Maine schools gear up for Common Core Standards

Even though it's still summer, school is right around the corner. Educators are gearing up for the implementation of the Common Core and its assessments. The Maine Sunday Telegram published a comprehensive and thoughtful article about the Common Core's potential to prepare students for the global workplace and to raise the bar for all students. Take a few moments to read the article, "Maine schools' shift to tougher standards will come with costs." Let me know what you think.

What If You Could Learn Everything? Too Good to be True...Or Not?

by Beth Schultz, Maine Educator

"But here's the vision. Within five or 10 years, the paper textbook and mimeographed worksheet will be dead. Classroom exercises and homework---text, audio, video, games---will have shifted entirely to the iPad or equivalent. And adaptive learning will help each user find the exact right piece of content needed, in the exact right format, at the exact right time, based on previous patterns of use."

Too good to be true? Or, not?

In Maine, many of us are exploring the concept of mass customized learning (MCL), introduced to us by Bea McGarvey and Charles Schwahn in their book, Inevitable. This reality is closer than you think! In Anya Kamenetz's article, "What If You Could Learn Everything?" (published 7.10.2013 by Newsweek) she shares the fascinating story of Jose Ferreira, the CEO of Knewton, an education technology startup that is bringing the transformative capacity of digital technology to the classroom. When you read the article, make sure that you read it to the end. There you will find that essential question: "And, as must be asked of all things tech, can it complement the human elements of education?"

What do you think? Eager to hear!

Educators as Leaders: How do you define leadership?

by Beth Schultz, Maine Educator

Does this definition of leadership resonate with you?

A leader is anyone who holds her- or himself accountable for finding potential in people and processes.

Brené Brown, research professor and author of several best-selling books, defines leadership as such in her most recent book, Daring Greatly. Brown writes that we live in a culture of scarcity. As a result, we feel like we never have enough. We never have enough knowledge, enough stuff, and what is most alarming is that we think and feel that we are never enough. Therefore, we become scared and shut down. We blame, become overly critical, and close off those parts of us that are open to change, innovation, creativity, and truly seeing others.  

It’s very hard to admit it, isn’t it?

Many in education feel the need to be in control…in control of the knowledge that is shared, how classrooms are structured, how learning and student behavior are managed, and how to ensure students meet standards. However, once we recognize that the world’s knowledge base is expanding exponentially, and that our students are hungry for authenticity and connection, then, I believe, we, as educators, can become creative, innovative, compassionate, and courageous again.

After thirty years in education as a teacher and administrator, I have witnessed countless teachers overcome multiple obstacles to do just that. They listen to their students, empathize, support them, and challenge them to be their best. Our culture has shifted: we need to be more explicit and direct about making sure there is a foundation of trust and honesty, and that essential connections are established and nurtured.

I think most of us can agree with Brown when she writes: “Connection is the energy created between people when they feel seen, heard, valued; when they can give and receive without judgment.”

This summer, as we take a break from the daily demands and stresses of school life, I encourage you to check Brown’s website. Or, check her TEDx presentations:

Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability

Brené Brown: On Listening to Shame

You also might download her “Daring Greatly Leadership Manifesto” found on her website. If you do, I bet you’ll print it and post it in your classrooms next year.

Educators are leaders. We hold ourselves accountable for finding potential in people and processes. Because we do, we are life-long learners…with our students, their parents, and our colleagues.

 Let me close with a familiar Theodore Roosevelt quote: 

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs…and if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.

Happy Summer!