Creating an Oasis in the Desert

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.
​
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. 
​
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

Although some of the obstacles cited in Making Time for What Matters Most are out of the hands of teachers to change, there are some things teachers can do right now.  

For those obstacles created by district policies and mandates teachers can take a creative and proactive approach to cause change.  

Some teachers are fortunate to work in districts or schools that are more forward-thinking and flexible, and are already well on the path to a 21st century model of education. Those are the rare exceptions, the randomly occurring nuggets of gold.  

​Then there are districts which are open to suggestions supported by research on what is really working as well as what we know about child development, learning theory and curriculum theory.   These are the districts and schools which provide us with opportunities to create model 21st century schools.  These are the educators who will lead the revolution.

​Here are some suggestions for what teachers can do for each of the obstacles listed in Making Time for What Matters Most.
​

---

​Go to #1 - Overcoming the Obstacle of the Daily Bell Schedule

---

​Go to #2 - Overcoming Curriculum Pacing Guides - i.e., Marching Orders

---

​Go to #3 - Overcoming the Obstacle of a Lack of Planning Time

​Watch for More to Come on each of these obstacles and how to solve them!