Taking Stock of the AASA Conference

AASA Tours

2009-02-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

Even though my wife was thoroughly disappointed that Goldie Hawn was ill and wasn't able to speak at the opening session, she was pleasantly surprised with The Giant Redwoods and Sausalito Tour. In the spirit of Ian Jukes and providing for digital learners, I took my video camera along and put together a digital landscape of the Muir Woods. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I am "walking on sunshine" when it comes to covering my blogging expectations for the day. Tomorrow, its Art and Wine in Napa Valley.

AASA Author's Breakfast

2009-02-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of attending the AASA Author's breakfast at 7:00 AM today at the San Francisco Marriott. As a contributing author to one of the books selected as for the AASA Professional library (click here), we were treated to round table discussions with the other authors.

For all you AASA members, don't forget to check out the benefits of membership in AASA Professional Library. (details here).

The breakfast was sponsored by Corwin Press and free books were distributed to the visitors that stopped by.

What a Team!!

2009-02-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

As I listened to Patrick Lencioni talk about teams this morning, I reflected on what a great team it takes to pull off the AASA National Conference on Education. I have been truly impressed with President Randy Collins, Executive Director Dan Domenech, and the whole AASA team. I knew the team was very good, however, I did not realize how organized and to what level of detail they followed until today. The morning started with the Superintendent of the Year line up and rehearsal. Everything was well planned and last minute changes were handled with minimum commotion. Herding a bunch of school superintendents is like herding a bunch of cats, however, the AASA team did a great job. Then the Superintendent of the Year luncheon was a wonderful event. To see the legends like Rudy Crews, Bill McNeal and other former Superintendents of the Year sharing war stories at the lunch table was a lot of fun.

Patrick Lencioni talked about 5 dysfunctions of teams. I like to think that Executive Director Dan Domenech has assembled a team that exhibits the 5 components of great teams. You can tell when working with the AASA team that there is trust within the team. You can tell that Dan encourages diverse opinions. The commitment to the organization is evident in all that is done. Also, you see accountability in that everyone expects a job well done and corrects mistakes when they are made. The job well done is very visible with the daily on-line accounts of the conference. Jay Goldman and his team are doing a terrific job. As a presenter, I can also say that Molly O'Neill and the conference planning staff left no detail to chance!!! Finally, the results speak for themselves. General sessions have gone off flawlessly and we have had outstanding speakers and education sessions.

The team is very creative. I am looking forward to the weekly webinars concerning the stimulus package. Yes, I think Patrick Lencioni could use the AASA team as an example of a high functioning team. His five components of dysfunctional team are certainly reversed as you look at the AASA team - trust, seeking diverse opinions, commitment, accountability and results are very positive and apparent. Hats off to Dan and the team for a great conference. If you see team members on the final day of the conference, let them know what a great job they have done!!!

The Digital Divide

2009-02-20T17:44:00.000-08:00

Ian Jukes made some provocative statements today. Here is a short list of my favorites.

Speaking about the great digital divide between generations he said, "Schools are doing a great job of preparing students for the year 1960!"

Speaking about teachers and their teaching styles he said, "When the going gets tough the tough get traditional."

"Digital kids think differently."

"Today's students are not disabled, they are other abled."

"Today's students will have 10 - 17 careers (not jobs - careers) ............by the time they are 35."

(Click here for news article.)

Many of this year's presenters have pounded home the idea that we are in an era of unbelievable change and the changes are only going to get faster and faster.

If educators don't try to catch up with the students technologically and learn to harness the tools they use daily - we are going to lose more and more students.

Gives you something to think about.

The Challenges of Educating Digital Natives!

2009-02-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

Ian Jukes is a dynamic, passionate, thought provoking and convincing speaker. Ian spoke to us about some incredible new brain research regarding the emergence of a digital culture. This research supports that chronic bombardment of digital experiences changes the way kids receive, process, interpret and learn new information. This has amazing implications for the way we design and implement instruction. His message was clear. The children in our classrooms are more prepared with 21st century skills than the teachers who are responsible for educating them.

Brain research is not new to our field. For many years we have been trying to understand the implications of this research in terms of differentiated instruction and multiple intelligences. In our district we are finally beginning to see the results of this research and the impact it has on instructional practices and student learning. But Ian is right. This new brain research implies that the brain is highly adaptable and the intensity and duration of experiences can change students’ neuro-procesing powers enhancing visual memory and visual processing. Our students think graphically. They are not auditory or text based learners. They are visual or visual kinesthetic learners.

This raises so many questions for us as we move forward. We have asked ourselves, how do we provide our students with the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century? According to Ian, they already have these skills. So the real question is, how do we prepare our teachers to understand the needs of the 21st century learner and adjust their instructional practices so that students can capitalize on the skills that they already possess? How are our universities preparing new teachers to address this new generation of “digital first language learners”? How do we help our seasoned teachers to understand that students think and process information differently and their instructional practices must respond to the needs of this new generation of learners?

I found this session very enlightening and validating but left with more questions than answers. Ian challenged my thinking and will change the conversations I will have in my district. The implications of this new research impacts curriculum, instruction and assessment practices and cannot be ignored.

Networking Night Life

2009-02-20T17:30:00.000-08:00

The AASA Conference bring a number of opportunities to those who attend. Networking with colleagues is probably as important as any. The Wyoming Association of School Administrators dined at John's Grill on Thursday evening. This is an annual event that is always well planned by the Executive Director Dan Stephan. It provides an opportunity to address issues, personal and professional, in a relaxed setting while discussing the Conference. For a State that only has 48 public school superintendents, we are well represented at the Conference. Tonight I am looking forward to attending and networking with superintendents at the Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota Reception at the Marriott.

Photo: Former Wyoming State Superintendents of the Year, Mike Hejtmanek and Dan Espeland enjoy the San Francisco spirit after dinning at John's Grill.

State Superintendents Recognized

2009-02-20T17:12:00.000-08:00

Forty-eight State Superintendents of the Year were recognized in this morning's general session. Beverly Hall from Atlanta Public Schools was named the AASA Superintendent of the year.

I believe this celebration is as important as anything we do here at the National Conference. It compliments Donna Brazile's concept on finding the good and praising it. Celebrating success is a research based requirement in promoting lasting change. I was especially proud of my state superintendent of the year, Kevin Mitchell. Kevin works in the same county as I do and it is heart warming to see a colleague share the stage with other esteemed superintendents.

We all dare to dream and I am sure 48 superintendents lived out part of their dreams today. Well done ladies and gentlemen!

A Day of Inspiration

2009-02-19T22:03:00.001-08:00

What a day! It started out with the delightful young singers from the East Bay Choral Project reminding us all why we became educators. All of their songs echoed the same message that they are somebody and they deserve our collective commitment to ensuring that our public school systems avail them of the resources and opportunities they deserve so they can be what they want to be.

Randy Collins and Donna Brazile both stressed that with the Obama administration there is a new energy, optimism and opportunity to make creative and sustainable changes in public education and that we have a chance to make a real difference in the lives of the children we serve. As I reflected on their message I was inspired but also troubled. The challenges we have today seem overwhelming. With the crisis in the economy we are all trying to do more with less. Although I am extremely grateful for the stimulus package and the opportunities it has for education, I am concerned that it will not provide us with the resources to implement new and creative school reform initiatives that are needed to address the difficult challenges ahead. I left the session feeling hopeful but also anxious.

My final session was with Josh Sundquist. What a great way to end the day! This young man’s message of optimism was different then the morning speakers. He lost his leg to cancer at the age of ten, was cured at age thirteen and nine years later was named to the United States Paralympic Ski Team. Josh left his audience with more that a feeling of just hope. He reminded us that life is tough and that there will always be obstacles, some harder than others, but that these obstacles can be amazing opportunties and can cause us to accomplish things that we never thought we could.

Perhaps this economic crisis coupled with the hope of this new administration will provide us with avenues to “right the wrongs” of our education system, ensure equity and excellence for all and see our obstacles as opportunities to accompish things we never dreamed we could.

Faces of Children

2009-02-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

It was an exciting first day for the AASA National Conference on Education. The theme for the day seemed to be about change. Donna Brazile talked about winds of change and I was reminded of the opening of Tom Friedman's book - Hot, Flat and Crowded. He talks in the introduction about a Chinese saying - when the strong winds blow, some people build walls to block the wind and others build windmills to harness the wind. All of the speakers today seemed to talk about building those windmills and harnessing the change that is sweeping across our nation.

Friedman talks about the new generation of builders in our country and Brazile talked about that group also. They are the 19-23 year olds that made a difference in the recent presidential election. They are the next generation of leaders who want to restore America to the pride and hope that the world used to expect from our country. Yes, all of the speakers today inspired and talked about harnessing the winds of change and then I saw the faces of children.

I saw a choir of amazing diversity. A choir of children from all types of schools and all ages. I saw pride in the faces of children from all backgrounds. The pride came from performing music to a large audience of adults. I saw and heard children singing about the hope and the winds of change that are awaiting them as they grow up and assume responsibility for this great country.

I saw a Latin Jazz Band full of students who loved the music and loved performing. I saw a bass player who showed his emotion for the music with every pluck of the strings. I saw a saxophone player perform like a professional musician. Again, I saw a wide range of diversity in the group.

Bottom line for me is the children. I was excited by the speakers, however, I was moved to continue the work that we do everyday by the faces of the children. Donna Brazile probably had it right. She said we are doing God's work. I'm certain that God would have loved the music today and would have loved seeing the faces of the children.

Educational Shepherds

2009-02-19T16:44:00.000-08:00

"There is no better time than now to make sure hope and optimism are not lost." (AASA President Randall Collins)

Educational shepherds, as referenced by AASA President Randall Collins, waited outside Hall A of the Moscone Center for the opening general session. Fifteen minutes before the first presentation the doors were finally opened. My wife, Deb, and I rushed in along with the other administrators like a bunch of sheep waiting to be pastured. We found a place right behind the reserved seating (6 rows back). This was the closest we have been to the front of the class since we were freshmen in college. I sat between my wife and a gentleman that I have never met before. His name was Greg Bartlett, an assistant superintendent from Maine. As we waited, we exchanged small talk about our districts and the cultural differences between the coastal east and the western inland of Wyoming. Then the lights went up and the voices of children in song gave note to the 2009 AASA National Convention.

San Francisco Unifed School District Superintendent Carlos Garcia provided the welcome and greeting for this city. He said that his district is the first to recognize NCLB as a civil rights issue and invited all districts to do the same. I enjoyed his enthusiasm, but have always thought that NCLB origins were based on civil rights. Garcia went on to say that social justice can not exist without equity in education. This is so true, especially if equity is defined as what it takes to be the same. This applies to everything from educational funding models to basic civil rights. At any rate, the stage was set for Randall Collins and Donna Brazile to follow.

Collins was fantastic! He was very matter of fact and powerful in his description of a new energy that he senses in education and in the country as well. He called it optimism. He believes that the American power from within will generate a burning for change and with the new Presidential Administration, hope has ignited a flame. He described educational leaders as Educational Shepherds for the future saying our calling is noble and our success is critical. This country is hungry for success and it is up to the Shepherds to provide the guidance.

Thinking that Collins provided a difficult act to follow, the "Road Diva" as Donna Brazile called herself, came out to "stir things up." To say she was an advocate of our newly elected president is an understatment. She said that she was so glad we have a black president that she could now become Irish. Brazile's humor was fitting, but lead into a more serious message of hope. I enjoyed Brazile because of her tell-it-like-it-is approach to solving problems. Brazile went on advocating for hope, pleading with education leaders not to be afraid of creating lasting change. She said that many politicians don't know how to find their spine when it comes to standing up for change unless the polls say its OK.

Donna Brazile is the real thing. Her message supported what she is calling "a season of hope." She ended her presentation with Verse 6, Chapter 9 out of Revelations. Look it up...as Brazile said, find the good and praise it.

NCLB has failed and cannot be fixed

2009-02-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

"NCLB has failed and cannot be fixed."

With these provocative words, Richard Rothstein began his presentation today. Rothstein spent much of his time explaining that NCLB will not be reauthorized as we know it and that for education to step forward it will take a "broader, bolder approach." This broader, bolder approach is described at the website http://www.boldapproach.org/

Rothstein, a researcher at the Economic Policy Institute, also said that "school people cannot be the sole agents for raising student achievement."

The "broader, bolder approach" for improving American education has three key ingredients,
1. High quality early childhood programs
2. Improving health quality of youngsters by providing health care at the school site
3. High quality after school and summer programing

Rothstein says that NCLB was predicated on the notion that high standards, high quality curriculum and strong assessments would be enough to close the achievement gap. It isn't.

San Francisco

2009-02-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful welcome to San Francisco. The rain left just before we came and the sun came out. The streets were full of shoppers, business folks and conference attendees enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.

It is about 8:15 AM and the well organized registration booths are getting active. The General Session will begin at 10:00 this morning with an address by Donna Brazille. Donna will talk about the impact young people had on the recent political changes in Washington.

What's on every one's mind here? Economics and Politics are the buzz topics of the week. What does it all mean for schools? What does the change in national political structures mean for schools? What does economic hardship for the country mean for schools?

One of my professors once defined "politics" as "Competition for scare resources!"

Economics and politics....the hot topics of the conference.

Welcome to San Francisco

2009-02-18T15:54:00.001-08:00

The weather is clearing. The sun is warming. The brains are really working. You need to be here and personally I am looking forward to talking to many of you who will be here. I am certain that I will hear the latest ideas in dealing with budget shortfalls. I am certain hot conversations will ensue about which state is getting the most money from the stimulus package. Who will be the first school system to apply for a Qualified Academy Zone bond or who will be the first to get access to zero interest school construction bonds?

It was my honor today to sit with fellow Superintendents of the Year from over 36 states. We were led in our discussion by Ben C. DeSpain who has conducted a survey of SOYs for a number of years. Interesting results from the survey provide a picture of school superintendents across the nation. It was interesting to learn that none of us read books on the internet. It was interesting to learn how many of us had received music and art lessons (Daniel Pink may have been on to something). It was also interesting to hear that Jim Collins (Good to Great) predicts that business leaders of the future will come from education leader ranks. Maybe someone among us will take over General Motors!!!

At the end of our meeting today, we talked about what superintendents might want to tell Institutes of Higher Education about administration preparation programs. It seemed a strong consensus that higher education needed to have a better screening process for candidates and that programs in school administration needed a better blend of practical and theory. A year long internship with lots of practical experiences is essential to prepare leaders for the schools of tomorrow. Finally, there seems to be a lot of conversation in the nation about alternative licensure and programs like the New York Leadership Academy and New Leaders for New Schools.

It is always a terrific professional development to learn from your peers about issues that we are all facing. That is what you have to look forward to at this conference. We know budgets are tight, however, you can always pick up some ideas that will more than pay for the trip.

I am honored to be among the SOY group and groups like Don Hopper's CQL and Larry Lezotte's Superintendency Institute. However, I am often reminded that Mark Twain said he wasn't certain he wanted to be a member of a group that would have him as a member. Thank you all for letting me be a part of your AASA experience. See you in San Francisco!!!!

San Francisco Here I Come

2009-02-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

Although I am currently a Superintendent in New York, I spent the preceding 21 years of my career as an educator in California. So, you can imagine my excitement at attending the AASA Conference in San Francisco. I do admit that I am dreaming about having clam chowder and fresh sourdough bread at Bistro Boudin, Dim Sum at Yang Sing and a great Italian meal at the North Beach Restaurant!

In spite of my fascination with the culinary attractions in San Francisco, I have also been thinking about what I want to gain from this opportunity. In some respects, I feel like I am coming home to a family reunion by reconnecting with my friends and colleagues, from both southern and northern California, and being able to catch up both personally and professionally. I am also looking forward to allowing time for myself to learn and grow by listening to our well informed and experienced speakers, participating in meaningful presentations or just networking with colleagues and sharing ideas and experiences.

As an entrée to this time, I would like to share an experience I had today which made me reflect on why I love being an educator. Like all of you, I am trying to make our District a thriving learning organization for students, faculty, staff and administrators. Today, I observed an elementary fourth grade teacher who is a tenure candidate this year. During our pre-observation conference, she shared with me that she was going to be teaching a lesson on fractions to her 4th graders and was going to try using some new strategies that she learned, while participating on our District Math Committee. Bravo! She was willingly taking a risk and trying out new strategies that would deepen students’ understanding of fractions. I entered her classroom a few minutes early, and she explained that she recently gave her students a formative math assessment and developed a new template to engage them in self-reflection, so that they could identify their strengths and the areas in which they needed to improve. I was delighted as one of our District’s goals, this year, is to begin to use formative assessments to better inform our instruction and improve student outcomes. She understood that self-assessment is a necessary part of the learning process. This new teacher was opening herself up to new learning through participation on a District committee, as well as, in-service training. This new learning was having a direct impact on student achievement.

Afterwards, I stopped in the principal’s office and found Doug, our Principal and Lisa, the Assistant Principal, debriefing after completing a joint walk-through of third grade classrooms. Our administrative cabinet’s learning goal this year is to investigate how walk-throughs can be used to improve instructional practice and impact student achievement. We have been reading articles, sharing strategies and templates and trying to find ways of making this practice part of our daily work. I was so encouraged to see these two professionals engaged in an in-depth discussion on what they observed and valued in each classroom and how to provide constructive feedback to each teacher that would promote meaningful dialogue and reflection. Doug and Lisa were doing it! They were opening themselves up to new learning and putting it into practice! I felt validated that our administrative cabinet was indeed a learning community.

As I left the elementary school, I thought of Jane Pollock’s books; Improving Student Learning One Teacher at a Time and Improving Student Learning One Principal at a Time. So, what do I want to get out of this conference? I too want the opportunity to open myself up to new learning. Now it is my turn, one Superintendent at a time!

Geared Up for the Golden Gate City

2009-02-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

When you live in Wyoming, you reside in the least populated state in the nation, a place where February is not the shortest month of the year. It gets so cold and lonely that running the mule deer off the football field is entertaining. It isn’t exactly what you see on the Outdoor Channel, but it certainly describes the mid-winter “wild” life here in Wyoming. To say I am not excited about this year’s conference in San Francisco would be a lie. I have read through this year’s program and am equally excited about the professional opportunities that wait. If the program isn’t enough to get you exited, your increased office mail from all of the vendors at this year’s conference should be tickling your anxieties to get out of the office for another annual AASA National Conference.

When I think about this year’s conference, I also think about Mark Twain’s quip, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” I just wonder if Mark ever visited Wyoming in February. I guess it doesn’t make a difference; I’ll be in the Golden Gate City soon. No mule deer, sheep (that’s right, I raise sheep – and live in Wyoming), no constituency meetings, board agendas, legislative bills or other obligations or crisis that demand my attention as a superintendent. My focus will be on relaxing and learning in the waterfront city that is the home of the original yuppie. For sure and for certain, it is that time of year again… I’ll look forward to blogging with you in San Francisco!

AASA Gears up for National Conference on Education

2009-02-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Conference Daily will be your connection to AASA's National Conference on Education for 2009.

Click here to go right to the site. Don't forget to bookmark and follow along!!!

AASA Gears up for 2009 National Conference on Education

2009-01-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

Preparations are underway for the 2009 AASA National Conference on Education.

In addition to the educational sessions that are always the highlight to the National Conference, the national state of the economy is a central topic as well.

Click here for more information.

2008-03-14T12:23:00.002-07:00

Hey everyone,

I wanted to remind everyone about AASA's Women and Aspiring Leaders Conference planned for Savannah on Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2008.
This intimate conference offers an opportunity for resume reviewing, mock interviewing, and career guidance - conducted by members of search organizations - looking for applicants for positions from across the USA. Watch for more details.....
Donna

Some Random Reflections

2008-02-19T08:09:00.007-08:00

A few reflections on the AASA 2008 National Conference on Education

1. Speakers - Good to Excellent - I liked the general theme of globalization and its impact on K-12 education. I think the speakers showed a degree of understanding that I wish more of the business community and legislators understood. Click here to read what Alan November said about how schools should change. Click on the audio link in the article to hear what he said about assessment in schools!

2. Internal Coverage of the Conference - Excellent coverage of the conference from the Conference Daily staff. (Click here for all the articles from each day.) The return of the hard copy newspaper was a big hit. I witnessed many situations where superintendents were reading the coverage of other sessions they could not get to. I think participants read the paper on the bus and in the airports during down time and I think overall The Conference Daily provides an excellent service. The online version is equally excellent but it reaches a different audience. It usually reaches audiences that are not at the conference at all. This blog "Taking Stock of the Conference" is a supplemental service meant to provide a little different take on the conference. Next year we intend to do a better job of linking to other sites within each post. For example, if we post about a certain presenter we should link to various sites that are related to that presenter. We have yet to utilize the power of the internet through multiple hyperlinks which will be a goal for our coverage next year. Internal statistics reveal that most readers of the blog are finding it through the AASA web site.

3. Weather - How do you beat 70's and sunny with a slight breeze! Most of us didn't get to enjoy it that much but it sure makes waiting for the conference shuttle bus a pleasant experience!

4. Networking - This is always a pleasant side benefit of the AASA national conference. The superintendency is a lonely job sometimes and the opportunities for brainstorming and sharing with other individuals cannot be overlooked.

Next year's conference is in San Francisco. Click here for a list of AASA conferences and meetings!

Final thoughts from Tampa

2008-02-17T06:37:00.002-08:00

As I depart the AASA conference I had a couple of final thoughts.
1) The diversity of thought at this conference was remarkable. It really helps to hear from not only our US peers but also from peers from England, China, Africa, and folks like Chris Whittle who are working with schools all over the world.
2)AASA is high tech. From the digital library, the "green" ideas, the blogging, etc. I am convinced that AASA is committed to staying on the cutting edge with regard to 21st century technology.
3) After 37 years in education, I am more excited about the future and the challenges we face. We know so much more than we did 40 years ago about the human brain and school reform.
4) AASA Conference on Education is a "don't miss" conference. See you in San Francisco in 2009. Don't forget to send in those requests for presentation.

Second Impressions

2008-02-16T14:18:00.002-08:00

In an earlier post, I spoke of trusting your first instinct instead of going with what others were doing around you. Maybe it is first instinct one must trust versus first impression.

As I stepped late into Chris Whittle's presentation today, my first thought was that I wasn't going to stay for very long. Whittle, the CEO of Edison Schools, was standing behind the podium and speaking in what I perceived as lecture voice. I listened for while and decided to stay - maybe I could figure out my next presentation or make a plan for the evening and the trip home tomorrow.

The more I listened, however, the more I became intrigued with what he had to say. Whittle's discussion on schools around the world, including a 10-university city that had sprung up virtually overnight (seven years and now 130,000 students enrolled) was engaging. His discussion of the "entrepreneurism and flexibility around the world" made me realize that American education must continue to look for ways to not only engage our students, but provide real-world applications of using 21st century skills if we are to stay at the top in the world.

Of course, Whittle obliged with four suggestions on how to do that at the K-12 level. As a futuristic thinker, I am trying to figure out implementation, but all four sounded doable to some extent.

High schools must have large numbers of students graduating with fluency in another language. (His point on that was well made when he asked how many in the audience had a couple of years of a foreign language in high school. Probably 90% raised their hand, but when the question was one of current fluency, the number dropped to 1%.)
Create an introduction to world course throughout the grades and curriculum that covered geography, history, and coming issues.
Work to see every teacher at every grade level had spent "meaningful" time overseas. This one is extremely intriguing yet also extremely challenging.
Make our districts destinations for exchange students and faculty. (I think this one coupled with #3 has some potential.)

Whittle finished by stating that school districts need to start looking for additional funding from philanthropists willing to put money into K-12 education as opposed to all in the university systems. It will be interesting to see if that works for districts and how it can help give our students a true 21st century education.

Is Education Really Important?

2008-02-16T09:25:00.003-08:00

I hope the title got your attention. I heard one the presenters ask this question in an interesting manner - "With over 30 hours of debate during the national primary season, there was only 21 minutes dedicated to education." The Gates Foundation and ED08 have not been able to get much traction within the presidential primaries. Does this lack of emphasis show that education is not really important in this presidential election?

The reason that education is not a major issue for any of the presidential primaries is that education does not turn out votes. Gay marriage, abortion, the war, and the economy... these are issues that will get out the vote. Why? People understand or directly impacted by these issues and have a strong opinion on either side of the issues. Children are impacted by education, however, the impacts take years to reveal themselves and children do not vote.

As school leaders we have to speak for the children and help push the education issue to the front of the agenda. We need to educate our communities on the "revenue" impacts of education. Doug Reeves talked about this during one of his sessions. Go to http://www.all4ed.org/ and check out the cost and revenue side of dropouts for your state. Use the Asia, Automation and Abundance information from Dan Pink. Use some of Chris Whittle's information and projections. If you did not get to these presentations, there is an easy solution. Purchase the digital versions or print out the handouts from the conference session. AASA has made it easy for you as a leader to get what you need to inform and communicate with your local community. This is our responsibility. If we don't speak out and get education at the front of local, state and national political races, then we will continue to be blasted for our poor performance.

2008-02-16T08:50:00.003-08:00

What is it about Tampa and AASA that is different from other NCEs?
As I walk through the hallways and sit in sessions I sense an energy level and see skin tones of happiness. The reason that this strikes me as different is that in the past I have noted the heavy steps of "tired" looking superintendents. Individuals collectively looked grey and I am not talking about the color of their hair. It was as if, the job was sucking the energy out of them. NCLB, budgets, governing boards, communities, collective bargaining agreements, and relationships were all realities that were more than they could handle. There was no spring in their step.
This year - it feels and looks different. People are smiling - people are laughing - people have a spring in their step. Can anyone out there enlighten me as to why? I would say the weather but it is always warm when NCE meets. So what is it?
Donna

2008-02-16T08:47:00.002-08:00

JOBS CENTRAL is a place where they love to "talk about jobs, resumes, and YOU.
It is in GRAND BALLROOM D on the lower level.
You will meet individuals from search firms and school boards associations that are actively trying to fill positions. They will review your resume and will give you timely advice about certification, retirements, salary ranges, etc.
They are wonderful people and the SERVICE IS FREE. It is a service that AASA provides for all conference attendees.

Stop by and chat.

Donna

Leadership Lessons from Golf

2008-02-16T06:36:00.005-08:00

I had some thoughts on Thursday about tying golf and leadership together as I was stumbling my way around Westchase Golf Club. I was with seven other Wyoming administrators enjoying the beautiful weather and a fun course ten minutes from the airport.

Prior to playing, I decided to play smart for maybe the second time in my golf life and not take my driver out on every tee box to see how far I could hit it. As I approached the tee box on hole 1 (our tenth of the day), I started to take out my 3 iron to play a nice safe shot. I could get in trouble on the right with water and long left with a bunker that would make it almost impossible to get to the green on my next shot.

After watching everyone else in the group hit a wood safely, I changed my mind to do the same. You all know what happened next - in the sand 20' behind a tree line that safely hid the green some 40 or 50 yards away. I had once again learned the fate of not following my first instinct, instead doing what everyone else had done.

The lesson in that one hole, and in many other golf holes I have played, is that we are all individuals that need to play our own game. As I listen to all the great presenters and fellow administrators at this conference, I must remind myself to look at how others might be doing something successfully, and then think to myself, "now what would be the best 'club selection' for me and/or my district?"

I will continue to try to hone my game by looking inward and trying to get the best score, not necessarily hitting the long ball. Guess I better get back out on the course soon.

Friday's Funnies

2008-02-15T13:42:00.006-08:00

My two favorite funny quotes from Friday were from Daniel Pink quoting comedian Sid Ceasar who said, "The guy who invented the wheel? He was an idiot. The guy who invented the other three? He was a genius!"

Pink's point was that we are reaching design limits on many products but those who are creative in applying those ideas to new uses and new situtations are increasingly valued.

And the funniest lines so far?

Here are AASA's retiring Executive Director Paul Houston's funny comments about "How to Know You are a School Administrator."

Click here to listen to the streaming audio clip!

Support the Vendors

2008-02-15T11:14:00.003-08:00

The unsung heroes of our conference are the vendors. They arrive early and spend many long hours in the exhibit hall waiting for us to show some sign of interest in their products. Without our vendors, we would not be able to have such a wonderful conference - not to mention the buses, the frozen treats, etc.

Many of our vendors have sponsored meetings with key education leaders. It was my pleasure to attend a meeting with Dr. Don Deshler from Kansas University. Dr. Deshler was sponsored by Teachscape and provided an excellent workshop on professional development and the key to making professional development meaningful. His five key steps are; presentation, modeling, practice/application, feedback and coaching. I could not help but notice that great coaches and great teachers of the arts use those skills in teaching and then I heard Dan Pink make many of the same connections with how we need to restructure our schools to support arts education. For me, being a former music teacher, I felt validated.

The next vendor supported event I attended was Dr. Doug Reeves. Vantage Learning had extended me an invitation to attend. Dr. Reeves is one the presentors I always try and hear. Recently Dr. Reeves was in North Carolina and talked with a group that had made major recommendations for revisions to our state testing and accountability system. The question I asked Dr. Reeves today was about power standards. In NC the group made the recommendation that the massive amount of curricula standards must be addressed and the use of power standards might help. Dr. Reeves does not hold much hope for states to address power standards. He thinks school systems are the only entity that can successfully address power standards due to the political nature of statewide curriculum. I hope NC can overcome the politics and address the curriculum.

Thanks to our vendors for all their support. Please visit the exhibit hall and thank them for their support. And one more thing..... please turn your cell phones on vibrate during presentations!!!!

No Excuses

2008-02-15T10:18:00.006-08:00

What are you interested in?

It was a question Daniel Pink posed today as an example of how to reach and motivate students. In this particular example, a struggling student was asked this question and responded with an interest in martial arts. The student's learning was based around his interest and opportunities to work in the community in a martial arts business were developed.

The first thought that ran through my head at the time was, "How do we do this in small, rural schools? We don't have a wealth of opportunities such as this." It was about a second later, thankfully, that the next thought came - "Don't make excuses. Find a way to make it work."

It's easy to fall into the trap of allowing perceived limitations to hold us back from trying things that might work. In this case, I can see the benefits of asking students where their interest lies and subsequently developing a plan to help them pursue those interests while learning the necessary standards at the same time. As Pink said in his talk today, "The problem is we don't aim high enough." So, for me, it's time to raise the expectations, begin to ask students what they are interested in, and make no more excuses.

Finally here and AMAZED

2008-02-15T09:39:00.004-08:00

I am happy to finally be here!

Waiting in airports can be time spent in reflection, people watching, eating, reading, watching CNN, or fretting about the continuous delays and cancellations. I spent my time yesterday in reflection on previous AASA NCE's conferences and their impact upon me as a person and a professional educator. This conference offers the educators of this country the opportunity to network, to see beyond the boundaries of their districts, their communities - out into the world - global perspectives, cutting edge information that can facilitate improved performance, and to look for employment opportunities.

Today, Daniel Pink and the beautiful weather outside of the convention center have something in common - they both challenge us to not take things for granted -- whether it is the weather or the impact our public educational system has on children, communities, the economy - the world! His words resonate within me - to play - to tell our stories - to be creative and design - to think big picture while working out the details. Are we up to challenging the legislators with what needs to be done for our country to succeed in this century or will we continue to let them make decisions based upon their perception of what needs to happen?

Daniel's love for this country mirrors Paul's love for this association, this country, and for public education - I would remiss if I did not acknowledge Paul's dedication - he has been tirelessly fighting the battle on the national front, while we do so on the local one. Thank you Paul - may the rest of your life be blessed to over flowing with health, love, impactful words, and much continued sharing.

Donna

Capacity Building and AASA Big Ideas

2008-02-14T15:01:00.002-08:00

Several months ago, I stumbled on a powerpoint presentation from AASA. It was entitled Big Ideas. Basically the presentation said that the level above enables the level below. If students are not learning then the teacher is not creating capacity for a learning classroom. If teachers are not creating learning classrooms then the principal is not creating a learning school. If the principals are not creating a learning school, then the central office is not creating a learning district. Bottom line is that we need to create capacity rather than be judgmental.

Today, I heard Michael Fullan articulate this concept. He revealed his latest book, "Six Steps to Change." Step #3 is "capacity building trumps judgmentalism." Dr. Fullan was not certain judgmentalism was a word, however, it fit the situation. Dr. Fullan points out that blame, shame, and naming schools, teachers, and students as failures does not improve student learning. NCLB will not improve student achievement by naming, blaming, and shaming schools. The only way we can improve student learning is to develop the capacity of leaders at all levels.

So, as superintendents let us look closely at ourselves and our school districts before we name, blame and shame schools and principals. Let us look to see if we have created the capacity within our school leaders to help them help teachers who in turn will help children.

The principalship is sinking from overload!

2008-02-14T14:11:00.002-08:00

Michael Fullan had an interesting quote today. Fullan is the change guru who has written numerous books about change including a new release in March, 2008 called "Six Secrets of Change." (Click on the Conference Daily link below for an article and audio clips that will be uploaded later tonight).

He said, "The principalship is sinking from the overload." While principals used to be primarily concerned with management, they are now laden with the burden of leadership as well. In an age of school reform, most research has pointed specifically at the building administrator as the most important instrument in the school reform movement.

Under the sheer weight of expectations the principalship is slowly sinking. That is, unless we can come up with creative ways of supporting them.

Stuck in Chicago

2008-02-14T12:35:00.003-08:00

Fellow blogger Donna McCaw is stuck in Chicago! While it's 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky here in Tampa, flights in Chicago have been shut down for most of yesterday.

Poor Donna. She paid for numerous pre-conference sessions and a hotel reservation in Tampa she never got to use.

Ahhh the perils of life in the north!

Getting Started

2008-02-13T19:15:00.013-08:00

A quick pre-conference post as we've arrived in Tampa to "cool" weather, according to a local I overheard talking on our way in. It is indeed a bit cool this evening, but reminds me of when I took a spring break trip in college. Record cold in Florida that year had the beaches emptied, but my roommate and I were running around in shorts and t-shirts enjoying the "warm" weather.

I would echo what Terry had to say about the lineup, weather, and networking. I look forward to all three after having a great experience at my first AASA national conference last year. The Wyoming Association of School Administrators provides a scholarship to attend each year, and I was fortunate to receive one last year in my first year as superintendent. The networking and information gathered from presenters was extremely valuable to me and I find myself looking forward to more this year. A simple question can spark a conversation that provides a multitude of ideas and possible solutions to problems.

I hope everyone in Tampa has a wonderful experience and those that couldn't attend find great information on the website.

Arrival in Tampa

2008-02-13T11:10:00.003-08:00

It was balmy and overcast in Tampa when I arrived last night on the flight from Denver, Colorado. At least it was warm. I had to plow one more little snow drift out of the driveway before I left Laramie, Wyoming, so it's nice to feel the balmy air instead of the 50 MPH winds!

The flight was one hour late due to computer problems and "paper work" issues. That must be the new excuse airlines use. It's the second time this year I have sat on the runway for an hour or more waiting for "paper work" to get through some bureaucracy.

We are here in Tampa for the 2008 National Conference on Education. Safe and sound - well the "sound" part is debatable, but I am excited to be here.

I am typing this in the "Conference Daily and Media Relations Room" of the Tampa Convention Center. It's still pretty quiet in the convention center. The only people bustling around are the employees putting up the displays and making last minute sound checks etc.

I am always impressed at the organization and detail with which AASA hosts their annual conference. The advance materials and lineup of speakers that Terry mentioned in his post are always impressive but the thing that also stands out to me it is the level of organizational detail that goes into making this conference an easy transition for the newcomer.

When I checked into the hotel, all the employees were wearing their AASA badges. The conference bus schedule was posted and advertised. The bus routes were clearly marked and the bus stops were identified with professional signage and a posted schedule. And they were running on time even a full day before the conference begins so that people can arrive early and get oriented.

As I entered the convention center, supervisors were gathering their employees around the registration tables and going over last minute duties.

After a quick walk over to Hattrick's for a spicy grilled grouper sandwich and tossed salad it was back to the convention center to get to work.

Jay Goldman, editor of The School Administrator magazine will hold his 4:00 pm meeting with reporters and media folks soon.

Things are beginning to roll!

Getting Ready for Tampa

2008-02-12T06:08:00.001-08:00

It has been a few years since I attended an AASA national conference. What has been amazing to me is the 21st century methods that vendors, superintendent search firms, and fellow supeintendents are now using. I have received e-mails, phone calls, CDs, etc. that have provided me with information, invitations, and opportunities to learn.

AASA is really demonstrating 21st century skills with the on-line itinerary, almost daily updates, easy registration process, and Kiosks at the conference. The lineup looks great, the weather looks to be terrific, and the networking will be outstanding. Now if we could only add a few more hours to every day so I can get in everything that I want to do, see, and hear.

I hope all of you take the opportunity to learn and network. National conferences are exciting and tiring at the same time. Hope to see you in Tampa.

Jim Collins

2008-02-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

Daniel Pink wasn't the only popular author from last year's AASA conference. Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, provided several memorable sound bites. You may click on the hyperlinks below to hear a few of them. We are pulling these files from the archives as a trial run for this year's conference.

Clip One
Clip Two
Clip Three

A new feature in this year's online news coverage from the conference will be the addition of selected audio clips for more of a multi-media feel.

So don't forget to check the online news coverage from the Conference Daily!

Daniel Pink

2008-01-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

I wonder how many of you were moved by the speakers in New Orleans? Each time I opened up to the complexities of life, let alone the job of educational leadership, I was astonished at how "simple" some made it sound. I have read, interviewed, and listened to Daniel Pink and I believe he epitomizes the face of change. It is a face, that some feel too seldom connects with the world of public education.

On the one hand, it is simple. I get it. I even like it. The world is changing and we MUST change to stay in the game.

On the other hand, we face parents within our communities that like to feel nostalgic when they walk into their child's classroom, fiscal constraints that expect us to "make bread without flour," and we want others to be the example - the role model (physically fit, effective conflict resolution skills, good communicator, caring, sensitive, always alert to others, seeks first to understand) do I need to go on?

IF you believe, and I do, in the world that Daniel Pink, Thomas Freidman, James Canton, and others are describing then you must admit that our schools need 21st century face lifts. Although I have never had the procedure, I am certain of one thing - it has to hurt. Just as we are moving into totally unchartered waters in public education - the process may well hurt.

One thing, however, is very clear to me - I need to be aware of what is coming so that I can lead from the side or front and not from behind the 8 ball. Show up to hear Daniel - the world he describes is our world...even if we don't live in DC.

Blogging AASA's National Conference on Education from Tampa

2008-01-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

The American Association of School Administrators' (AASA's) annual national conference is set to kick-off in Tampa, Florida this year starting on February 14 and concluding on Sunday February 17.

After a successful conference last year in the post Katrina New Orleans, the conference stays in the sunny south for 2008.

This site is under construction for the next few weeks as AASA prepares to expand its coverage of the annual conference in a variety of ways.

One change for this year will be the addition of a group blog. Four different individuals will be posting their own individual eclectic views of the conference and its proceedings every day from Tampa.

In addition to AASA's online coverage of the conference speakers, the blog will provide a more unique and personal aspect to the conference.

Stay tuned.