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Exploring the Possibilities!

The purpose of the blog is to provide additional support to educators as well as parents and community members who wish to create schools which will provide children with the experiences needed to flourish!

​Anne Shaw, Director, 21st Century Schools

Creating an Oasis in the Desert

2/23/2017

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Are you concerned about education?  I am.  One of my deepest concerns is that while education systems around the world are being reformed, many of these reforms are being driven by political and commercial interests that misunderstand how real people learn and how great schools actually work.  As a result, they are damaging the prospects of countless young people.  Sooner or later, for better or for worse, they will affect you or someone you know.  It’s important to understand what these reforms are about.  If you agree that they’re going in the wrong direction, I hope you will become part of the movement to a more holistic approach that nurtures the diverse talents of all our children

. . . Whoever and wherever you are, you do have the power to make the system change.  Changes are happening.
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There are many great schools, wonderful teachers and inspiring leaders who are working creatively to provide students with the kinds of personalized, compassionate and community-oriented education they need. 
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The revolution we need involves rethinking how schools work and what counts as a school.  
​From Creative Schools - the grassroots revolution that's transforming education by Sir Ken Robinson

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Obstacles to Overcome When Designing an Authentic, 21st Century School or Classroom

2/3/2017

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​Teachers are being asked a.) to provide educational experiences which will raise test scores and b.) to ensure their students develop 21st century skills such as creativity, entrepreneurship, collaboration, critical thinking, and so on.   However, teachers are also being confronted with many obstacles in achieving this mission.  
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Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of all the obstacles teachers face.  Some of the obstacles listed below are specific, usually the result of distinct policies and practices. Others are in the form of overarching paradigms and beliefs.  ​All of them serve as obstacles to a 21st century model of education, and all of them can be overcome.  

Some problems are within the Circle of Control [i] of the teacher, while others exist outside the Circle of Control but are within the Circle of Influence.  Within this series we will identify actions which can be taken from within each circle.  We need to bear in mind the philosophy that obstacles can be overcome by using them as stepping stones to success.

Here's a hint of what you will findon our list.  Are they on your list, too?:

1. Daily Bell Schedule

2. Mandated  Curriculum Pacing Guides, i.e. "Marching Orders"

3.  Lack of Planning Time


​Click here to see our "starter list" of Top Twelve Obstacles . . . and then find out what we can do about them!  How many of these obstacles do you encounter as an educator?  And be sure to share with us what other obstacles should be added to the list!

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  • Blog
    • 21st Century Schools site
    • LinkedIn Group
    • Curriculum
  • Schools
    • Schools
    • Inner Harbour
    • The Zoo School
    • Anne Frank Inspire Academy
  • 21st Century Schools
  • 21st Century Schools International
  • Global Collaborative Classrooms
  • Subscribe eNews