The Hard Work of the Process of Change

The Hard Work of the Process of Change

The Complexity of Changing Outcomes for Students). But there is also internal change that teachers and administrators embark on, to create better learning conditions for their students.  Internal change efforts are not any easier to accomplish, even though the impetus...
Two Things That Will Destroy a Competency Based Initiative

Two Things That Will Destroy a Competency Based Initiative

Guest Blogger David Cook is Director of Innovation and Partner Engagement at the Kentucky Department of Education. One of the most exciting movements in education today is the competency based learning movement.  The term “competency based learning” is sometimes...
Should we get rid of Teacher of the Year awards?

Should we get rid of Teacher of the Year awards?

Good teachers don’t get the recognition they deserve. So when I wonder aloud here whether we should do away with things like Teacher of the Year awards it’s not because I think they shouldn’t be honored and noticed; it is quite the contrary. We, at...
The Common Core and Creativity

The Common Core and Creativity

Just this week I’ve read two blogs about whether the Common Core State Standards encourage or inhibit creativity on the part of students and teachers.  One blog written by Lexington, Kentucky educator Rene Boss posited that the standards themselves are neutral and...

Video- Falling Flat on Your Face

I was reading the article Seven Reasons to “Go to the Tape” in ASCD and I decided to blog about how I positively changed my concern about being in front of the camera and what it did to improve my classroom practice. The article discusses that coaches are...