For the last 15 years, the author's firm has been helping organizations become healthier and maximize their human potential by using the model outlined in his latest book, "The Advantage," which is the culmination of his previous books and models. Schools and school districts have embraced the model and enjoyed the competitive advantage…

A story about superintendents hired to manage two districts finds they exercise good organizational skills--and a lot of hustle--to succeed in this unique role. They don't discount the downsides and do question the money savings involved. Superintendents doing double duty is nothing new, particularly among the hundreds of small districts scattered…

Business and industry leaders do not flinch at the idea of placing top talent in struggling departments and divisions. This is not always the case in public education. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools made a bold statement to its community in its strategic plan by identifying two key reform levers--(1) an effective principal leading each school;…

Finding, keeping and supporting great educators presents the single biggest challenge to successful school turnarounds. Without teachers and administrators who bring the needed combination of skills and passion, nothing else will achieve the desired effect. The turnaround model supported by the U.S. Department of Education School Improvement Grant…

The Courageous Journey was, for the author, more than an official state endorsement for the professional position she holds as a district superintendent. It was a personal journey that gave her far more than she can illustrate in her final exhibition to earn her performance-based specialty superintendent endorsement. It began in August of 2005…

This article presents 10 related questions on which Heartland Area Education Agency in Iowa base their approach for developing a response to intervention (RTI) framework. These questions are drawn from the National Association of State Directors of Special Education's publication "Response to Intervention Blueprint for Implementation."…

In schools around the country, Gen Xers, Millennials, Baby Boomers, and even a Veteran or two are working side by side. While anyone holding a job in this shaky economy is grateful, gratitude does not make generational clashes less difficult. Adding to the mix, many Baby Boomers initially poised for a mass exodus by 2010 are holding on for dear…

Green design, green construction and green operations for new buildings are rapidly becoming the norm for school districts throughout the country. Today, increased availability of green products and technology coupled with cost savings that are realized through an integrated design process mean that schools like Arabia Mountain High School can be…

The Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) works with administrators and teachers to build their skills in research-based ELL strategies that can be implemented in general education settings. This article discusses the five key elements that guide the work of the academies. These are: (1) Assemble a strong leadership team; (2)…

Briefly describes how school boards and superintendents can work together as a team to improve the quality of education. References "Team Leadership for Student Achievement," a new book developed through the collaborative efforts of the American Association of School Administrators and the National School Boards Association. (PKP)

Time blocks' learning value can be increased markedly by helping staff develop brain-compatible teaching strategies. Teachers should establish relevance; hook students with short video sequences, dramatic skits, and simulations; schedule at least two learning activities per session; and capitalize on pulsed learning sequences, cooperative teaming,…

Curriculum integration is a systemic phenomenon that traverses both traditional and nontraditional territories. Scottsdale (Arizona) Public Schools' strategic plan includes curriculum integration elements in seven categories--community relations, curriculum and instruction, funding, human resources, management, communication, and technology. The…

The most frequently used cooperative learning models feature five common components: heterogeneous teams, teammate interdependence, team interdependence, accountability, and activity appropriateness. These elements are explained to assist supervisors desiring to evaluate teachers using cooperative learning methods. Includes seven references. (MLH)

Biggest obstacle to Eugene, Oregon's plans to integrate middle school curricula is finding time to enable staff to develop a common vision of the future to build upon. Despite adoption of a flexible scheduling pattern, more time is needed for staff development, training, and cooperative instructional unit development. Creating teaching teams to…

Identifies 10 educational restructuring components: setting a clear school mission; reorganizing the school to fit the mission, realigning curriculum, instruction, and assessment; enhancing the teaching profession; building collaborative relationships; initiating school-centered decision making; increasing parent and community involvement;…