In my recent posts, I have mentioned the term Deeper Learning. This term was actually coined by the Hewlett Foundation to describe the practice of a network of schools who are “doing school differently.” In this post I would like to describe the aspects of Deeper Learning and give resources for further exploration. The Deeper Learning Network consists of individual … Read More
Connecting Christian Education, CSI History, and Deeper Learning
(In the last two posts I wrote about a student engaged movement that is growing among Christian schools and how this type of education is gaining popularity; it seems to be more congruent with Biblical views of students as image-bearers. In the last post I mentioned several organizations that are offering professional development opportunities in this area of emphasis. I … Read More
Our Quest for Congruence, Part 2: Exciting Developments
A student centered learning movement is emerging in North American Christian education – this is a very exciting development! Now you might say, “Hasn’t Christian education always been about viewing students as image-bearers of God and being student centered?” I would contend, however, from my perspective as a recipient, participant, and observer of Christian education for the past 50 years, … Read More
Our Quest for Congruence, Part 1
It just didn’t feel completely right, but I was acting on a combination of how I had been taught and the current prevailing wisdom, even though I was uncomfortable with the ideas and principles behind what I was doing. How many of us have had this thought as we work in our chosen field of education? We engage in practice … Read More
Covenantal vs. Missional Enrollment, Part 2
In my last blog post, Covenantal vs Missional Enrollment, Part 1, the rationale for a covenant-based enrollment approach was explored. In this post, reasons are explored for Christian day schools to consider using a missional approach to student enrollment. Follow-up questions at the end of the article may be helpful to promote meaningful discussion of this topic, as well as … Read More
Covenantal vs Missional Enrollment, Part 1
Who should be able to enroll in a Christian day school? Today there are differing viewpoints on this topic. In this blog post I hope to explore covenant-based enrollment and next month mission-based enrollment strategies in Christian day schools. In the history of North American Christian education, there has been a strong tradition of covenant-based enrollment of students. By definition … Read More
Teaching, Learning, and the Mind of Christ
It was very interesting to meet this week with the owner of a local architectural firm, who works with building new school buildings and modifying older structures. What was fascinating to me was his role as an agent of change in the teaching and learning process. It struck me how he could be an external, disruptive force for change – … Read More
What’s Going to be Different this School Year? 10 Questions for Christian School Leaders to Consider.
Dear School Leader, As you get on the train or jet (choose your metaphor!) called school and get it rolling toward take-off, I would like to pose ten questions for consideration: 1. Will students and parents clearly see how passion, mission, people, and practice all come together at your school this year? Is what you are doing distinctively Christian? 2. … Read More
Teacher Evaluation from a Christian Perspective
What we believe about humans as image-bearers is made manifest in our professional development systems: if we say all people can learn, we should put in place systems of evaluation/professional growth processes that demonstrate that belief and promote growth.
The Problem with Teacher Evaluation Today
As a more than casual observer of the teacher evaluation and teacher professional growth scene over the last thirty years, I feel a deep sense of discouragement about this aspect of our profession. The current national situation in teacher evaluation seems to indicate that we are likely to repeat past mistakes. Why do we keep trying to quantify, rank, and … Read More