In response to the 11/9/2012 post, “The Common Assessment Process,” a reader writes: Your approach brings back memories of what I was taught in my industrial engineering class – i.e. random process sampling. Have you considered the possibility that the job of schools is not to “manufacture” students? I recommend viewing the following video of…
In regards to bootleg technology I often get the question, “Where should we start?” Here’s an idea: Ask some students. If there are expert bootleg technology users on your campus the odds are that they are students, even at the elementary level. So create a ‘Principal’s Emerging Technology Advisory Committee.’ Populate the committee with students…
I had an LYS principal call me last week with a question and a request. The question was this: “What should I be doing to prepare myself for my next job, in terms of professional development?” This is an excellent question. I told him that there are a couple of things he should be doing….
In response to the post, “Who are We Letting In,” a reader writes: “First, let me say thank you for providing the LYS blog-alogue. It is a challenging and empowering opportunity for growth as teachers and students of educational leadership. Second, I haven’t had any time to participate in the dialogue because our administrative team…
In response to the post, “Four Books,” a reader writes: “I would love to see the other books that make up the Top 10!”SC ResponseThe rest of the top ten list is somewhat fluid and situational. Also, my list is more leadership and system focused. This doesn’t mean that I don’t value books on instruction,…
In response to the post, “Latest School Rankings,” a reader writes. “As a stand alone freshman campus, we feel the need to grow kids as fast as possible since we only have a year to see major improvement. The kids we have this year are not as strong academically as the year before, and sixty…
An Old School LYS Principal submits: “A few years ago I was playing golf with Don Brown and I asked the question, “Are there gray areas in education or is everything black and white?” I was an assistant principal at the time and I really thought that everything should be black and white and I…
I been so busy lately and the LYS Nation has had so many things to talk about that I have gotten behind on my book reviews. Since my last post on this subject, I have finished four books. Here are my short reviews, presented in order from least useful to most useful (from a school…
In response to the post, “Teacher Stress – Part 9,” a reader writes: “This was a great post because it clearly holds all of our feet to the fire, teachers and administrators. What we all need to remember is that our purpose in education is to do what is in the best interest of our…
In response to the posts relating to “Gant Wisdom 1,” a reader writes: “I could not disagree more with the assertion that a familial atmosphere is only for adults. I work in a school that operates like a family in that we support each other in difficult times, laugh, cry, and get angry with each…
In response to the post, “A Reader Asks… Why You,” a reader writes: “Common sense wasn’t ‘Common Sense’ until Thomas Paine wrote it.” SC ResponseIt is common knowledge that the LYS reader is smarter that the average educator, but a Thomas Paine reference? That’s just showing off. However, I am going to use your analogy….
In response to some of my advice / commentary, a reader writes: “I question the, ‘it’s OK to be frequently wrong, but never in doubt,’ advice if you want to remain in a position of power within an organization. If you make 100 mistakes, but you demonstrate confidence in your actions and keep plowing along…
In response to the post, “A Fatal Flaw,” a reader writes: “There has to be a balance with faculty. I have had a hard time with this balance, in part due to the fact that I have a habit of taking over schools that are in a ditch, in which the problem is usually due…
In response to the post and subsequent comments relating to, “Are You a Nester,” a reader writes: “If nesting is your only administrative sin, you are not doing too bad. I have met hundreds of principals, and those that know a substantial amount about curriculum and instruction are few. Let me put it a different…
