by admin | Nov 20, 2014 | Blog
When someone asks me why the arts are important to learning, I usually respond by describing my own experience in using the arts to excite learners. One such experience follows. Here is the scene: A narrow, windowless room in an urban middle school, with twelve desks...
by admin | Jul 30, 2014 | Blog
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...
by admin | Jun 2, 2014 | Blog
One of the more enjoyable aspects of my work in the past year has been participation in a book study with local teachers and an administrator. The book, Rigorous Reading, written by Nancy Frey and Doug Fisher, served as an excellent common text for our group’s...
by admin | Apr 25, 2014 | Blog
Marci, a junior, sat sideways in one of the student desks pulled into a circle next to me as students gathered to chat on the last day of school. After making sure that their writing folders were complete and filed away until next year, there was little to do except...
by admin | Apr 1, 2014 | Blog
As an assistant principal who dealt with most behavior-related issues in the building, I was curious to know how the others in our region were being proactive in keeping students engaged in learning. My question was largely met with silence, and finally one principal...
