As I study the Education profession, work within schools and visit schools, I’m more convinced that Christian schools need to mind more attention to “how” they do the work of schooling. Most schools can show me a mission or vision statement on a wall or recite for me a motto of and for why they exist. I explored this in … Read More
Leading Innovation: Developing an Innovative Culture, Part 3
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” – Anne Ritchie This common proverb outlines the greatest issue facing innovative leaders today: the difference between implementing an innovative idea and developing an innovative culture. The former is akin to giving a man a fish, … 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
The Future of Christian Schooling
When I think about the future of Christian schools, I am conflicted. I look at the American political and theological landscape and wonder where we will be ten years from now. Over the past decade we have seen more than 25% of all Christian schools in the United States close their doors and shutter their windows, never to open again. … Read More
Leading Innovation: The Process, Part 2
As we have seen, having and communicating an innovative vision are essential. The next step to leading innovation is implementing the vision. This stage is often the most challenging because it immediately and clearly affects the status quo. In general, my innovation experience has boiled down to the following five stages: research, pilot, execute, evaluate, and back to the beginning. … Read More
Leading Innovation, Part 1
Most of us aspire to be innovative leaders. The push for 21st century learning, coupled with the technological revolution, has advanced the awareness of innovation and has propelled innovation to the fore as a leadership ideal. In the coming months, we will highlight a variety of different innovations affecting Christian education. Before we explore individual innovations, we will consider the … Read More
Navigating the Ed Policy Storms: Why Does Your School Exist?
Over the past few months I have shared my thoughts on the chaos that current education policy has both become and created (“Ed Policy Chaos: Why It Matters”). My argument is that charter schools are not a viable option to those of us who support greater levels of educational choice within the American education system (Part I and Part II). … 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
What Do We Deserve?
I recently read two articles that spurred my thinking on this “what do we deserve?” as it relates to Christian schools. I don’t want these sources to take responsibility for my thinking, but I do want to acknowledge them. Chad Dirkse, recently wrote a blog on the CACE website entitled, “But I’ve Earned the Right To…” It was a great reminder of … Read More
The Call of Cardus
Most Christian schools I know have similar elements in their mission statements. Usually there is a part about spiritual development – its Christian after all. There is also some acknowledgement about academics given that we’re talking about school. And then there is life or culture component, a nod to the impact of the school beyond graduation. These statements also contribute … Read More