A Tribute to a Titan

    

     Most of my knowledge and understanding of this small man in physical stature comes from listening and watching him as he lived and led the relatively small country of Jordan.  His ability to direct this small bastion of a country amidst the maze, and of the adjoining regional turmoil and violence, amazed me during his leadership. Although short in his physical stature, he stood figuratively as large, if not larger, than many other notable world leaders of the 20th century!  As a statesman and politician at the heart of his views and opinions can be read and appreciated closely at http://kinghussein.gov.jo/ .  Some of his more famous quotes are still being used today by ordinary people and world figures alike.

     Furthermore, as a human being, most of my appreciation and understanding of his ideology and persona came from within the text of the autobiography of his wife, Her Majesty Queen Noor.  In her autobiography entitled; A Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life. http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/14-non-fiction/541-leap-of-faith-queen-noor .  

        I highly recommed this read to any historian interested in Middle Eastern affairs.   Her captivating story of the real person behind the throne of Jordan revealed a man with a reverent sense of compassion not only for his own people, but for all others regardless of their color, ethnicity or race.  His understanding of the complexities and dynamics of the political and religious context and history  in which continues to engulf his region were second to none in being a mediator and negotiator while keeping his country for the most part neutral.  His willingness to compromise, yet maintain his resolve toward his beliefs and fellow countrymen and borders, spoke volumes to leaders throughout the entire world who both secretly and publicly called upon him to seek advice and direction.  All of this while the country of Jordan rests at the epicenter of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim birthplace, and is still in its relevant infancy of nationhood.

     My continued acknowledgement and growing respect for the late King Hussein I came from the people and words spoken by those who lived peacefully as his subjects within the country.  Their admiration and passion for their King was both evident and unrelenting.  They spoke of the aforementioned in which affirmed his character.  A great communicator, humanitarian and statesman were words most often repeated in characterizing him. He was a true servant leader.  He was the kind of leader that often times rarely comes around any given generation.  There a few countries who can attest their allegiance, appreciation and respect for their respective leaders past or present in the entire world.

     Having the opportunity to visit his country for an extended period of time I could see physical evidence still paying tribute to his legacy after his passing over a decade ago.  The character, convictions, kindness and humility of both his presence and leadership continues to be characterized today by the warm and friendly Jordanian people.  As his birthday is celebrated tomorrow throughout the Kingdom I am sure he looks upon his people with much pride and love as they continue to remain positive, flourish in harmony, peace and stability, and love their homeland as much as he still does.  Godspeed to this beautiful country with beautiful people! 

    

Cell Phones in Class Create Community

     The debate over permitting cell phone and mobile technology continues to grow.  Why?  The answer is simple.  Current educational thought regarding their capabilities and potential as a valuable resource and supplement to traditional resources continues to gain momentum, and rightfully so.

     Within a recent article posted by US News & World Report http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2011/10/26/teachers-use-cell-phones-in-the-classroom is shared viewpoints from both advocates and proponents of their implementation in the classrooms, to those who still see them as both a distraction, nuisance and potential danger being allowed within school communities.

     The embracing of cellular technology in 21st century classrooms is becoming increasingly long overdue.  Statistics are abound referencing not only their availability to users, but also the amount of time on average used, students acumen regarding their usage, and the speed and efficiency in which children are able to operate them (even at very young ages). 

     Mobile technology is an outstanding kinesthetic manipulative and tool that engages all of the sense except for smell.  I heard a wonderful quote several months ago in which it was revealed that classrooms today literally slow children down due to mandates not allowing them this valuable resource and tool.  Isn't it part of our intent and goal to speed children up in their ability to think and push toward meta cognitive capabilities?  http://www.marketingcharts.com/interactive/cell-phones-key-to-teens-social-lives-47-can-text-with-eyes-closed-6126/ To imagine that children can and have been using and manipulating a cell phone to communicate, calculate, create, discover and organize are just a few reasons their absence from the classroom makes very little sense to me as an educator.  The cost effectiveness of incorporating them as part of the school norm and curriculum alone makes far too much sense for them to not have already been allowed...

     I recently came across a wonderfully comprehensive presentation regarding the delimma of whether or not to allow for their implementation;

 

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     If the video is not embedded for you to play, here is the link to the presentation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRTNnpV_79Y&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL4C16128D3E08F324  I would love to hear other educator's thoughts as to their stance on the issue.  Also, there are are many other clips to view regarding the issue in which are hilarious to say the least.  Enjoy.   Godspeed, and yours in the fight...



Character Ed. Counts!

     As a building level administrator going on four years now, and having the opportunity to teach and coach in six different school systems along the east coast, one dynamic of public education that needs more attention if not improved is the notion of teaching and nurturing students to become not only life long learners but also quality human beings who CARE ABOUT OTHERS.

     All teachers will tell you that society continues to pressure the schools to be more than just educators.  To that end, it is possible that since many young people having been left to fend for themselves literally, individual schools and their staff can create a program and implement to their specific school needs in teaching the XYZ generation what seems to have been lost over the last quarter century, if not longer?

     Things that have come to matter most to me through my experiences are;

...using terms like please and thank you...

...picking up and cleaning up after yourself...

...opening and closing doors for one another...

...asking and seeing to it that other people who need help or assistance get it...

...showing compassion and care for one another as acquaintances through physical affection...

...different ethnicity's, races and cultures mingling with and hanging out with one another...

...realizing it is ok and acceptable to say Yes Sir and No Mam, etc...

...raising your hand regardless...

...using terminology like excuse me or beg your pardon...

...demonstrating respect and tolerance despite your disagreements...

...a profanity free school...

     These are just a few tidbits over the course of my career that come to mind initially.  I'd love to hear feedback from my colleagues.  I emphatically believe that creating both a culture and climate in which character takes the forefront alongside that of learning and high levels of engagement are the KEY in this transformation!  It must happen one school at a time, and with one leader focused and committed to such a vision and calling with their students.  Children need and want both care and compassion for themselves as well as others, yet it seems as though as they transition to middle school and ultimately high school, all the media and social blitz they have experienced in their short lives has brainwashed them to the point of no return.  Additionally, with the decay of the nuclear family and the rise in bullying and harassment, along with all the violence they are exposed to they are numb to what true character is and really means.  We, as administrators, need to promote, create and facilitate a community of mutual respect and tolerance to other's differences.  So much has been researched and written on the topic it seems infinite. 

     Am I the only one who thinks this transformation is needed?  I know from visiting elementary schools, teachers and leaders are doing a WONDERFUL job in this area, but what about other schools, demographics?  Feedback?  PEACE & GODSPEED.



The Impasse in Syria

    

     As a follower and student of Middle Eastern history and affairs, I have been closely following the politics and activists who are struggling to find democracy and the removal of President Bashar Al-Assad. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bashar_al-Assad  I had intended to post just one of hundreds of You Tube clips as part of this blog, but found most far too graphic and disturbing to be viewed by humane and pacifist people.  I and deeply disheartened and saddened to view myself.

     I find it difficult to understand why the United States and Barack Obama sit back and ignore the circumstances in which have been unfolding there for months.  Dozens of people are being maimed and killed daily over the past seven months, yet the world has been sitting idly by until the most recent accord passed by The Arab League last week.    Despite their mandates imposed upon Bashar and his regime, he continues to use his power in directing the military to impose its will upon unarmed civilians throughout the countryside, especially in the city of Homs.  In reality, Assad's regime has gone on record and been documented for human rights violations for decades now. 

     I see the people's desire and will for reform and democracy as being no different in what has occurred throughout the region as part of this movement commonly referred to in the region as the former Arab Spring.  How can we, the US  and international community, stand idly by and indifferent to this country unlike our actions and stance regarding the plight of Egyptians, Libyans, and Iraqis?  I do appreciate and realize the financial and human toll that any conflict would bring to our already struggling economy.  I do not advocate any type of assault or ground operations by US or NATO troops.  However, just as we did with the ousting of Gaddafi, I have talked to and listened to the people of Syria who are desperate for "any" kind of international intervention to remove Assad and restore peace.

     Fundamentally, and I might be incorrect in this view and opinion, does this situation not boil down to the fact that American and international interests are better served by Assad being in power?  Is there some discontent and religious intolerance in Syria between Christians and Muslims?  Regardless, throughout our proud nation's history of restoring peace and stability to where it was in flux, is taking a huge and disturbing regression in the minds and opinions of human rights activists and people who have ALWAYS respected and looked to us to be the role models in helping others who are being literally murdered by oppressive dictatorships throughout history.

     As was the case with Libya, the situation is dire as over 3000 citizens in Syria have been killed over the past seven months, yet the US and international community turns the other way?  It is clear as has been the norm over the past year that many of the countries in the Middle East are ready for change in which is clear and transformational in nature.  Is it not in the best interest of the US, NATO and international community to take the same, if not similar action, as it did with Libya in the form of a NO FLY ZONE?  

     I appreciate your thoughts and feedback.  PEACE to all humanity.   

Reforming Education in the US...What is the answer?

     Came across an interesting article in PDF format the other night.  Although it is no secret there are school systems throughout the world who are doing the right things and making quality strides at improving their educational systems, I think the model in which the country of Finland provides is intriguing and provides substantive evidence its model is effective.  http://www.aft.org/pdfs/americaneducator/summer2011/Sahlberg.pdf

    I think most educators across the board agree that by raising the level of respect for the teaching profession here in the US is a top priority.  The answer invariably comes back to raising teacher's salary's significantly to compare to that of other white collar workers and professions in business.  While I do think this would ultimately go along way to moving in that direction, it is unreasonable and not practical to think that US politicians and legislators will anytime soon reverse their current ideology and positions regarding the profession as demonstrated by their actions and lack of support in raising teacher's salaries to compare with their peers in similar industries.  In fact, many states have shown their continued propensity to continue to place education at the bottom of the list in funding and expenditure.  Even those states who are putting the vast majority of their budget toward education, data and statistics compiled still are not showing the achievement and success as rivaled by some of the other leading countries around the world.  Why?  To this end, I proclaim no knowledge of having the right answer(s).

     I do know that in the US, school districts continue to employ programs and policies that are supposedly termed as being best practices and current educational philosophy in the hopes that these are the right answers to move us in the right direction, or is it?  The model in which is currently being used in Finland, to me, shows promise.  Raising the standards for those who are entering the profession seem justifiable and a common sense approach in which I do not know whether it is realistic here in the US in regards to preparing and hiring only the best and brightest into the profession.  The standards in which they currently require would perhaps eliminate thousands of would be educators wanting to teach in the US.  Shortages across the nation are abundant already due to the lack of respect and pay that is being offered to those wanting to enter the profession.

     I do believe there is tremendous potential in allowing more local control of educating students at the Grassroots level, and allowing the teachers and administrators at this level to determine what should be learned and how it should be learned.  By raising the standards locally or by the individual states seems logical as a front end and rapid approach to raising the quality of the educational infrastructure of "a school" or school system.  The statistics are impressive as to what is taking place in Finland over the last quarter century, and does provide food for thought for those who are invested fully into education and the futures of our young people and society as a whole.

     Am I just the quintessential dreamer, or does some of this make blatantly simple and sound reasoning?  I look forward to opinons and thoughts as to these two reads.  Yours in the fight, and GODSPEED! 

       

Finding Time to Lead?

     Whether a high school football coach, a small business owner, a public school building administrator or a Fortune 500 CEO this is intriguing.   After reading and reviewing Lisa's blog http://www.lisapetrilli.com/2011/10/19/ceos-most-pressing-people-challenges/ and all the links provided, I found the energy and motivation to offer my two cents on the topic.

     Experienced leaders appreciate and realize the importance and value of the people who work for them, and seeing to their sustained growth within their chosen field or profession..  It is their charge to encourage, facilitate, motivate and nurture their colleagues in scope and substance so as to empower them to self actualization within their respective jobs, organizations and careers.  Attaining this level of leadership competency is much easier said and written about than it is done in reality.  It is just as applicable with five members or 5000.  If, and when  this level can either be approached or arguably accomplished, people and employees subsequently find and  see themselves as invaluable members of the team or organization.  Again the old axiom is there is no "I" in team. Their desire and motivation to be productive and successful comes from within, in the realization of what they do is appreciated, acknowledged and respected.  In summary, leading and being part of a successful organization or school or business is being proactive and accepting the challenge that a leader exists merely to act as a servant.  It is their calling to provide a platform and venue for other leaders to emerge to a position or status above that in which has been achieved by the original leader.  The organization, just like that of a smooth running automobile engine, works finely-tuned and congruent with one another.

     In my personal and professional quest over the last thirty years to be a competent and high quality leader, I constantly struggle with one obstacle.  I would tend to think that most people in similar positions might be inclined to agree?  With so much to be done and accomplished in terms of developing your staff and employees from a human resources standpoint, I would be remiss in not confessing to have failed miserably.  Simply, but often times merely misunderstood, "time" is the obstacle standing in the way in developing people to their maximum potential and their leadership capabilities.  The daily grind of taking care of deadlines, matters, issues and paperwork, etc... I know has prevented me from establishing, nurturing and maximizing the relationships and connections I know are huge!  In some instances I worry they are desperately needed for the people within my teams and organizations to realize their integral and significant role within the team and ultimately grow.  I leave with the original question.  I sincerely appreciate and welcome any and all feedback on Lisa's article as well as my take.  Godspeed and PEACE!   

How Should Teachers Engage Student's Imagination?

     In regards to this recent Wall Street Journal article http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203914304576631100415237430.html the question brings to focus not "if"  but "how to?"  I concur with most of what Mr. Murdoch commentates about yet one of the underlying issues or problems is that school districts, and ultimately the leadership of said, are moving too slowly and are content with the status quo.

     Many school district leaders and superintendents are too out of touch with their roots.  Most have worked their way into their current positions by serving in the schools as teachers and ultimately at building level administration and leadership, to where they are now.  There are many district leaders who have spent little time in the classrooms within the trenches, and likewise have served far too little time in building level leadership roles to have a firm grasp and understanding of the complexities and dynamics of what goes on in individual classrooms.  I am not here writing to stereotype or make any sweeping generalizations about educational leaders across the board. 

     A classroom, and ultimately individual schools, are so diverse, multi-faceted and fast moving that it is extremely hard to explain and comprehend if you are not, and have not been in education for quite some time.  I think those who know education realize, and if not should, that schools are ultimately communities.  As such, the happiest and most productive communities are those in which there are high levels and degrees of communication, openness, diversity, respect and tolerance.  There is also cooperative spirits and cultures of collaboration and compassion amongst its members.  Consequently, you have successful schools in which there are high levels of student achievement and little disruption and discipline issues. 

     In retrospect, I believe with some reservation, that schools and classrooms are in fact not doing enough (or perhaps taking the right initiatives or approaches through digital and technological means)to stir and engage student's imagination, thought and critical thinking skills.  Some of this is in fact due to lack of resources, yet I believe equally at cause here is teachers apprehension at moving forward in their thinking (and yes their imagination) and while making concerted efforts to "learn" thus testing and hopefully increasing their technological acumen and aptitude.  Teachers, with the staunchest of building level administration support, should be open to taking risks and thinking outside the box in their lessons (planning and preparation).  At the forefront of their minds they need to be asking themselves what and how am I going to keep my students engaged and spur their imaginations in my approach and pedagogy,  day in and day out in trying to create the perfect lesson plan?

     I adamantly believe that technology will not replace teachers, but when will teachers replace in many instances archaic ways of methodology with their one size fits all to instruction versus attempting to reach and make successful each child sitting in their classroom?  The answer therefore in my mind is to begin to look deep within themselves and begin modeling what coaching and facilitating is, versus working much too hard as an instructor in the traditional sense in the classroom.  I am a firm believer, and I think most quality educators will agree,  the best teachers are those who work harder in their planning and preparation stages.  Is this a difficult and daunting task?  By all means it certainly is.  However, if we want to encourage and engage imagination on behalf of our students, should we as teachers not do so first?