With truth (inclusive of scientific knowledge) under assault in what many have called an era “post-truth,” I believe we (those within reach of this post) must decide how to react. We must not fall into a cycle of reflecting only on the actions of others with whom we disagree and over whom we have little […]
Calling Out and Calling On Myself in the Face of the Coronavirus
Schools, school leaders, faculty and staff emphasize topics related to character education because they know strength of character is of vital importance and that it is is too often in short supply. I really hope all that talk has worked. It really needs to have worked. Now more than ever, we need the adults that […]
A Modest, Non-Partisan Proposal: The Politician’s Readiness Exam
Frustrated with the quality of political debate in this country, I have some questions: “what do fully formed, competent politicians look like? Where might we find such people? What characteristics should politicians have regardless of party affiliation? How might we identify appropriate candidates?” I say this not as a condemnation of all people currently filling […]
Place, Connection, and Expectation: Key Ingredients in a Progress Culture
We want kids to have the opportunity to live within and contribute to an extraordinary community of learners, artists, musicians, and athletes. In order to have this chance, students need three things from the school: Place, Connection, and Expectation. The success of a school in creating and maintaining a Progress Culture is rooted in these areas as much […]
Four Pieces on Resilience–Keep a Steady Hand on the Tiller
[Last month I wrote four pieces on Resilience for the Sprinkle-Caldwell Resilience Initiative Executive Writers Series. Watson Jordan who heads Sprinkle-Calwell was kind enough to allow me to repost them here. I have decided to post all four in one place–it is definitely long as blog posts go, but as they fit together, I think […]
Staying Square and Holiday Whiplash: Grateful Presence for the Season
When I give someone such rapt attention, I tend to turn square to them. Like a tennis player prepared to return a vicious serve, I find that my shoulders become parallel to the speaker. I am fully present for them, and the rest of the world melts away in much the same way it does when I am engrossed in a book.