American Ingenuity and the Role of Education

A recent email I received bemoaned the loss of industrialization in America, and the evolution to new technologies. It is clear to me that the answer to America's continued viability as an economic and world power lies in our educational systems, and their ability (or lack thereof) to turn out a nation of problem solvers that can continue America's prominence as an exporter of ideas.

The trap that Americans are so fond of – rose-lensed nostalgia for the good old days - fails to acknowledge real truths of progress. After all, our country was founded and has operated with “change” as the cornerstone of our nation. Forefathers wanted change, which led to them being here in the first place, and the desire to change individual lives and our nation’s past for the better has been the impetus for all which led to our country’s economic and cultural prosperity. The question posed is whether anyone can demonstrate that a deindustrialized America will be economically viable. A better question might be how anyone could believe that an America focused on industrialization rather than ideas could continue to provide the quality of living Americans have come to expect and aspire to – and the answer to that question is simply that it could not, and the responsibility for our future falls on schools.

The notion that other countries are at economic war with us may or may not be true. What is certainly true is that other countries have copied the American economic model, even under the umbrella of nationally espoused anti-capitalist philosophy. The problem for them is that they are years behind in copying a model that is no longer viable. The truth is that while China may now be the most industrialized nation in the world, that has not translated into a stable economic future even for them. The World Economic Forum publishes a Global Competitiveness Report each year, and for many years the United States has topped that report. Last year the U.S. dropped to # 2, and this year is 4th. Conspicuously absent from the Top Ten, and ranked well down the list, is China, despite being the world’s #1 manufacturer of goods. How can that be? It’s pretty simple – the U.S continues to be the world’s #1 exporter of ideas.

The U.S. so far outdistances the rest of the world in the sale of intellectual property (as evidenced by sales of licenses and royalty fees), that other countries are barely a part of that discussion. The World Economic Forum cites the U.S. strength in ideas , “The United States is home to highly sophisticated and innovative companies operating in very efficient factor markets. The country is also endowed with an excellent university system that collaborates strongly with the business sector in R&D. Combined with the scale opportunities afforded by the sheer size of its domestic economy—the largest in the world by far—these qualities continue to make the United States very competitive. “ (WE 2010). In fact, the nations which have moved up the list (Switzerland is this year’s #1), have done so not so much on the strength of their industrialization, but on the strength of their ingenuity and idea export in a global digital economy. China leads the world in the manufacture and export of toys, but the U.S. leads the world in the creation and sale of valuable intellectual property. I’ll take the ingenuity of my Mac over the engineering of my daughter’s Zhu Zhu pets (furry, mechanical hamsters for those without young children at home...).

The answer for America’s future economic viability as a global competitor lies not in holding on to an industrial model of economics, but in cultivating a future generation of problem solvers. This isn’t to say that there isn’t value in manufacturing “things”, and that holding on to manufacturing footholds isn’t important, but what is more important in our flattening world is the ability to create. In education we are preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist. The answer for our future economic viability is creating a generation of young people who will strengthen the United States’ position as the birthplace of valuable ideas. After all, in industrialization, it was not the cars themselves that represented America’s foundation as a country, it was the ingenuity of their design and manufacture. This is the critical distinction that arguments regarding industrialization miss. Should we manufacture things – sure. Should they be the same things we’ve always manufactured? Almost certainly not.

Current education reforms ironically mirror image today’s economic trends. American education leaders are chasing a Chinese / Asian model that even those countries no longer use. While America now requires divulging test scores of competing school districts and states, the Chinese government expressly forbids this practice. They studied American schools (and continue to), and realize that the reason America has created a nation with ingenuity as its greatest strength is that schools have not limited the growth of that ingenuity - in fact they have encouraged it. Ironically, today’s education reforms in America are moving actively away from exactly what the rest of the world is beginning to embrace. That, more than the loss of industrialization, endangers our country’s standing.

The answer lies where it always has – America’s greatest strength throughout history has been its ingenuity, creativity. Did I love my old LPs? Yes, but I wouldn’t trade them today for my ipod. I still hold on to them out of nostalgia, but that nostalgia is based not on the thing, but the memories the thing triggers. The good old days really harken back to memories that we hold dear. Rarely is it really the technology or usefulness of the tool we miss, but the memories we associate with it. If the tool was really more useful in the “old days”, it would still be around. I miss having a newspaper delivered, and despite being a little bit of a tech geek, I still buy a print newspaper every day at the gas station because while I can read it online, I enjoy holding it in my hands. The truth is, the paper is more current and better online – I just like my habits. That’s true of most of us, but those things change over time. The only constant really is change. To change the future for the right kind of America requires a fundamental commitment to our education system as the foundation for creation of a nation of problem solvers that carries and builds our country’s legacy as the most innovative society to walk this planet to date.



Because creating a generation of problem solvers is infinitely complex, it hinges on education. In my opinion, America must:

1. Require schools to emphasize inquiry and problem solving delivery models.
2. Develop a system that promotes higher education for all – the greatest issue facing our country is not accessibility to health care (although that’s obviously important), but rather accessibility to education.
3. Develop a model that requires more significant training and development of talented people as educators, and weeds out unqualified or incapable candidates.

The guys that design the cars, design the buildings, and design manufacturing systems, have always been in great demand, perhaps more so than those who built them. Today that is more true than ever. In today’s world, the demand for the former is growing exponentially faster than the demand for the latter, and adapting to that need is our greatest challenge. Education is the answer.

Catching Up or Leading the Way

There is a perception prevalent in the media and in American society that American public schools lag behind the rest of the world, and are in a race to catch up. In fact, the federal government has sponsored "Race to the Top" legislation that our own state embraced with some sweeping changes to the ways public schools in Michigan operate. What many don't realize is that outside of the U.S. our education system is viewed by many as the model system for turning out the kind of creative problem solvers that today's digital age requires.

Dr. Yong Zhao of Michigan State University has written a book titled Catching Up or Leading the Way, in which he makes the argument that the U.S. is leading the world in producing the kind of high school graduate that will lead this millennium. He deconstructs arguments that because the U.S. is behind other nations in some standardized academic assessments that our educational system is failing, and refutes them by pointing out that the U.S. is still the world leader in terms of economic prosperity and the export of knowledge. He quantifies that our country is the leader in knowledge exports by demonstrating that the U.S. leads the world by a huge margin in the export of license fees and royalty fees which come from the sale of intellectual property. While China leads the world in the production of toys, the U.S. leads the world in the sale of ideas, and Dr. Zhao proposes that ideas are the economy of the digital age. Further he points out that while all U.S. students take the standardized tests, many nations select the students who will move forward academically at a young age and these comparisons are therefore not "apple to apple" looks at educational systems.

Ironically, as our country rides the wave of standardized testing, other nations are moving away from this trend and towards educational systems that embrace the whole child and develop strengths wherever they are found. In other words, while we strive to be more like other nations, they are striving to be more like us. Dr. Zhao uses the analogy of the Olympics as an argument against the kind of content specialization necessary to succeed on standardized tests and for a diversified education that allows individuals to develop their strengths. He points out what a dismal competition the Olympics would be if we forced everyone to compete in only one or two sports . It is the diversity of options that play to a variety of strengths that makes the games exciting and an event that we all want to see. Similarly, it would be a mistake for educators to narrow our focus at the expense of eliminating programs in arts, technology and athletics that allow students to develop well-rounded educations and develop in areas of aptitude.

At Grosse Pointe North we have continued to focus on cultivating a student body of problem solvers. Our goal is to deliver the content necessary for a knowledge base that when applied creatively and logically will deliver solutions to problems and needs that we haven't yet even identified. Our focus on inquiry and project based learning is about developing problem solving graduates who will "lead the way" in our digital, global economy. Historically, America has prided itself on being a nation that is independent, self-sufficient, and a leader on all fronts. To continue to lead the way, and be the nation that others aspire to be, our educational system must continue to set the standard for whole student instruction that molds leaders of tomorrow. We don't need a nation of test-takers, we need a nation of creative problem solvers.

You want something. Go get it. Period.

This is a great clip from the movie Pursuit of Happiness starring Will Smith. As we near the end of the first quarter, it's a great reminder to our kids that they have the responsibility and the ability to achieve whatever they desire. This is not just an actor in a movie, but a father talking to his son. Send it to your kids, post it on their Facebooks, use it as a reminder that we all have ownership of our dreams and their pursuit!

Spirit and Cereal

It's Homecoming Week around North High School, and the theme is cereal...really.

North has a very unique Homecoming Week, and while many things have changed over the years in the world of education, fortunately some of the traditions like Homecoming at North H.S. have remained. For administrators Homecoming weeks can sometimes be a little trying. The routines are different, students act differently, and sometimes our kids forget that they are in school despite it all being school related. Nevertheless, even after all these years I still appreciate that Homecoming week is a week when some of even our most apathetic , listless students show some life.

At North, each class has a color - freshmen are gold, sophomores green, juniors black, and seniors white - and the entire class wears a class shirt designed by a student in the appropriate color on their designated day. We have the usual class competitions: banners, floats, spirit at the pep rally, charity fundraisers and so on. The difference between North and some other schools is that virtually every student participates. It's a great reminder that if we find the right trigger there's some enthusiasm in all of us.

When we have our pep rally on Friday, all approx. 1400 students in the school will attend, and 90% plus will all actually be interested and care about what happens. When we have our dance Saturday night, we will expect a crowd of around 1200 students in a school of 1400. Despite claims to the contrary, our kids still care about school - maybe just not always about the classroom...

What does all this have to do with education and cereal? Well, the float themes are based on cereals. We have lucky charms and frosted flakes and all of the various slogans and characters associated with different cereals. The creativity our kids have already shown in creating their banners demonstrates some real abilities. Kids have come together and identified artists to draw, writers to write slogans, future interior designers to place everything, future leaders to organize, and everything comes together without a lot of adult aid (or interference depending on your perspective...). The implications for the classroom are significant. Find the right project, the right trigger, and the kids will do the rest. They'll create, organize and learn. Sounds simple right?

The art of teaching is finding the right approach to stimulate student interest. Homecoming is a reminder that all of our students are creative and enthusiastic about something - even if it's cereal. It's our job as educators to stimulate the kind of creativity and enthusiasm that a Friday Homecoming pep rally does.

As Tony the Tiger would say, "That would be Grrrrrreat!".

Nice Bike...Drive It

This term I'm teaching a class at Madonna University on current theories in teaching and learning. The theme of this week's class is motivation, and what role motivation has in learning. In preparing, it struck me how often the theme of motivation is central to discussions I have with students, parents and staff alike. There are as many motivation theories as there are theorists, but two books I've read recently really put some things in perspective for me.

A few years ago, North had well known motivational speaker Mark Scharenbroich do a presentation for our students. I've had the pleasure of knowing Mark for many years, and have often asked him to speak to students and/or staff. For several years, he has used a theme that I really believe most of us can identify with.

Mark tells of coincidentally being in Milwaukee for the 100th anniversary of Harley Davidson motorcycles. Hundreds and thousands of Harley owners were in town with their bikes. Now Harley owners think of their bikes as part of their family. They are closely connected to these machines, and they are part of each owner's identity. Mark observed that to make someone's weekend required only two words - "Nice Bike". Sounds simple, and it is. Unfortunately, many of us fail to realize that to teach and to connect with another person requires that we understand what is important to them and reach out to acknowledge others. "Nice Bike" is now the title of Mark's new book. In his words, " 'Nice Bike' is a gold star on your paper in elementary school....'Nice Bike' is going out of your way to let people know they matter. " Mark summarizes his "Nice Bike" philosophy in three powerful actions: Acknowledge, Honor and Connect.

Based on my many years of experience as an educator, coach and parent, I really believed that Mark Scharenbroich was right on the money when I heard him speak and read his book. In fact, one of my mentors often says "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"...in other words, until you give someone a "Nice Bike" you haven't connected enough to teach them anything. I really believed this concept...then I I read the hot new book Drive by Daniel Pink, and found much of what I believed to be true about motivation challenged.

Pink challenges traditional "carrot and stick" methods of motivation, and focuses on his three elements of motivation - autonomy, mastery and purpose. As I read, I found myself questioning whether what I thought I knew about motivation could have been entirely wrong. As the book developed though, what became clear is that Pink hits on what should be painfully obvious. As the world has changed, and continues to change, what motivates people will also change. We think and learn differently now than we did twenty years ago. It makes sense that we should be motivated in different ways.

Ultimately (and I recommend you read both books!) I was able to reconcile the themes of the two books. While what motivates us changes, and will continue to evolve, what hasn't changed is the need for human connection. In fact, that need has grown exponentially with the advent of social media. We're connected to more people in more places than ever before. Where schools, and in some cases individual educators, have sometimes failed to progress is in understanding what it is that our young people value.

To illustrate this point, last week I was standing outside the cafeteria and observed a young lady reading a graphic novel. I asked her what she was reading, and she reluctantly held the book high. I recognized the title and said "Those are cool. Have you read 'The Helm'?". She hadn't, and I told her about having read it this summer to get an idea what graphic novels are all about - it's a great, funny story. We talked for a few more minutes, and she thanked me for not calling her novel a "comic book" as others had. A few days later she stopped me in the hall and held up The Helm. "Mr. Bearden, this is so cool. Thanks for recommending it. I think it's cool that you read this."

What started as an attempt by me to give a kind of "Nice bike" to a student I didn't know ended up with me being on the receiving end of a "Nice bike". I'm now motivated to read more of these graphic novels because I know there are a growing number of kids who like them, it's a growing genre of literature, and because that connection made me feel good. I acknowledged our student's interest in something that was important, and she acknowledged me noticing. Both of these connections were motivating.

Daniel Pink is brilliant, and I loved the book Drive - in fact I think it's a very important book. That being said, I know that one thing will never change - real, honest, personal connections that involve us honoring, connecting and acknowledging others not only open the doors of relationships, but they are inspiring and motivating. For parents, educators and coaches, that's what it's all about...Nice bike Mark Scharenbroich, Nice bike.

Perspective

As we prepare to begin a new school year, I was reminded this past weekend of the importance in maintaining a perspective on what is really important in education, and in working with young people.

My 9 year old daughter played on the west side of the state this weekend in her first travel soccer tournament. This was a major event for her, and the first time she had participated in a sporting event of this magnitude - traveling across the state, staying in a hotel, and competing against girls she didn't know, from places of which she's never heard. The evening before the tournament, we overheard a conversation between my daughter and her younger sister. Her younger sister asked her, with all of the 7 year old innocence in the world, if she was more excited about going to the tournament to win, or swimming in the hotel pool with her friends. My little soccer player responded, "It's not about winning - it's about having fun". We couldn't have been more proud...

As we begin this new year, there will be literally hundreds of classes and sporting events each semester. We sometimes have a tendency to forget that learning, competing, and performing are all supposed to be fun. At North this year we will have an emphasis on project based learning. We truly believe that learning should be fun, competing and performing should be fun, and school in general should be fun. As the school year progresses, I want students and parents alike to communicate with our staff and administrative team about the experiences you are having. Our goal is to truly make the learning experience the best one possible for each individual.

School might not be as fun as swimming in a hotel pool with your friends, but 21st century focused, project based learning that engages every student can be a close second (o.k. - maybe not second, but we can still make it a great experience!!)...

Lessons from Camp

My son just returned from four days at a camp called Author Quest, run by renowned thriller author Johnathan Rand. It was, as he put it, "the best thing I've ever done in my life". We were apprehensive, as most parents would be, to send our young son away to camp in the woods for four days with people we didn't really know. Nevertheless, it could not have been a better experience. From this opportunity, both he and his parents learned some valuable lessons that I think are applicable to schools.

When we dropped our son off, and when we picked him up, one of the things that struck me was the "openness" of the other campers and the counselors. These kids were remarkably willing to put themselves "out there" in ways that are uncommon in many classrooms today. Certainly a level of trust is involved, and one of the campers in attendance filmed a segment for the camp's website in which he said he loved being around other kids who were just like him. He didn't mean kids who were the same age, height, ethnicity or religion - I think he meant kids who were creative, intellectually curious, willing to take risks, and excited to learn.

In the development of American schools, there has long been an argument on the pros and cons of "tracking" or segregating by ability. Most current achievement gap research suggests that such segregation is detrimental to overall success of schools, and for the most part, my personal experiences verify that belief. High performing students may perform exceptionally well in segregated, tracked classrooms, but low performing students need model students and positive peer examples to be successful. I have read research that indicates high performing students can also benefit by being in classrooms with students of lesser ability if the classes are well structured. Peer mentoring and tutoring allows high performing students the opportunity to reinforce that which they know by assisting in the learning process of others. The adage that one doesn't really know something until he or she has taught it certainly has some truth.

Which brings us back to my son's fellow camper who loved being where the kids were "like him"...

The clear lesson I took from this camper's comments, my son's experiences, and my observations was that the trait that was shared by the kids at Author Quest that made them immediately drawn to one another is that they were all enthusiastic and intellectually curious. So often today, educators face the challenge of apathy. Students are apathetic, and sometimes parents are equally so. The art of teaching in today's Twitterized world is really engagement as much as instruction. Teachers face greater and greater challenges in engaging students than ever before, and unless students are engaged, they will not be active learners. We have to cultivate classroom experiences that somehow make all the students feel that their peers are "like them" in their enthusiasm for learning.

Our focus has to continue to be inquiry and project based learning that taps into student interests to engage them in a learning process that tweaks their intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm to learn. Author Quest was a great reminder that when kids are engaged in something, there can be some amazing moments both for the learners and the instructors.

Finally, one of the things that I noticed when picking up my son was the parent support for these kids. All of the parents appeared, at least outwardly, genuinely invested in their child's work and experiences. There is no doubt that parental guidance and support played a part in cultivating the spirit of these young writers, as it plays a part in the success or failure of each student in our school.

Our two main areas of focus this school year at North are to cultivate parent involvement in our school and our students' learning process, and to emphasize inquiry and project based learning that engages our students' natural intellectual curiosity. Hopefully, at the end of the year, we will have some students say they loved their experience at North because they like being around other kids (and teachers) with the same interest in learning.

Wallwisher

I've created a webpage on Wallwisher - a free message board site. It's a great tool for teachers as well as a cool social networking tool. This particular site is designed for our North family and readers of this blog to update everyone on summer adventures. This site is an open one for all to see, and posts are moderated, so your post will need to be approved before visible for all.

Go to http://wallwisher.com/wall/NorthSummer to post your summer adventures, and enjoy Wallwisher by creating your own wall!

Technology - For Us or To Us?

At the recent Campus Tech conference in Boston, keynote speaker Sherry Turkle from MIT discussed not only what technology does for us, but what it has done to us. As a proponent of moving quickly in adding available technology to teachers' toolboxes, her thoughts gave me pause to consider some of the unintended negative consequences of our ever increasing reliance on technologies to teach and communicate.

A few years ago, our district provided administrators with Blackberry phones. I have often viewed this as both a blessing and a curse. During the school year, I average almost 100 received emails a day, and now all of those emails come directly to me via my Blackberry. While not compulsive about a "clean desk", I don't like clutter either, and I definitely do not like hundreds of emails cluttering my inbox. As a result, I frequently clear emails from remote locations via my Blackberry, as do my colleagues. The end result is that in addition to some increased efficiency, I have inadvertently trained those who email me to expect a rapid response. That is, after all, today's digital age. If it takes me more than a couple of hours to respond to certain emails I will get "what's wrong" emails, or even worse, re-sent emails as senders assume the original was lost somewhere in cyber space. As one of my colleagues says, we teach people how to treat us, and I've taught people to expect rapid response to most emails.

As Dr. Turkle pointed out, one of the negative consequences of our increasingly quick communication is the sacrifice of thoughtful responses and exchanges. I can think of numerous instances where I have responded in haste to an email, only to later regret some or all of the response. Without immediate access to email, and means to respond, I would likely have given more thoughtful and measured responses. Another byproduct of rapid communication is that questions that cannot be answered quickly are ignored. I am sometimes guilty of this, and have been frustrated by being on both sides of this issue. I have sent complex email questions only to hear the proverbial crickets in response.

Dr. Turkle's point was that while we make our technologies, they often shape us. She pointed to research that concluded that while teens (and adults) who multi-task often view themselves as more efficient for having done so, studies demonstrate an exponential loss of productivity during multi-tasking. Teens are more and more often eschewing face to face communication for digital communication. In fact, emailing is already too tedious for most teens. Our students communicate most often via social media such as Facebook and Twitter, or via text messages. These communications are faster and even more brief than email, and have the added benefit of the capacity to reach multitudes in an instant.

As we rush to explore new technologies, and implement the use of social media and other communication platforms in the classroom, Dr. Turkle's address was a good reminder that we need to also examine what those advents do to the personal relationships that are critical to education. Further, student writing is certainly impacted by reliance on communication that requires short-hand and "blurb" style structure. It is now incumbent upon educators to fight to teach and retain some formal, thoughtful forms of expression.

While the exciting world of technology brings to us many wonders, it's a good reminder that with each adoption of new hardware, software or web application we need to think carefully about not only what that technology will do for us, but what it could potentially do to us, and plan accordingly.

Commencement 2010 - Reality...

Now that long forgotten lunches and gym clothes have been purged from the lockers, the last exams have been scored and posted, the last graduate has crossed the stage and the dust has settled, there is time to reflect on another successful school year. The Class of 2010 has completed their matriculation through the hallowed halls of Grosse Pointe North, and are sure to venture forth into great successes and adventures. For those of you without the good fortune to attend our commencement exercises, it was a beautiful night. My address to the Class of 2010 is captioned below. This class has been responsible for many great moments in our school's history, and certainly has left its mark. Best wishes to all of this year's graduates.

Commencement Class of 2010

Good Evening Parents, Staff, Community, Members of the Board of Education, Dr. Klein, and most importantly, the Grosse Pointe North Graduating Class of 2010. I know what you’re thinking right now – yeah the musical performances were good, the speakers were articulate and moving, but Yes – now is my time - My time to finally.... get to hear Mr. Bearden speak. If we’d have let our graduates bring their phones in, Twitter and Facebook would be buzzing with the news – gtg, brb our Principal is finally speaking. He’ll be awesome LOL (For the social network shorthand challenged, That’s Got to Go, Be Right Back, our Principal is awesome – Laughing Out Loud....).
Commencement is about you, but I was taught that public speaking is about establishing trust with the audience, so in the spirit of establishing trust, I’ve used this platform to confess some secrets in the past. Once I unveiled my closet appreciation for both country and rap music. Once I confessed my secret lifelong desire to be a movie director. Last year I shared advice from my 6th grade gym teacher (ask me about that later), and tonight I have another embarrassing confession – I watch reality television. I watch American Idol, The Bachelor, Celebrity Apprentice, the occasional Dancing with the Stars and used to follow Survivor. Hope you don’t think less of me…In fact, this isn’t even a new thing – for those of you in my generation and older, you’ll remember early reality television shows I used to watch like Candid Camera, the Dating Game, the Newlywed Game, the Gong Show, and the $1.98 Beauty Show. All of them mind numbingly dumb, but strangely addictive.
A lot of people criticize these shows as not being reality at all because they are often scripted or fake. I don’t view that as detracting from the shows – in fact I think that’s what makes them real. The “real world” isn’t that at all – it’s nutty. Some people are fake all the time, some are real. Some situations are deceiving; sometimes you have to trust your gut instinct. As you’ve already learned in high school, a lot of times people (even your friends) turn out to be something different than you thought they were. Over and over the adage that truth is stranger than fiction will prove true in your lives. Your reality will shift and morph in ways you can’t yet imagine. On this day, we hope that the tools we’ve given you, and the lessons you’ve learned here at North will help you navigate the “Real” world.
If I were casting the Class of 2010 as a reality show, there would be a lot of great options. I’d call my show “Be the Change” using the mission our school adopted several years ago, and we’d track members of the Class of 2010 as they head into the world to make their mark and work to effect the change they would like to be in the world. First we need a host someone with a big personality who can think on his feet – I’ll go with Louie Michael. We need talent - I’d cast Tim Lupo and Justin Wrubel as singing minstrels who sing through every episode making the world better through song. I’d cast Dean Butts, Adam Evanski, Mark Haas, Mark Palazzolo and Kyle Moore as the Bachelors just because they’re all the kind of good guys you’d want your daughter to bring home. I’d cast AJ Brooks, Brandon Williams, Sara Bigham and Rahmed Gulley as Survivors because they’ve come a long way in four years here, been through a lot, and I want to see what they do in the world. I’d cast Bryan Brown and Ariel Braker as my version of successful Hoop Dreams and every week, like a crazy Groundhog Day movie, I’d have Bryan hit a half court buzzer beater to beat South again and again. I’d cast Nick Howard as a Trump type in an Apprentice show because you’ve got to have some wild hair somewhere and no one rocks an afro like Nick. The Class of 2010 has made us proud at North, and the Class of 2010 Be The Change show will be a reality show that will make us proud for years to come.
In closing, three pieces of advice for you that I’ve garnered from my years of living, loving, losing and winning, and watching the occasional television reality show – the video equivalent of junk food:
1. On Reality shows, people who go by one name – Puck, Omarosa, the Situation – are almost inevitably jerks. This is a good rule for real life. Elvis pulled it off, but he had to wear sequined jumpsuits to do it which Coach Sumbera tells me is not a good look for most people. Use the names your parents gave you, and represent them well.
2. I’m not entirely sure why, but there are usually three judges – one nice one, one hyper-critical one, and one middle of the road judge. This break-down will be pretty much followed in the population you encounter in real life, and as on the shows, often the most critical judges will know the least but incessantly blow their own horns to make you believe they know the most. Take the criticism constructively and the praise humbly and you’ll do well.
3. Sometimes the nicest and hardest working people don’t win. This one is a tough one to swallow because we’re taught that if we work hard we can achieve anything. It seems unfair, but it’s not. The reward for working hard and being nice is internal. You will feel great about yourself. Also, frequently the “nice guy” runner-up gets a spin-off show that’s better than the main one – this is also true in real life. As the song says, “Sometimes God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers”. Working hard and being nice gets rewarded one way or another.
In On the Road, Jack Kerouac wrote “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” LIVE – be present in your lives. Hold on to the people you love, and be open to everything – make your reality what you want it to be. It’s your reality show in the “real world”, and you can write the script.
Class of 2010 – your accomplishments have already changed North forever. The list of achievements, honors and awards for the members of this class is staggering. Thanks for your amazing representation of North High School. I’m confident that this class is ready to burn across the sky lighting the world with your dreams, desires and abilities. Finally, in a play on a popular reality show catch phrase, maybe someday you’ll even hear the words that will thrill every parent who wants to turn your bedroom into that home office or Jacuzzi room they’ve always wanted – Class of 2010….you’re hired. Congratulations and best wishes.

Where Next and How Do We Get There?

For the past two years, Grosse Pointe North High School has adopted the slogan and mission "Be the Change". This adopted slogan lifted from a Gandhi quote has taken on many different meanings in our building.

Three years ago we hosted our first Challenge Day event. Challenge Day is an activity that teaches students to look beyond the surface and realize that we all share similar issues, dreams, and are ultimately more alike than we are different. Our building has embraced this philosophy as a way to foster a positive atmosphere. Over the past three years approximately 600 North students and dozens of staff members have attended this life-changing event. As an outgrowth, we have had numerous "Be the Change" activities, a "Be the Change" tutorial classroom, and a variety of activities designed to bring students and staff closer.

Beyond the philosophies we've adopted from the Challenge Day experiences, "Be the Change" has taken on other meanings. We've created and implemented a plan called High Schools 2.0 designed to change the way we deliver instruction. We've opened our school's access to social networking sites, digital media, online delivery systems, and encouraged teachers and students to embrace technology. The integration of hardware and software tools in our classrooms has included Smart Boards in virtually every classroom, document cameras, clicker response systems, various content specific technologies, and many other innovations. We've instituted systematic support systems for struggling learners, including the building's Freshman Academic SuccessTeam, and Sophomore Academic Team. We've successfully "changed" the way we deliver and support instruction in meaningful ways.

The question of what's next dovetails nicely with the graduation of our class 0f 2010. After all, this is the question faced by every graduating senior each year. The answer is really pretty simple - it's not what destination is next so much as it is what journey is next. Change in the way we view each other as people, change in the way we view each other as learners and educators, and change in our learning environment cannot be represented as a destination. We've never "made it". The journey is the thing.

Next on our journey I envision that we will develop even more digitally and connected students and educators. We will expand our use of digital media, social networks and online delivery systems. Most importantly, we will adapt to more project based learning so that students are in situations that teach them how to think and problem solve. In today's fluid, organic world of change there is still a need for specific content knowledge, but that need is couched in a necessity that we all have a knowledge base from which to problem solve. Our task as educators is to create a generation of creative thinkers who, when faced with the new and ever-changing issues that will arise, will be able to create solutions.

Beyond, yet connected to, the ability to problem solve comes a necessity to understand and relate to people and societies across the globe. Our ever expanding digital connectivity, and corresponding flattening globe, makes it more critical than ever that we all relate to and understand one another as people. We have to embrace and understand different cultures, and the responsibility on schools to expand to partnerships with classrooms across our country and the world will grow exponentially as a result.

The next stop is never a stop - it's part of the journey. "Be the Change" isn't just a slogan or a mission or vision on a laminated poster - it's a way of life. Those who don't embrace change in the future will be run over by it. Our task as educators is to help shape a new generation of change agents. A generation with the ability, force and desire to make change happen and enjoy the journey along the way.

Social Networking

Former North teacher Mike Spears is now the district's technology curriculum specialist. In response to the growing use of social network sites, and the impact those sites can have on young people and schools, Mike has written the following as an informational piece for parents:

Social Networking and Your Child

Social Networking, using sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and many others, has become a regular part of teens’ lives. It is also becoming popular and more accessible amongst younger children as well. When used responsibly and cautiously, these tools can be very positive. Many businesses and educational institutions use social networking to communicate with their communities and target audiences. Professionals use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to make and solidify business and academic connections. While we know that teens use these resources on a regular basis, younger children are beginning to explore and use these sites as well. Social networking sites can be used as tools to harass and bully others, meet strangers who could easily be predators and express oneself in a way that may not occur in a real-life situation. Parents should be aware of their children’s on-line activities and monitor them closely. One social networking site that has recently exploded in popularity is Formspring. (www.formspring.me/) Users go to Formspring and allow anyone to ask them anything, and respond to those questions. In a strange turn of events, it has become an on-line forum in which students are being bullied and harassed. Users must create an account but questions can be asked anonymously. Like Facebook, one must be 13 years of age to sign up for Formspring. However, the only verification of age is a checkbox affirming the user to be 13 or older. Anyone under 13 can check that box if they care to. Parents should take the time to learn more about these sites and how their children may use them.

Teens and even college students on Facebook have come across issues of potential employers or university admissions departments checking backgrounds. There have been many instances of someone being denied a job or college entrance based on the personal information posted by that person on social networking sites. This information is often used for harassment and bullying as well. Many teens use these sites to meet people and it is common for real-life relationships to develop from social networking. Some teens post inappropriate comments or pictures of themselves on social networking sites, which can easily invite predators or police. Facebook usage amongst children younger than 13 is increasing rapidly.
Used properly, social networking websites can be valuable tools for learning and networking. Used inappropriately, they can be dangerous and have many unforeseen consequences. Most are blocked to students on GPPSS computers and when they are used, it is with due vigilance. Parents can use built-in features of web browsers or free software like K9 Web Protection (http://www1.k9webprotection.com/) to block and monitor websites that they want to block or limit. Filtering and blocking websites can’t prevent a child from accessing a site that he or she is determined to use. Students with smartphones, laptops, etc. can easily access these sites from anywhere outside of school and the home computer. Please have a conversation about the dangers and consequences of inappropriate use of social networking and cyber-bullying with your children.

Some of the more popular social networking sites, in addition to those already mentioned, include the following:

· 43 Things: Users set goals to achieve and are linked by commonality of goals
· BlackPlanet: caters to African Americans, one of the oldest social networks on the Internet.
· Broadcaster: video social networking.
· Classmates: generally avoided by teens, but will charge users for usage.
· eSPIN and eCRUSH: These sites match users randomly and anonymously, although anonymity often fades away fast.
· Flixter: Increasingly popular-mixes social networking with movie reviews
· Foursquare: used to let others know your specific geographic location
· Friendster: Keep in touch with friends and meet new people
· Hi5: “Social entertainment for the youth market worldwide”
· Meetup: Social network aimed at organizing in-person meetings of people with a specific common interest, e.g. hobbyists, etc.
· Tagged: specifically designed for users to meet new friends.
· Xanga: Social networking via blogging. Very popular amongst teens
Here are some articles worth reading if you have concerns about your child’s internet activities. Please be warned the some of the articles contain strong language as examples of misuse of social networking, cyber-bullying and harassment.
· Is FormSpring.me Another Platform for Cyber Bullying?: http://tinyurl.com/cyberbullyFS
· Teens Abuse, Find Comfort in Anonymity on Formspring.me: http://tinyurl.com/cyberbullyFS2
· What Every Parent Should Know About Formspring: The New Cyberscourge for Teens: http://tinyurl.com/cyberbullyFS3
· The 5 Facebook Dangers-Perils That Have Nothing to Do with Internet Predators: http://tinyurl.com/cyberbullyFB1
· National Crime Prevention Council on cyberbullying: http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying

Brains, Learning Styles and the Battle of the Sexes

One of the critical focus points for any educator is addressing different learning styles. The adage "Many a truth is told in jest" is illustrated in this humorous video highlighting differences between the way men and women think. One of the realities of teaching is that all students learn and process differently, and to effectively reach a broad audience an instructor must have a diverse "toolbox" of teaching strategies.

With the advent of technological advances in the classroom, more tools are available than ever before. Each teacher has video, audio, graphics, and the entire worldwide web at his / her fingertips at a moment's notice. Smart boards allow students to manipulate in a hands on way, and software and hardware innovations allow students to create multimedia presentations and projects that are of professional quality. Our teachers plan and prepare to find a variety of instructional strategies that address each learning style.

While the differences between individual students or different genders or ages may not be as distinct and clearly drawn as the speaker in this video suggests, they are real. Students and parents should look for and expect that teachers are providing a variety of instructional practices. Often when a student is not engaged in a classroom, behavior and performance suffer. An appropriate area for parents to pursue with their children and their children's teachers is what works for the individual student. Some children learn best by seeing, some by doing, some by hearing, and most by a combination of all of these things.

Today's students are used to a variety of fast paced video and audio stimuli. They tend to be multi-taskers who have short attention spans. This clearly works in contradiction to traditional forms of instruction that involve lecturing and notetaking. Teachers have a difficult balancing act as they often must be both entertainers and instructors in their classrooms. Part of the teacher / parent partnership is feedback about which learning styles work best for the student, and open exchanges regarding instructional strategies that are tried at school and could be employed at home. As parents, don't be afraid to contact teachers for ideas as to how to help students at home, and for instructional strategies you can use.

Teaching has never been more challenging than it is today, but by contrast teachers have never had more tools at their disposal. Critical to the proper use of these tools is an understanding by all involved in a child's education that different approaches are critical to reaching different learners. It also helps if we all understand the "nothing box"...

It's All Perspective

I always admire and am impressed by people who can maintain a positive attitude and put a positive spin on things even in the face of adverse circumstances. There is much of this quality on display daily at North High School.

These times of economic uncertainty have created a lot of stress and strain for our students, staff and community. Many families in our community have dealt with lost jobs, and changes in their financial circumstances. Some of our teachers face layoffs as the district struggles to make tough economic decisions in the face of reduced funding from the state. Our teachers and administrators are working without a contract in a tough climate to be negotiating wages and benefits. Despite all of this, each day I encounter students and teachers who have tremendous attitudes, and exhibit real grace under pressure.

Our teachers at North have a "kids first" approach, and our students have managed to maintain some youthful idealism that the world sorely needs. This week at North is Respect Awareness Week, and teachers and students have worked side by side to put together a program of activities, videos, announcements and recognitions that emphasize and honor respect for self and others. Teachers were given tickets to give out to students demonstrating respectful attitudes in the hall, that those students can enter into a raffle for prizes. All week I've seen great attitudes from staff and students alike.

It's kind of cliche to say that adversity reveals character, but like most cliches, there is a lot of truth there. In tough times and in good, we have a great school community with caring teachers, administrators and parents, and committed, idealistic, high-achieving students. Thanks to everyone who's part of making North a great place to be.

Sound Familiar?

When he first appeared on the national scene, Elvis Presley's gyrations were considered so risque that for his appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, cameras only showed him from the waist up. Now he, and his movies and performances, would be viewed as "G" rated and suitable for all ages. The lens by which we view change in the world certainly evolves over time. Technology may be the best example. Fear and resistance to change result in some common themes over the years. South teacher, Nick Provenzano, sent me these quotes. Amazing how the times and technology change, but the lines sound eerily familiar...

“Students today depend too much on hand-held calculators.” (Anonymous, 1985)

“Ballpoint pens will be the ruin of education in our country. Students use these devices and then throw them away. The American virtues of thrift and frugality are being discarded. Business and banks will never allow such expensive luxuries.” (Federal Teacher, 1950)

“Students today depend upon these expensive fountain pens. They can no longer write with a straight pen and nib, (not to mention sharpen their own quills). We parents must not allow them to wallow in such luxury to the detriment of learning how to cope in the real business world, which is not so extravagant.” (PTA Gazette, 1941)

“Students today depend upon store bought ink. They don’t know how to make their own. When they run out of ink they will be unable to write words or ciphers until their next trip to the settlement. This is a sad commentary on modern education.” (The Rural American Teacher, 1929)

“Students today depend too much upon ink. They don’t know how to use a pen knife to sharpen a pencil. Pen and ink will never replace the pencil.” (National Association of Teachers, 1907)

“Students today depend upon paper too much. They don’t know how to write on slate without chalk dust all over themselves. They can’t clean a slate properly. What will they do when they run out of paper?” (Principal’s Association, 1815)

“Students today can’t prepare bark to calculate their problems. They depend upon their slates, which are more expensive. What will they do when their slate is dropped and it breaks? They will be unable to write!” (Teachers Conference, 1703)

Google It

When I was growing up, one of my parents' favorite responses to questions was "look it up". I learned a lot about problem solving, finding answers, and a lot of answers to questions by using the dictionary and encyclopedias. Today "look it up" has been replaced by "Google it"...

This link has great tips for how to effectively use Google to find answers to a wide variety of questions, and how to use Google for a wide variety of tasks. Keep clicking the play button to advance the screen, and learn how to go beyond just "looking it up"...

http://prezi.com/mohshuoe-qcf/google-search-tricks

When Elephants Retire

At North we have adopted "Be the Change" as our mission and motto. Founded in our experiences with over 600 students in the Challenge Day program over the past three years, we are committed to the concept of being the change we want to see in the world. Much of the focus of Challenge Day is impressing upon everyone that we are all more alike than we are different, and when we see past superficial differences there is an opportunity to develop special relationships and understandings. This video is a great example of that kind of openness at a basic, natural level.

The Value of Nothing...

In a recent Men's Health magazine article, Mike Zimmerman writes " There are no successful cynics. Think about it: Real success, any way society measures it - money, fame, happiness, family - cannot be achieved in the presence of cynicism." (March 2010, p.94). In a time when bad news is at a premium, and it is more difficult than ever to keep a positive outlook, cynicism is a prevailing outlook. Zimmerman is right though, rarely does one ascend to greatness without a fair amount of idealism and a minimal amount of cynicism.

Oscar Wilde wrote, "A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything but the value of nothing." That thought could be applied to many things I've read recently regarding education. At the local level, the state level, and the national level, funding of education is a concern. Everyone knows the cost (or can figure it out) of paying our educators their salaries and benefits, however ascertaining their value is a murkier proposition. I see newspaper articles, blog posts, television news stories, and any other number of public forums that involve discussions of the "cost" of education. Those stories recently have most commonly focused on what educators cost school districts and governments in terms of salaries, benefits and retirement. Rarely have they focused on the value of these educators.

I encourage everyone to think of the value of a good teacher, a good administrator, a good school secretary, a good school custodian, a good classroom assistant or school security personnel - these are the people who hold our future in their hands as they work with young people. In fact, they are invaluable...

At North we are fortunate to have an exceptional staff. They are caring, committed and extraordinarily knowledgeable and talented. It's hard for anyone to be cynical around people like that - even teenagers. If we want to cultivate great leaders of tomorrow, who will be creative problem solvers, we can't be cynics. We have to be optimists and idealists even when things are tough. We have to focus on value rather than cost. When something is valuable enough, we must find a way to afford it.

That New Car Smell...

I recently purchased a new car, and like all things new it came with an opportunity. An opportunity to keep it clean this time - inside and out, an opportunity to actually keep a scheduled maintenance log, an opportunity to keep the kids from eating in my car this time - in short an opportunity to do car ownership right. Similarly, each new school year, and each new semester gives students and staff an opportunity for a clean slate.

Today marks the first day of second semester, and much is at stake. In some cases college admission or even high school graduations hang in the balance over the next five months. Many of our students start today with a renewed commitment to their school work. It's important that educators and parents partner to keep these efforts to achieve academic success alive so that all of our students put themselves in the best position possible to meet goals they have set.

This morning we had a brief staff gathering in which we stressed the importance of communication. In today's world, with grades and attendance posted online, teacher websites that include assignments and updates, and 24/7 email availability, there is no excuse for anyone involved in a young person's education not to know current information regarding progress. Please know that our teachers, counselors and administrators welcome parent and student communication, and truly want partnerships that work towards a common goal of student achievement. Let us know how we can help.

Hopefully in June this semester will still have that new car smell, and not the odor of a half eaten chicken nugget stuffed between the seats for five months...

The Biggest Losers...

Because of my almost pathological dislike of commercials, and the power afforded by a good remote, I spend much of the little bit I watch television flipping through channels catching snippets of various shows. The other night my kids and I were watching one of their programs, and during the commercial I flipped to the show "The Biggest Loser". Having seen little bits of the show before we were all familiar, but this time became interested and watched for probably twenty minutes. In fact when I tried to turn away from it, all my kids yelled for me to switch back. I asked "why", and my youngest said "Because they're all trying so hard".

It's compelling to watch people try hard, especially when they've overcome odds. The Olympics are coming up, and America's favorite stories are of the underdogs who have overcome great odds to succeed. We love the underdog, even when they've created their own hole (maybe especially then...).

I talked with my kids about the show, and my youngest asked how the contestants became so obese. I told her that some of them probably got into some unhealthy eating habits, didn't exercise, or maybe had health conditions or other problems that led to their overeating. She said "I bet they hated gym. I love gym, but the fat kids hate it."

I asked her why she thought some kids hated gym, and she replied, "Because they aren't good at it." One of my other kids chimed in, "That's why I hate math." Out of the mouths of babes...

It's human nature that we spend more time doing things that we are good at than at things that are difficult. In schools, part of our challenge is to help students overcome their anxiety over working outside comfort zones. Too often we accommodate a student who is unwilling or incapable of working outside a comfortable area.

I have had parents of straight "A" students come to me to tell me that their child is receiving a "B" or "C" in physical education and that grade is ruining their g.p.a. The request is often to remove a student from P.E., waive the requirement, or look for a personal curriculum that will avoid the class. There is public and even educational sympathy for this position. However, the athletically, musically, or artistically gifted student who struggles in math is told to "suck it up" because math is such an important life skill. Schools fail when we fail to educate the "whole" student. Valuing education in one area over another is dangerous.

Renaissance education focused on physical education, and education in the arts as being as important (sometimes more so) as education in reading and mathematics. As states and our nation consider educational reform, or slash school budgets in response to growing financial concern, I worry about the loss of courses in the visual and performing arts, and in physical education.

The biggest losers in some of the budget cuts on the horizon for schools stand to be students who do not get the same kind of "whole" student education our schools have emphasized over time. The responsibility is on educators, parents, school boards and legislators to see to it that we not only turn out a generation of creative problem solvers, but a generation who is healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Quotable...

As a teacher I put "quotes of the week" up on my board each week (or at least when I remembered to...). As a coach I used to give players a note with a quote that was specific to them or our team for inspirational purposes. I often include quotes in staff newsletters, and notes to parents and students, and have books of well-known quotations in my office. Over the years, I have often relied on some of these words to get through tough times, or to help others through tough times.

My wife and I were shopping recently when she came across this Mark Twain quote engraved on a piece of polished wood, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” What a great thought!

It occurred to me that there are certain quotes I always rely on or come back to, and that led me to ponder whether we can define someone's personality or personal philosophy by that which they quote. Here is a collection of my favorites over the years, along with context. Please refrain from psychoanalysis based on my choices:

* "Every year Babe Ruth led the league in home runs, he also led the league in strikeouts." - My friend Chris "Rooster" Daly. Used often to encourage someone to "keep swinging"...

* "It'll feel better when it stops hurting." - My grandfather, James C. Bearden, to help lighten things for someone with a minor scrape or pain (not recommended for serious injury...).

* "Wherever you go, there you are." - Buckaroo Banzai from the movie "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai". Great for signing yearbooks when you really have nothing meaningful to say...

* " What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson - on a plaque my parents gave me that rests on my desk.

* "Fair is not always equal." - Legendary basketball coach John Wooden. Particularly useful if you have kids...

* "All great masters are chiefly distinguished by the powers of adding a second, third and perhaps a fourth step in a continuous line. Many a man has taken the first step. With every additional step you enhance immensely the value of your first." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. A good explanation of the importance of continuing to move forward. I've used it in every personal portfolio I've ever put together.

* "Doh!" - Homer Simpson. No explanation necessary...

* "Good is the enemy of great." - Jim Collins, author of the book Good to Great. A reminder to avoid complacency.

* "We're always modeling whether we realize it or not." - South Principal Al Diver. An especially good reminder for parents and educators.

* "We teach people how to treat us." - another Al Diver quote. A good reminder that others take their cues for how to treat us based on teh way we act and react to things they say and do.

* "Winning is a habit" - Vince Lombardi

* "Be wary of contempt before investigation." - Harry Gossett. Particularly good when you encounter people who never like an idea that is not their own...

* "Nothing more dangerous than an idea when it's the only one you have." - Harry Gossett - fits well with the previous quote...

* "Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda

* "That dog'll hunt." - My friend Bob Kinder, used to describe any good golf shot, or any good attempt at virtually anything...

* "We must be the change we wish to see."- Ghandi

There are many, many more, but you get the idea. Feel free to add your favorites as comments!

Sometimes You Just Gotta Go to Recess...

Yesterday I asked my kids how their school days went. One of them said "It was great - we had double recess!"

My first reaction was a typical principal's thought regarding lost instruction time. I said "Wow... that's cool. Why did you get double recess?".

"My teacher said everyone was stressed out, including her, and we all needed to blow off a little steam, whatever that means."

Smart teacher. Smart teacher with her finger on the pulse of her class. Sometimes we all need a little extra recess.

Lately it seems like all the news both in and out of education is bad. We're seeing a lot of stressed out kids, teachers, administrators and parents. Yesterday our counseling office was full of kids with a wide variety of affective issues. In my twenty plus years in education, I don't think I've ever seen a time when kids felt more uncertainty in their worlds. As adults, both for the kids and ourselves, it's important to take time for a little extra recess now and then.

Remember to take time for yourselves, your kids and everyone's collective sanity. Sometimes taking fifteen minutes to "blow off a little steam" can result in hours of increased productivity. Next time your day is getting you down, find a couple of co-workers or family members to go outside and play a little tag... just might turn things around for you...