Posts by Tom Vander Ark
Non-cognitive Skills: Bad Name, Really Important
Two recent reports point to the importance of so called non-cognitive skills to success in college and work. A University of Chicago literature review funded by the Lumina and Raikes foundations said, "Students must develop sets of behaviors, skills, attitudes, and strategies that are crucial to academic performance in their classes."
Elected Board Urges Innovation in Denver
Denver Public Schools (DPS) is a district worth watching because they have the best and most aggressive elected school board in the country. The board is seeking to dramatically accelerate the progress they've made by investing more in what is working and embracing innovation.
Why Do Human Beings Engage? 26 Impulses That Sustain Engagement
Each stimuli is unique for each person and each person responds based on a unique motivational profile. Nevertheless it’s worth attempting to identify the root motivations for engagement to become more intentional about creating sticky experiences. Here are 26 instincts that motivate a commitment of time and energy
Good Work: 5 Strategies for Developing Your Mental Model
Media stock plummeted this week. Investors updated their mental models of the media world. It's more important than ever that we improve owr mental model by reading broadly and deeply, seeking feedback, writing and managing your mindset.
How School Districts Work
School districts have a theory of action but often can’t express it. Naming the theories in use is key to designing a system that serves a community well.
UChicago Takes On Big Challenges with Urban Labs
UChicago is may be the best example of the positive impact of applied research in K-12 education. With efforts like the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute and UChicago Urban Labs, the Windy City has something to celebrate when it comes to K-12.
Open a Micro-School: Here’s How
It’s getting easier to open a really cool school. A new wave of tiny schools, dubbed micro-schools, are creating options for students, parents, and educators. For an innovative new option or the beginning of a big school transformation, micro-schools are a fast low risk option.
Illinois Chief Tony Smith Celebrating Teachers, Pushing Equity, Promoting Innovation
Things are getting interesting in Illinois education. I’m not talking about the latest scandal in Chicago or the new governor. It’s the new state superintendent Tony Smith that makes Illinois a state worth watching.
Leading Public Schools: 10 Roles You Probably Didn’t Prepare For
After spending time with urban districts recently, we were reminded of the complexity of the work that superintendents are responsible for. In our recent paper, Preparing Leaders for Deeper Learning we outlined 10 roles for today's EdLeaders. In this blog we share important emerging skills associated with these 10 roles.
10 Next Steps for EdLeaders: The Advanced Course
As we head to Atlanta to join Fulton County Schools in a leadership discussion, here are 10 tips for superintendents and principals as they work to create next generation schools including creating a learner exchange vision, identifying and sharing your theories, and learning about new school models.