What is your definition of a great school? In his book, Milton Chen shares this answer from Paul Houston, the former executive director of the American Association of School Administrators: “Do students run into the school in the morning at the same speed they run out in the afternoon?”
I think this is an excellent definition, and a question we as educators need to ask ourselves everyday. Do our students run into our schools in the morning at the same speed they run out in the afternoon? Furthermore, do our teachers run into school in the morning at the same speed they run out in the afternoon?
We need to take a critical look at the learning we are actually providing if we want our students and teachers to exhibit such zest for the material. This is part of what Milton Chen calls the “Curriculum Edge.” The Curriculum Edge focuses on real learning and authentic assessment.
Through project-based learning and cross-subject integration, I believe we can create a curriculum that reflects the challenges of today’s changing world, and engages students in learning. What are your ideas for modernizing lesson plans and teaching strategies to achieve this? Comment on this post with your ideas.
And remember to join us March 22nd at the 21st Century Education Lecture to discuss these ideas and hear from Milton Chen about curriculum changes that have made an impact in other schools.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
That line about kids running in at the same rate (or faster!) than they run out has been one of the most memorable in my presentations. It does start educators thinking about creating engaging lessons throughout the school day. And hopefully an expanded learning day with afterschool arts, science, and sports. At a recent conference in DC, Nichole Pinckard of DePaul University and one of the founders of the YouMedia youth space in the Chicago Public Library downtown branch, told of teens racing in at 5pm to be the first to put their names down to perform their poetry. There’s something about telling your personal stories to an audience of your peers that’s very compelling.
I’m really looking forward to this lecture!