Comments for Santa Fe Leadership Center http://santafelead.org A Nonprofit Organization Serving School Leaders Through Professional Growth Opportunities Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:26:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Technology in schools: Getting over the either/or debate by Stephen http://santafelead.org/2011/10/technology-in-schools-getting-over-the-eitheror-debate/#comment-878 Stephen Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:26:22 +0000 http://santafelead.org/?p=726#comment-878 Having sent both my sons to Waldorf school (pre-school through high school), I have read many of these blogs that are reactions to the recent New York Times article. The only thing I universally agree with, is that the article was poorly written. It did not come close to describing the intent of Waldorf Education. Other than that, I believe in the Waldorf approach 100 percent. Technology is not rejected at Waldorf schools. It is introduced sparingly in 8th grade and freely used in high school. It is totally absent in the lower grades. Why? It's simple. Technology is an age appropriate tool. Ms. Silver might have missed the point as she read the article. A car is technology, but we don't let an 8 yr old drive. Why? Because an 8 yr old does not have the motor function, peripheral awareness or mental concentration to operate a vehicle. The same is true with computers. I recently observed a 2 yr old with an Ipad. He was engaged, wide eyed and adept. But when I said hello, he did not even look up. Why? Because a 2 yr old has the developing brain of a 2 yr old and is not ready to absorb the electronic pixilated images. He looked confused. So if we introduce computers to school age children say in 5th grade, then why not 4th grade or third, etc. I am a technologist! I work in fiber optics. I use technology. I believe in technology. I even have the hope that technology can save us from ruination. But I also truly believe that a child, for as long as he or she needs to, should be allowed to be a child and not adultified in order for us to feel good that our children will be able to compete in today's high tech world. I also disagree with the sooner than later approach. Many of the blogs and comments out there state that Waldorf students most likely will be left behind, have difficulty in higher education, and will not be able to get into good colleges. At the Waldorf school I am associated with, the graduating class of 2010 had a whopping 19 graduates of whom 17 went on to college immediately. (yes most waldorf high schools are small) The list of acceptances was impressive and included NYU, Princeton, Oberlin, Cornell, Beloit, University of Colorado, Savannah School of the Arts and on. This doesn't prove anything but at least illustrates that Waldorf Education must be doing something right. Having sent both my sons to Waldorf school (pre-school through high school), I have read many of these blogs that are reactions to the recent New York Times article. The only thing I universally agree with, is that the article was poorly written. It did not come close to describing the intent of Waldorf Education. Other than that, I believe in the Waldorf approach 100 percent. Technology is not rejected at Waldorf schools. It is introduced sparingly in 8th grade and freely used in high school. It is totally absent in the lower grades. Why? It’s simple. Technology is an age appropriate tool. Ms. Silver might have missed the point as she read the article. A car is technology, but we don’t let an 8 yr old drive. Why? Because an 8 yr old does not have the motor function, peripheral awareness or mental concentration to operate a vehicle. The same is true with computers. I recently observed a 2 yr old with an Ipad. He was engaged, wide eyed and adept. But when I said hello, he did not even look up. Why? Because a 2 yr old has the developing brain of a 2 yr old and is not ready to absorb the electronic pixilated images. He looked confused. So if we introduce computers to school age children say in 5th grade, then why not 4th grade or third, etc. I am a technologist! I work in fiber optics. I use technology. I believe in technology. I even have the hope that technology can save us from ruination. But I also truly believe that a child, for as long as he or she needs to, should be allowed to be a child and not adultified in order for us to feel good that our children will be able to compete in today’s high tech world. I also disagree with the sooner than later approach. Many of the blogs and comments out there state that Waldorf students most likely will be left behind, have difficulty in higher education, and will not be able to get into good colleges. At the Waldorf school I am associated with, the graduating class of 2010 had a whopping 19 graduates of whom 17 went on to college immediately. (yes most waldorf high schools are small) The list of acceptances was impressive and included NYU, Princeton, Oberlin, Cornell, Beloit, University of Colorado, Savannah School of the Arts and on. This doesn’t prove anything but at least illustrates that Waldorf Education must be doing something right.

]]> Comment on Technology in schools: Getting over the either/or debate by Gary Gruber http://santafelead.org/2011/10/technology-in-schools-getting-over-the-eitheror-debate/#comment-876 Gary Gruber Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:04:27 +0000 http://santafelead.org/?p=726#comment-876 Yes! Technology is a tool and one that kids (and adults) need if they are to succeed or even survive in today's world, never mind tomorrow. This 75 yr old just succumbed to an IPhone and have to say that it's the berries! So, best to know how to use the tools with the greatest skill. And, one of the better comments I've heard lately is the observation that schools are still organized around the 20th or even 19th century manufacturing models, the factory version, and if you want a visual commentary from one of the best, look up Ken Robinson's latest on You Tube! That nails it IMHO! Yes! Technology is a tool and one that kids (and adults) need if they are to succeed or even survive in today’s world, never mind tomorrow. This 75 yr old just succumbed to an IPhone and have to say that it’s the berries! So, best to know how to use the tools with the greatest skill. And, one of the better comments I’ve heard lately is the observation that schools are still organized around the 20th or even 19th century manufacturing models, the factory version, and if you want a visual commentary from one of the best, look up Ken Robinson’s latest on You Tube! That nails it IMHO!

]]> Comment on Technology in schools: Getting over the either/or debate by Ira David Socol http://santafelead.org/2011/10/technology-in-schools-getting-over-the-eitheror-debate/#comment-867 Ira David Socol Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:44:58 +0000 http://santafelead.org/?p=726#comment-867 Thank you. This is an absurd faux conflict. Technology is a tool set. If used well a door opening tool set. But tools and play, creativity, imagination are in no way mutually exclusive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8waKT0qzAy0&feature=youtube_gdata_player Thank you. This is an absurd faux conflict. Technology is a tool set. If used well a door opening tool set. But tools and play, creativity, imagination are in no way mutually exclusive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8waKT0qzAy0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

]]> Comment on Contact Us by Brendan Sullivan http://santafelead.org/contact-us/#comment-823 Brendan Sullivan Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:26:02 +0000 http://santafelead.org/#comment-823 This month of October marks the date of our tenth-year anniversary, at which I'm expected to deliver a short address and to present notes of recognition for our founding Board members. This most recent SFLC newsletter is right on time: its content gives me a solid footing for putting together what I want to say; it is a reminder that our history--only ten years in the making--is still nonetheless rich in the events and people of the past decade, and full of promise for years to come. Thank you! This month of October marks the date of our tenth-year anniversary, at which I’m expected to deliver a short address and to present notes of recognition for our founding Board members. This most recent SFLC newsletter is right on time: its content gives me a solid footing for putting together what I want to say; it is a reminder that our history–only ten years in the making–is still nonetheless rich in the events and people of the past decade, and full of promise for years to come. Thank you!

]]> Comment on Why Every School Leader Should Watch Glee by Gary Gruber http://santafelead.org/2011/10/why-every-school-leader-should-watch-glee/#comment-794 Gary Gruber Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:05:41 +0000 http://santafelead.org/?p=641#comment-794 Why did this remind me of that 1986 film, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and do I really have to watch Glee? Why did this remind me of that 1986 film, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and do I really have to watch Glee?

]]> Comment on Boundary Management: Good Fences Make Good Leaders? by Gary Gruber http://santafelead.org/2011/08/boundary-management-good-fences-make-good-leaders/#comment-623 Gary Gruber Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:20:33 +0000 http://santafelead.org/?p=598#comment-623 That I did! Thanks for the reference. I recommend making appointments with yourself on a regular basis, not only for reflection and regrouping but sometimes just for a few hours of reading and thinking. Why wait until the end of the day when you're tired from a full calendar of meetings and managing and leading? Sometimes early morning is the best time of all, at least for me. That I did! Thanks for the reference. I recommend making appointments with yourself on a regular basis, not only for reflection and regrouping but sometimes just for a few hours of reading and thinking. Why wait until the end of the day when you’re tired from a full calendar of meetings and managing and leading? Sometimes early morning is the best time of all, at least for me.

]]> Comment on How are you using Design Thinking In Your School? by carla http://santafelead.org/2011/05/how-are-you-using-design-thinking-in-your-school/#comment-619 carla Wed, 31 Aug 2011 03:59:56 +0000 http://santafelead.org/?p=549#comment-619 Cameron, looking forward to seeing how this goes. Matt Pearson at MCDS is doing some cool things as is Don Orth, the new IT Director at Hillbrook. Would love to talk more about this with you as it is a personal interest. Hope the start of the school year is smooth. Let's connect personally and professionally. I would love to see Cheryl, Maya and Dylan! Cameron, looking forward to seeing how this goes. Matt Pearson at MCDS is doing some cool things as is Don Orth, the new IT Director at Hillbrook. Would love to talk more about this with you as it is a personal interest.

Hope the start of the school year is smooth. Let’s connect personally and professionally. I would love to see Cheryl, Maya and Dylan!

]]> Comment on Women in School Leadership Positions by Gary Gruber http://santafelead.org/2011/07/women-in-school-leadership-positions/#comment-498 Gary Gruber Sat, 16 Jul 2011 12:14:28 +0000 http://santafelead.org/?p=564#comment-498 This may sound a bit on the sexist side, but having worked with some extraordinarily competent women over the years, knowing others in various fields and listening to the struggles, including those of my own professional daughters, here's my take. As long as it's the women who are having the children and being seen as the primary caregivers for their children, there will be inevitable conflicts between work outside the home and trying to be supermom at home with children and a husband. There are plenty of examples of women doing it all and most of them will say that at some point they either compromised or paid a price but they had to make choices that were not always easy or necessarily made everyone happy. Men have a role in all of this too whether at home or in supporting that professional woman in whatever ways are most helpful and productive. For one story currently being circulated, check out the profile on Sheryl Sandburg in recent issue of The New Yorker magazine. This may sound a bit on the sexist side, but having worked with some extraordinarily competent women over the years, knowing others in various fields and listening to the struggles, including those of my own professional daughters, here’s my take. As long as it’s the women who are having the children and being seen as the primary caregivers for their children, there will be inevitable conflicts between work outside the home and trying to be supermom at home with children and a husband. There are plenty of examples of women doing it all and most of them will say that at some point they either compromised or paid a price but they had to make choices that were not always easy or necessarily made everyone happy. Men have a role in all of this too whether at home or in supporting that professional woman in whatever ways are most helpful and productive. For one story currently being circulated, check out the profile on Sheryl Sandburg in recent issue of The New Yorker magazine.

]]> Comment on How are you using Design Thinking In Your School? by Cameron Moredock http://santafelead.org/2011/05/how-are-you-using-design-thinking-in-your-school/#comment-252 Cameron Moredock Mon, 16 May 2011 18:44:51 +0000 http://santafelead.org/?p=549#comment-252 I was excited to see the topic of "Design Thinking" up on the SFLC site. I think one of the most undersold benefits of teaching with the design process is the acceptance of failure as a valid and meaningful outcome. The iterative nature of the process encourages risk taking, and validates mistakes as a benefit. In Scientific Method, a similarly iterative process, we learn that being incorrect in our hypothesis is ok, as it invalidates our understanding, and focuses our next idea. Being successful in a first attempt often discourages any form of reflection. I am hoping to start a small design process with our kindergarten classes. By using blocks (Kappla or CitiBlocs) and a play centered curriculum, build lesson plans that will have kids experience failure, with an emphasis on reflection/refinement and an eventual side-effect of achieving success. I see this as a "Field of Dreams": Let them build it, have it fail, and build it again, undaunted by the possibility of failure. I was excited to see the topic of “Design Thinking” up on the SFLC site. I think one of the most undersold benefits of teaching with the design process is the acceptance of failure as a valid and meaningful outcome. The iterative nature of the process encourages risk taking, and validates mistakes as a benefit. In Scientific Method, a similarly iterative process, we learn that being incorrect in our hypothesis is ok, as it invalidates our understanding, and focuses our next idea. Being successful in a first attempt often discourages any form of reflection.

I am hoping to start a small design process with our kindergarten classes. By using blocks (Kappla or CitiBlocs) and a play centered curriculum, build lesson plans that will have kids experience failure, with an emphasis on reflection/refinement and an eventual side-effect of achieving success. I see this as a “Field of Dreams”: Let them build it, have it fail, and build it again, undaunted by the possibility of failure.

]]> Comment on Another Model Minority Myth: The Reign of the Tiger Mother by Shindy Johnson http://santafelead.org/2011/04/another-model-minority-myth-the-reign-of-the-tiger-mother-2/#comment-206 Shindy Johnson Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:29:48 +0000 http://santafelead.org/?p=532#comment-206 My husband bought and read the book. Before reading the book myself, and based on Chua's radio interviews I had begun defiantly calling myself "Tiger Mom" and feeling that she was right about over-permissiveness in western culture replacing a demand for excellence from our children. I felt - based on the interviews that it was not only a "Chinese" approach but one that I could identify with as a Guyanese mom... THEN I read the book myself... and was horrified to discover a mostly megalomaniacal approach to parenting - an approach whose primary purpose seems to be to serve Chua's own ego. More than anything, she seems to deeply feel that her children are first and foremost an extension of herself and the absolute control she exerts over them coupled with her vanity concerning their accomplishments seems almost perverse. I can see no room in Chua's style for the child itself. She seems obsessed with creating surrogate Amys. Quite a lot to digest especially when Chua serves it up with generous helpings of braggadocio about the important people she has interfaced with and the fabulous places she and her family have visited. (Pass me the pepto bismol). As I said to my husband - the Yale/Harvard/put-your-ivy-league-of-choice-here freshman classes are not made up solely of young people who are carbon copies of Chua's ideal type of product (...offspring?) This simple fact makes the case that multiple approaches to parenting and education produce smart, capable, accomplished youth.... Now, can we talk about the type of human beings we want our children to be... their resumes not withstanding? Shindy My husband bought and read the book. Before reading the book myself, and based on Chua’s radio interviews I had begun defiantly calling myself “Tiger Mom” and feeling that she was right about over-permissiveness in western culture replacing a demand for excellence from our children. I felt – based on the interviews that it was not only a “Chinese” approach but one that I could identify with as a Guyanese mom…

THEN I read the book myself… and was horrified to discover a mostly megalomaniacal approach to parenting – an approach whose primary purpose seems to be to serve Chua’s own ego. More than anything, she seems to deeply feel that her children are first and foremost an extension of herself and the absolute control she exerts over them coupled with her vanity concerning their accomplishments seems almost perverse. I can see no room in Chua’s style for the child itself. She seems obsessed with creating surrogate Amys.

Quite a lot to digest especially when Chua serves it up with generous helpings of braggadocio about the important people she has interfaced with and the fabulous places she and her family have visited. (Pass me the pepto bismol).

As I said to my husband – the Yale/Harvard/put-your-ivy-league-of-choice-here freshman classes are not made up solely of young people who are carbon copies of Chua’s ideal type of product (…offspring?) This simple fact makes the case that multiple approaches to parenting and education produce smart, capable, accomplished youth….

Now, can we talk about the type of human beings we want our children to be… their resumes not withstanding?

Shindy

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