Board President Mr. Frankenfield, board members, Principal Morningstar, Principal Muschlitz, our outstanding staff of teachers, administrators and support staff…all the dedicated and supportive family, friends and guests — It […]

Filed Under: Leadership, Learning, Teaching

As #edleaders, it’s critical we understand this shift…

By Randy Ziegenfuss

As #edleaders, it’s critical we understand this shift…

This is the fourth and final post in a series that has emerged as a result of a week-long trip to Silicon Valley with a group of educational leaders from the University of Pennsylvania Midcareer Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. Be sure to check out previous blog posts providing my reflections on the daily adventures. […]

Filed Under: #pennsv16, Leadership, Learning, Teaching

3 great podcast episodes for parents and educators!

By Randy Ziegenfuss

3 great podcast episodes for parents and educators!

In the past few weeks Lynn Fuini-Hetten and I produced three new podcasts featuring innovative thought leaders in parenting, testing and 1:1 technology at home! Check them out on TLTalkRadio! Season 2: Episode 27 – The Gift of Failure – Interview with Jessica Lahey In this episode, we are talking with Jessica Lahey. Jessica is […]

Filed Under: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Learning, Teaching

#PennSV16 – Day #5 – Making, Accelerating, Design Thinking and Napping

By Randy Ziegenfuss

#PennSV16 – Day #5 – Making, Accelerating, Design Thinking and Napping

The final day of our visit to Silicon Valley was packed with activity that filled my brain with questions that I know will impact my practice and result in future conversations, both offline and online. In this final post, I’ll highlight the activities of the day and share the questions these experiences generated for me. […]

Filed Under: #pennsv16, Leadership, Learning, Teaching

#PennSV16 – Day #4 – A hackathon and group reflection

By Randy Ziegenfuss

#PennSV16 – Day #4 – A hackathon and group reflection

When you attend a conference or other learning experience, do you make time to debrief? Reflection is where the learning takes place, so remember to book that time! After a hackathon at Voxer we spend a good deal of time in the afternoon reflecting on what we have taken in this week so far. In […]

Filed Under: #pennsv16, Leadership, Learning, Teaching

#PennSV16 – Day #2 – 2 Questions

By Randy Ziegenfuss

#PennSV16 – Day #2 – 2 Questions

Day 2 of the #PennSV16 study tour was packed with lots of engaging conversations with people working in the ed tech industry. We started the day with a breakfast for representatives of edtech startups followed by presentations from, and visits to, Peekapak, Remind, Class Dojo and Nearpod. In processing the day, these themes emerged. Is […]

Filed Under: #pennsv16, Leadership, Learning, Teaching

The one action all educators must take to fuel the classroom shift to inquiry…

By Randy Ziegenfuss

The one action all educators must take to fuel the classroom shift to inquiry…

I read a post the other day from Ross Cooper titled Inquiry is king. Here’s why…  In any progressive vision for learning where students exercise agency, inquiry is a non-negotiable, and this needs to be the direction where we are headed for our schools and classrooms. I do wonder, though, how we as educators are […]

Filed Under: Leadership, Learning, Teaching

Meet 9 innovative education thought leaders!

By Randy Ziegenfuss

One of our goals this year in Salisbury Township School District is to revisit and revise our beliefs and vision for teaching and learning. As part of the learning process, we have been connecting with innovative thought leaders – experts in creativity, personalized learning, assessment and other areas of current educational innovation. Through these connections, […]

Filed Under: Digital Transformation, Leadership, Learning, Teaching

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About Working At The Edge:

My name is Randy Ziegenfuss, and I'm a retired public school superintendent and a life-long educator with over 34 years experience developing a passion for teaching, learning, leadership and technology. <read more...>

I first came across the phrase working at the edge while learning about the work of Marzano, et al. School Leadership That Works: From Research to Results. In this work, the researchers define 21 responsibilities of the school leader, one being change agent. A change agent is defined as one who is, "...willing to challenge school practices that have been in place for a long time and promoting the value of working at the edge of one's competence."

Randy Ziegenfuss, Ed.D.

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