Philosophy Without A Home

Watch this great TedTalk by Dan Pink . Being the educator I am I want to look at this idea from a classroom standpoint. How will this improve education? If we really want to over simplify educational philosophies we can say there are two basic ideas in play right now. First, there is the NCLB philosophy that views education as a simple ladder and students work their way up the ladder until they ultimately graduate from high school and are accepted into college. Second, there is the whole-child philosophy that views education as one great interconnected blob where students absorb material from all sides as they work on projects that aren't focused on one specific skill. I don't want to argue the relative merits of each idea, or even my over-simplification, I want to discuss how to motivate students in each philosophy. My oversimplification should make the choice obvious, but for those who didn't stop and watch the video first let's take a look. If you have problem that

originally posted May 1, 2008 – 6:41 am by Brendan (On a blog that is now closed) In Chicago, it is getting more dangerous to be a student. This year, 24 students have been murdered since the beginning of the school year. A pace that might exceed last year’s record of 32 murders. (None on school grounds) The interesting twist is that according to a recent survey from the University of Chicago , many students feel safer in their classrooms than outside of them. They just need to get to school safely and during that time they can concentrate on learning I suppose. Here we have schools, in the much maligned U.S. education system, combating gang wars in the neighborhoods that require parents and police to escort students to and from school, so that they make sure they get there safely, along with on average 85 percent poverty rates. Yet still, students manage to improve academically, according to the NY Times . I am proud of the improvements that have been made in the educational system

What personal characteristics define an excellent administrator? Attention to detail Ability to see the big picture Support of staff Elasticity of the mind - willingness to try new things Life long learner Open and transparent with his/her own personal development Follows through with commitments My blog on the subject from February http://philosophywithoutahome.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-makes-good-principal.html What Makes A Good Principal I am hoping to start a leadership training program this summer, if I am accepted. Moving on to administration has always been a desire. I had the opportunity after my second year of teaching, but I thought I needed more experience as a teacher. After seven years of teaching in two schools and three grades I think I'm ready to begin learning. In preparation of a possible interview request I thought I would reflect a bit about the principals I've known. In my seven years of teaching I've had 4 different principals. (I've also had 6 su