If you take the time to say you’re going to do something, then do it! This seems to be an easy maxim to live up to; but I know I (at times) do not live up to it. Aligning your actions to the philosophy involves two things. First, be careful and deliberate about what you say. Make sure that what…
Month: May 2019
5 Statements School Leaders Need to Avoid at All Costs
The Command and Control Structure in Schools What is the “command and control” structure of organizations and why is it bad for schools? Command and control is just what it sounds like. A command and control organization is based on superiors telling their subordinates what to do at all times. Words like empowerment are foreign to these types of organizations.…
Technocratic Tinkering in Schools
Many of us share the same vision for our schools. Namely, to create learning experiences that are centered around learners needs. It is safe to say that undertaking the implementation of the vision results in the total destruction of the current operating system of schooling and education. The thought of upending a system that has been in place for over…
A Master Schedule in School is Bad
We need to get rid of the master schedule in schools. The master schedule limits learning experiences for learners. For those of us who have created a master schedule, the following scenario is all too familiar. After weeks of work and massaging, the schedule is as complete as it is going to be. If judged by a percentage, if only…
Am I a Grumpy Old Man?
I think I am becoming a grumpy old man. I realize that I am not “old” (lightly seasoned at this point) but I find myself observing things in the world and getting grumpy. Let me explain. Some Observations Observation #1: I attended a high school track meet yesterday. As I watched the triple jump, I noticed that the high school…
The Wrong Question
The Wrong Question: “What do you want to become?” A Better Question: “Who do you want to become?” The first question implies that you “arrive”. It also implies finality. There is a destination that tells you, and everyone who knows you, that you have “become” what you want to be…period, end of story. Once you get to your destination (I…
School is a Meme
How can school be a Meme? Most of us have seen viral memes on the internet. Whether they are from your favorite television show or commenting on a popular culture item, memes are everywhere. There are even meme creators for those of us who are not gifted in creating our own memes. This blog post is not about those kinds…
Get Off Your Phones Right Now!
“Get off your phones right now! You stare at your phone too much. Get a book out to read or go outside and play.” –Me to my kids approximately 1,000 times in the last 8 years. Technology Today and Yesterday If you are a parent you can probably sympathize with me and my frustration with “phone time” of your kids.…
Building Your Leadership Team
A Starting Point Every organization has positions of leadership. Regardless of how small or large the organization, there is a group of people or a team that helps set the direction of the organization and strategizes tactics to help the organization perform well. Oftentimes, people who find themselves in leadership positions got there because of the skills they learned and…