What Makes Great Conversation?

What Makes Great Conversation?

When was the last time you were involved in a quality conversation? What characteristics distinguished it from other conversations you have had? We have all been part of company that lost our attention because the conversation was very one-sided. An exchange that...
A Recipe for Student Persistence

A Recipe for Student Persistence

There are experts on formative assessment in every school district in the country but they are not often recognized as such. Who are they? They are the athletic coaches in the building. How does a quarterback learn to improve his effectiveness in passing? How does a...
Making the Shift to Inquiry and Authentic Learning

Making the Shift to Inquiry and Authentic Learning

How does one change a deeply established pattern or schema? If you have ever tried to change a habit in your life, you know that it takes time, awareness, commitment, and a steady patience as you fall back and forth between the new and the old you are trying to leave...
Are Parents College and Career Parenthood-Ready?

Are Parents College and Career Parenthood-Ready?

My husband and I share an observation made in recent years:  Some people will research a refrigerator purchase more than they will research their kids’ college choices. Anyone who has gone through the experience of parenting seniors in high school will recall it is a...
New Understandings About Teachers' Role in Schools

New Understandings About Teachers' Role in Schools

The school district’s annual leadership retreat will take place on July 15-16. The superintendent has opened the training for teachers who wish to be leaders by pursuing administrative certification.  What was an initially exciting concept–an invitation to...