It is safe to say that the 2015-16 school year has begun in most schools across North America. In several of the Midwest states, legislation was passed to move back the first day of school. Iowa legislators decided that August 23 is the first day that schools may officially begin. The City of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, allowed citizens to … Read More
Positive Intersections
As a former driver’s education instructor, intersections were typically the most exciting part of the job. Riding alongside rookie drivers as they figured out who arrived at the four-way stop first, who was on the right, or how to navigate those unique intersections where cross-traffic did not stop, tended to provide some interesting interactions. Great decisions needed to be made at … Read More
What is the Purpose of Education?
As you enjoy reading this summer, I would like to recommend the book, Desiring the Kingdom by James K.A. Smith (2009), Baker Publishing: Grand Rapids, MI. I would venture a guess that every philosophy of education class, at one point during the semester, asks the question, “What is the purpose of education?” The answer to this question will reveal a … Read More
Networking…Developing…Innovating
This month marks the end of year one at the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education. We have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to. What challenges would you like CACE to address? What would you like us to blog about? How can we best serve you in the year ahead? Please take three minutes to complete a short survey to help CACE better meet the needs of our readers and fulfill our mission to network, develop, and innovate.
The Right People in the Right Seats
Jim Collins, in his book “Good to Great”, created several phrases that have become part of our institutional vocabulary. Expressions such as “The Hedgehog Concept”, “Turning the Flywheel”, and “Level 5 Leadership” have been used (and probably overused) in the last ten years. My personal favorite for schools, however, is “Getting the Right People on the Bus.” I like this … Read More
Education Savings Accounts
Education Savings Accounts – Do I want one? Education savings accounts may be the best vehicle for supporting school choice. Take three minutes and watch this video from the Wall Street Journal to become better educated about ESAs as an opportunity to put educational responsibility back in the hands, heads, and hearts of parents.
The Intermountain Christian Story: Culture Making II
To evaluate a school’s culture, one must first understand the essence or the way of being of the institution. Why do we do the things we do? What do our habits say about who we are and what we value? What practices have become entrenched in our school? In what ways have we become robot-like in the way we do … Read More
Score Group 1: Mission-Based Budgeting
On February 2-4, 2015 six heads of school gathered in Orlando, FL to think deeply about the concept of mission-based budgeting. Also in attendance were several board members and school finance officers. Below are two ideas that surfaced during our time together (more to come in later blogs): 1) Three Levers – Jake Becker, Head of School at The City School, shared a … Read More
2014 Year in Review
On behalf of Sid & Carol Verdoorn and the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education, we offer our 2014 year in review. It has been a wonderful first year, filled with blessings and opportunities to advance the cause of Christian education. We look forward to continued conversations and partnerships with you as we seek to advocate for, promote, sustain, and innovate Christian education throughout North America. May God continue to bless your work as ambassadors in His Kingdom. Happy New Year!
The Intermountain Christian Story: Culture Making
The task of creating a school culture is not easy. I could probably stop with that statement and you could begin a vigorous debate with school friends about your school’s culture. Lots of questions surround this topic: Is school culture different than school climate? Can you measure a school’s culture or is it simply something you feel? Can you really … Read More