Here is a challenge to my fellow fellows...let's continue to move our work forward by sharing it beyond the #VTed borders. "The 2013 WISE Awards Submission period now open until March 31, 2013 The 2013 WISE Awards will celebrate six innovative educational projects for their positive contribution within a community or society. WISE seeks to share best practices world over and inspire others to spark change in education. The WISE Awards thus highlight today's most innovative solutions and approaches that are addressing educational challenges confronting the world at large. Project holders from any region, educational sector or level are encouraged to submit applications which demonstrate the quality and impact of their activities in accordance with the criteria.  Whether you are involved in a project that provides access to quality education, creates new opportunities for lifelong learning or develops innovative educational technologies, WISE invites you to apply for the 2013 WISE Awards."

1. They do the work in spite of disapproval or ridicule. 2. They see fear the same way other people view lunch. 3. They can still do their best on their worst day. 4. They see creativity as the result of effort, not inspiration. 5. They see help as essential, not weakness. 6. They start... 7. ...And they finish.

As school choice evolves in Vermont having a PR strategy and "brand" recognition will be a necessity. If a school doesn't define its brand...it will be defined for it. What is yours?

"While that sounds like a lot to manage, a good PR program can help you gain support for your district initiatives in some key ways: *Taxpayer support: ... *Demonstrate economic impact: ... *Ensure public engagement: ..."

Districts must manage their own PR and push out information through channels it can control, such as websites, direct mail, social media and email." "Social media has enabled anyone to become a 'citizen journalist' with the ability to sway public opinion - regardless of accuracy or intent," said Nichols. "Not only do we need to embrace these new technologies and opportunities, but we must master them to ensure that we can successfully operate our PR programs in all situations." Kleinz adds that today's mobile technology means that school districts must be prepared to respond immediately in a crisis to help manage the situation and ensure that the community receives accurate and timely information."

Via Alison Bromage, Vermont Adult Learning "Finland and South Korea top the charts in a new global education ranking. But with very different philosophies. We're looking at what the US - ranked number 17 - can learn."

1. Set Important Goals 2. Create Powerful Learning Experiences. 3. Manage Productive Learning Environments.  4. Know Students. 5. Promote Growth.  6. Leverage Teacher Talent. 7. Build Community.

Great ideas here and very relevant to #VTed Schools. Not just article about online learning,but 1:1, blended instruction, and "flex" model schools.   

"New York City is experimenting with new tools and tactics with its Innovation Zone, a devoted unit for trying out new approaches to learning and sharing best practices with like-minded educators." "Schools across the system are trying out different learning approaches, including blended learning, online courses and project-based teaching. As with the most lofty aspirations of educators, the iZone's goals are to personalize learning, provide real-world experience, change the ways staff and students view their roles and take advantage of the vast number of tools available to students and teachers."

"...question every aspect of our approach, including our methodology, biases and deeply held assumptions. This more psychologically nuanced self-examination requires that we honestly challenge our beliefs and summon the courage to act on that information, which may lead to fresh ways of thinking about our lives and our goals."

Great lessons for leadership and working with teams.

Great advice for #EdReform'ers to address Resistance to Change.

"Think big and follow these tips to make the most of your next brainstorming session."

A Principal's Leadership Principles. VisionRelationshipsClear ExpectationsCommunicationTeam Work and ServiceAccountabilityLearning

An animated highlight of John Seely Brown's Keynote Presentation, "Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Learner in the 21st Century," at the 2012 Digital Media and Learning Conference.

Interesting piece that gives a good "heads up" to #EdReform.  Tech heavy, but other pieces include homeschooling, PBL, entrepreneurial learning.

"...teaming process that includes a deep recognition among individual players of the interdependency of their roles. This recognition leads naturally to early and consistent communication among formerly separate parties throughout their joint work. Once the task is completed, more communication-this time in the form of reflection and feedback-must take place."

"The key to generating truly innovative ideas, he says, is learning how to challenge the status quo-which is why he's busy trying to teach people how to "think wrong'"

As Rowland Fellows our charge is to Challenge the System, to Question Everything. "...far too many teachers conform, go with the flow and take just about everything at face value. They don't challenge things. They don't question things. They don't stand up for what they know is right for the profession and for the students they teach."

As Rowland Fellows our charge is to be "Disruptors" in our schools. "To be a disruptor you need to be: Not afraid to push into new technologies. Ready to take criticisms from all directions (including fellow teachers). Ready to be the lone wolf in your building or even your district. Ready to build your own PLN via Twitter, Google +, Edmodo, or Facebook. Be willing to travel to and attend conferences. Move forward without fear of failure. Ready to experience failure more than once. Most of all disrupt your students, teachers, school and district."

Succinct and useful advice on giving feedback which is "kind, specific, and helpful."  With the point being that you need all three to help students progress and learn from their work. Has implications for administration as well.

Pulling this back out. One of my favorite blog posts about what I feel makes for the best teachers...giving great feedback. "Learning" should not be a one-off event, it should be a process of feedback and improvement.

'A great overview of Dan Pink's "Drive" by Vermont principal and VTASCD board member Larry Fliegelman. Thanks to my principal Jim Avery for reminding me how much is to be learned in this book about leadership and teaching.