ASCD's third annual Whole Child Virtual Conference is a free, online event that provides a forum and tools for schools and districts working toward sustainability and changing school cultures to serve the whole child. Built on the theme, "Moving from Implementation to Sustainability to Culture," the conference will be held May 6–10, with international pre-conference sessions held on Friday, May 3, for Australasian and European audiences. The conference features presentations from renowned speakers, educators, authors, and education experts who have successfully implemented a whole child approach in schools around the world, including ASCD Vision in Action award-winning schools and Whole Child Network schools.
Below, we hear from Finnish educator, ASCD Board member, and Whole Child Virtual Conference presenter Pasi Sahlberg, whose session, "The Finnish Experience and the Whole Child," will be held Wednesday, May 8, 10:00–11:00 a.m. eastern time.
There is a "GERM" spreading across much of the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, and
Set an Authentic and Respectful Tone at the Top
"Tone at the Top" is a key research finding from our Schools of Integrity research project, so we know the vital part leadership plays in the process of building school cultures. Having worked frequently with great school principals who are deliberate and responsible about that role, there are specific qualities we now look for in leadership at our participating Ethical Literacy schools.
Know your philosophy. Leaders who have not developed a philosophy of education will have a hard time being consistent in choices about direction and strategy. While "collaboration" is a key leadership skill for the 21st century, it doesn't mean "being all things to all people." An effective leader is clear and articulate to others about priorities.
Be authentic. Leaders sometimes need moral courage to both develop and stick to a philosophy. Giving lip service to ideas, rather than putting thought and time into arriving at deep understanding, makes leaders vulnerable to the many agendas and influences they face. With authentic philosophical grounding, leaders can
Know your philosophy. Leaders who have not developed a philosophy of education will have a hard time being consistent in choices about direction and strategy. While "collaboration" is a key leadership skill for the 21st century, it doesn't mean "being all things to all people." An effective leader is clear and articulate to others about priorities.
Be authentic. Leaders sometimes need moral courage to both develop and stick to a philosophy. Giving lip service to ideas, rather than putting thought and time into arriving at deep understanding, makes leaders vulnerable to the many agendas and influences they face. With authentic philosophical grounding, leaders can
Heart in the Clouds: Maya Angelou Calls on Educators To Be Somebody’s Rainbow
In March, Maya Angelou greeted 10,000 ASCD Annual Conference attendees in Chicago, Ill., with a song of hope and gratitude:
"When it looked like the sun wouldn’t shine anymore, God put a rainbow in the cloud."
It's not just that we have rainbows in the sky, but in the clouds themselves, she explained. So that even when it seems like the rain won't let up, we have something there to encourage us.
"You have sacrificed a lot to be here," Angelou stated. "I'm here to tell you how grateful I am and remind you that you are rainbows in clouds." She wouldn't be where she is today, she said, if not for the "rainbows" in her life.
Widely known as an author, poet, educator, activist, and actress, the 84-year-old Angelou charmed the packed
Leaders Must Earn Their Stripes Every Day
As a former Air Force squadron commander and Vice Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Academy, believe me, I had already been through a lifetime's worth of leadership training when I moved into the civilian sector as a K–12 school superintendent in 2002. Looking back, however, I must admit that the most challenging leadership issues I have ever faced easily occurred in the last decade.
In the military, discipline and the chain of command are understood from day one, period. If there is to be any loosening of the reins, it can only be initiated from the top. By comparison, managing or leading educators—especially when some personnel may be tenured—requires a much more collaborative style. I liked this change, but in the K–12 community it takes 3–4 times as long to reach consensus than the old top-down military style.
In the military, discipline and the chain of command are understood from day one, period. If there is to be any loosening of the reins, it can only be initiated from the top. By comparison, managing or leading educators—especially when some personnel may be tenured—requires a much more collaborative style. I liked this change, but in the K–12 community it takes 3–4 times as long to reach consensus than the old top-down military style.
The New Poverty: Dealing with Economic Change
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In today’s global economic state, many families and children face reduced circumstances. These "poor kids" don't fit the traditional stereotypes—two-thirds live in families in which at least one adult works, and the percentage of poor students in many rural districts equals that in inner-city districts. In the United States, the economic downturn has dramatically changed the landscape, and districts that were previously vibrant are now dealing with unemployment, underemployment, and more transient families.
In this episode, our guests discuss the implications of this new poverty for schools, many of which have seen
In today’s global economic state, many families and children face reduced circumstances. These "poor kids" don't fit the traditional stereotypes—two-thirds live in families in which at least one adult works, and the percentage of poor students in many rural districts equals that in inner-city districts. In the United States, the economic downturn has dramatically changed the landscape, and districts that were previously vibrant are now dealing with unemployment, underemployment, and more transient families.
In this episode, our guests discuss the implications of this new poverty for schools, many of which have seen