The private sector is more often viewed as the realm that is cutting-edge and creative, not the public sector. But this thinking is more myth than fact. There are countless examples of private sector entities that become stagnant and eventually fail. The reality is that no particular sector has a lock on being innovative and entrepreneurial. These…

In the city of San Jose, more than half of all public school students tested are not proficient in their grade-level skills. This article discusses how school, civic and community leaders have joined forces with the goal of eliminating the achievement gap in San Jose by 2020. This wide and highly inclusive collaboration is made possible by an…

In this article, the authors talk about transforming education that is more than just improving the current educational model. The difference between improving education and transforming it revolves around something that seems too often missing in today's schools: a love of and passion for learning and what can be done with what one learns. The…

In an era characterized by aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment through professional development to increase student achievement, educators have continued to see the achievement gap proliferate. With the move toward the common core and nationalized standards, how teachers educate and what they give students access to in the…

Planning and implementing major innovations in large urban districts can be a daunting and overwhelming idea--particularly when it comes to technology--due to real and perceived obstacles. Added to this challenge is the reality of the worst budget crisis in California history. When students are empowered by full access to technology, learning…

Describes six research-based traits of school culture that affect student achievement: shared vision, traditions, collaboration, shared decision-making, innovation, and communication. Draws practical implications for teachers and administrators. (Contains 17 references.) (PKP)