Yesterday I learned of a tragic accident that claimed the life of Darren Manzella, an army medic who was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in 2008. Manzella was twice a soldier, first in Iraq and then back home, fighting against the government injustice that cost him and thousands of others their careers. Manzella was the... Continue Reading →
Learning by the Riverbank
This summer I planned and enjoyed some wonderful learning opportunities. I worked closely with a group of colleagues on how to translate findings on neuroscience and behavioral psychology into best support practices at our school. I attended a wonderful teachers' conference on Korea sponsored by the SPICE Institute at Stanford. I read some excellent literature... Continue Reading →
The Non-Cognitive Traits of Entrepreneurs
Over at The Atlantic, Jordan Weissman looks at an economic study that uses longitudinal data to discern distinctive factors in the adolescent backgrounds of current entrepreneurs (defined as self-employed adults with incorporated businesses). The study finds that a current entrepreneur is more likely than the average full-time worker to be white, male, well-educated, and come from relatively... Continue Reading →
Two extraordinary resources on learning and the brain
This summer I am pleased to be working with a group of colleagues to evaluate some of the recent literature in neuroscience and behavioral psychology. Our goal has been to glean from the research what we might translate into practical strategies to support students who are struggling. More on that soon! For now, I highly... Continue Reading →
You earned it, kid
At the suggestion of former NAIS President Pat Bassett, who signed off his blog in June with several recommendations for summer reads, I picked up "On Grades and Grading" by Timothy Quinn. I was not disappointed. Quinn, Assistant Head of the Upper School at the University School of Milwaukee, has produced a tidy volume of... Continue Reading →
A beginning …
... and a word of thanks to everyone who has inspired me to write this blog. Being an educator is really a lifestyle choice involving a strong relationship between the professional and the personal. On this blog, I hope to offer some thoughts and receive feedback on matters of educational practice, but not at the neglect... Continue Reading →
21st Century School Journey 