For a few weeks, much of my curiosity has centered on this idea of innovation (whatever that is!) in schools and the leadership required to bring it about. An earlier post, Leading Innovation for Systemic Change, represents the early stages of my curiosity. Over the past few days I’ve generated some inquiry questions on innovation in […]

In K12 we have the staunch defenders of two symbols of the educational landscape status quo – “rigorous” final exams and lecture-hall style seating/teaching. Responding to progressive education models, we’ll often hear these defenders of the status quo shout, “But we need to prepare them for college!” A recent article indicates there may be cracks in […]

As Superintendent, I had the opportunity to speak at graduation and share some thoughts with the Salisbury High School Class of 2015. Board President Mr.  Giordano; Board members; Ms. Morningstar, Mr. Muschlitz; A stellar staff – teachers, administrators and support staff; Dedicated and supportive family and friends;  and to each of the graduates of the […]

Over the past few weeks I’ve been reflecting on my work in my new role as Superintendent. The greatest challenge I’ve experienced is to not be consumed by the day-to-day work and find time to slow it all down, making space for both reflection and professional reading. It’s analogous to the person who doesn’t find […]

I’ve started reading Anya Kamenetz’s new book, The Test: Why Our Schools are Obsessed with Standardized Testing — But You Don’t Have to be. While I’m early in the book, it is an easily accessible read for educators and parents. By the end, I’m hoping this will work well for a parent workshop – either as a presentation/discussion […]

One of the greatest organizational and leadership challenges behind any 1:1 program, where every student has access to a digital device, is ensuring transformation of the teaching and learning process. As we often hear, it’s not about the technology – it’s about what we do with it. Changing teaching, learning and leadership practices around the […]

What is the greatest challenge schools face using technology for teaching and learning? As a practitioner, the data I’ve collected both formally and informally suggests one of the greatest challenges is to use  technology in ways that transform the teaching and learning process (as defined by the SAMR model). It is often easy for students to use technology in ways that […]

About two years ago I suggested to my colleague, Lynn Fuini-Hetten (@lfuinihetten), that we needed to do more sharing and that we should start a podcast. After learning how to record something that sounded decent and purchasing some equipment, I was ready to go. Well, not so much! (And I’ve been harassed for the past […]