Google Glass
Are you ready to be amazed? The future is here. Ian Jukes has been talking for years about the future arrival of “glasses” that are essentially the same as a computer and computer monitor. Google just recently announced the release of this exact product, and they are piloting them with select people right now. Take a few minutes to watch the promotional video (click the “How It Feels” tab after going to the site). It’s really pretty neat, but more importantly, gives us all a glimpse of what’s soon to show up in our classrooms. Remember, at the same time Jukes was talking about these glasses, he also mentioned “contact lenses” that do the same thing won’t be far behind . . . . .
Five C's: Creating a Committed, Dynamic Organization
My selection this week highlights the 5 C's: Culture; Climate; Community; Connection; and Capacity that are essential for a successful organization. As we are preparing to welcome new students in to our buildings next year, I felt following quote about creating a sense of community reminds us how intentional we must be in establishing our culture: “Creating community is an intentional act…as leaders we need to not only understand how to create it, but the kind we are trying to create.”
If you get a chance take a look at the video, I can't promise there will be a ball pit in the ILC, but I will sure try!
Teachers: What kind of students are you making?
This is a good one....it will make you think. Blogger Seth Godin asks a few questions about the educational practices in our classrooms, buildings, and districts that make me wonder why we do the things we do. He requests that we examine teacher behaviors that are carry-over from the industrial-era by asking "What kind of students are we really trying to create? Are our classrooms built for creativity or compliance?"
As the administrators in HCSD continue to lead educational reform, let's keep asking ourselves the difficult questions, reflecting on the culture in our district, and challenging the status quo. Our students deserve it!
Professional-development reform: 8 steps to make it happen
I found this
blog, “Professional-development reform:
8 steps to make it happen,” and it made me realize even more how
important it is to provide and engage in professional learning that is
differentiated, relevant, and engaging. Tom Murray outlines eight ways districts can reform their
professional learning opportunities:
2. Lead by example and model professional learning. Shouldn’t we, as administrators, help pave the way for new learning and learn with our staffs side-by-side?
3. Balance district-wide initiatives with the need for differentiation. Murray points out the emphasis we place on meeting students where they are, yet we don’t do the same for the adults.
4. Move from hours-based to outcome-based accountability. He emphasizes the shift from “I attended” to “I learned and then implemented.”
5. Alter the traditional paradigm. We need to view professional learning as a daily process, not special occasions.
6. Empower staff to design their own learning. It’s no secret that I’m excited about finding ways for our educators to explore their own professional passions.
7. Solicit teacher feedback. What do our very best people think about the professional learning opportunities we’re offering? “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”
8. Expand your boundaries. It’s 2013. Let’s use social media to our advantage.
Professional-development reform: 8 steps to make it happen
This week I want to share with you an incredible article about energizing your team/staff. It's that time of the year, spring break is coming, it's testing time, scheduling time, etc… tensions are high, fuses are short. Michael Hyatt is one of my favorite authors on leadership, and in this blog he points out 5 ways to reenergize the team. I'll share a little bit of it with you right here but I encourage you to read the whole article.
"He had evidently forgotten that, at the end of the day, everyone is a volunteer. People will only go so far in the performance of a duty. If you want their very best, you have to have their hearts. You can’t demand this or even buy it with a paycheck. You have to earn it. In my experience, there are five ways to do this:
- 1. Assume others are smart and working hard.
- 2. Listen intently and ask thoughtful questions.
- 3. Acknowledge the sacrifices others have made on your behalf.
- 4. Express gratitude for their effort and their results.
- 5. Remind them why their work is so important and the difference they are making.
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