Posts by Tom Vander Ark
The Best Academic Schools in Tennessee Feature the Best Character Program in the Country
Valor Collegiate Academies has been in the top 5 percent of Tennessee schools on growth and achievement every year since it started in 2014. But we visited Valor (seven miles south of the Country Music Hall of Fame in suburban southeast Nashville) because of the well-regarded Valor Compass, a holistic human-development program.
What Moment Are You In?
Tom explores what the question "what moment are you in?" means for education leaders and how the answer to that question shapes education policy.
Why Social Studies is Becoming AI Studies
We’ve all witnessed how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping lives and changing the world. AI is not a tech issue, it’s a social studies issue and it’s time to start bringing youth into the conversation and preparing them for the future of work.
Project-Based Schools Close Silicon Valley Gaps
Tom and Emily recently visited several schools in Silicon Valley. Dive in to see how high challenge communities are responding with personalized and project-based learning.
The Progressive Schools of Philadelphia
A look at some of the 10 progressive autonomous schools in the Philadelphia Innovation network expanding opportunities and serving families through local and national partnerships.
How to Develop Poised, Thoughtful, Articulate Teenagers
Tom recently visited what he calls the best example of consistently high-quality inquiry-based learning we’ve seen. Take a look at Science Leadership Academy and how they’re using advisory, strong culture, restorative discipline, and powerful experiences to help youth mature and build character
Design Thinking, City as Classroom, Museum as Homebase
Tom recently visited the Grand Rapids Public Museum School that's rooted in design thinking and place-based education. Here's a look at the school and how they're using their XQ Super School grant to extend their vision for high-quality, community as a classroom learning opportunities for more students.
Education When Careers Are More Like Rock Climbing Than Ladders
While at a recent conference, Tom attended a session where co-author of "The Second Machine Age,"Â Andrew McAfee, discussed how "careers are looking more like rock climbing than ladder climbing in an economy."
Santa Ana USD Provides Next-Gen CTE Pathways
Santa Ana Unified School District has been rethinking teaching and learning to better serve their families and students. Tom and Emily share how SAUSD is creating Next-Gen pathways and improving education in their community.
The Coming Social Economy
In this post, Tom Vander Ark explores the coming social economy and explains how it will be built on the traits that make us uniquely human—care, consideration, creativity, and critical thinking.