ASKING QUESTIONS, EXPLORING OPTIONS, CHANGING THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION.
Filed Under: REEP, Shelene Livas
Posted by: Shelene Livas
Last March I began a journey that was more than I ever could have imagined. As a member of Rice REEP’s 3rd cohort, I was given a platform to re-examine some of my views, apply newly acquired knowledge with my students and teammates, and showcase my personal interests and talents. Overall, I feel that the classes, activities and discussions were at times challenging and thought-provoking. However there were a couple of instances that really stood out.
Filed Under: Nancy Arnold, REEP, REEP Graduation
Posted by: Nancy Arnold
Spring is here, graduation is near. Hope springs eternal. Trite but true words that are so appropriate for the upcoming events in May.
These 2012 graduates are about to embark on a new adventure in education. New thoughts, new ideas, new positions, all springing from their work with REEP and with the intention of improving “school” for this century.
We wish them well in their endeavors.
Filed Under: Andrea Hodge, REEP, REEP Blog, REEP Executive Director, Ruth Ann Dandrea
Posted by: Andrea Hodge
I drove to meet friends in New Orleans last weekend. From Houston, this is a six-hour trip, one way. The traffic congestion in Houston took a while to clear but eventually I was on the open road. Mmmm… I really like the open road. You have a broad view of where you are and where you are going (unless you are behind a big SUV). The horizon stretches out before you, you are the master of your destiny and you are going somewhere…
Driving on a longer trip instills a different mindset for me than my usual commuter and errand runs. If something goes wrong, I’m not near anyone I know. So, I make sure that I have enough gas. I check my tires for air. If there is a major item that needs repair, I address it before I leave home. I have a general game plan for my route. And, I set the pace, the starts, the stops and I enjoy the destination.
As I make my way, I get to know other drivers. Sometimes I find a small group of cars who are running the same speed and we form a loose camaraderie. Other times, I drive along independently. As I drove, I was struck with the idea of how this matches education. Do we have a commuter mindset or a long-haul mindset when we think about the education system? Are we even conscious of the difference?
Many educators lament the tests and accountability as the downfall of public education. One friend recently forwarded the blog apology from a teacher in New York State to her students. As I was partially educated in NY (grades 7-12), I read it. Ruth Ann Dandrea wrote:
Filed Under: Assistant Principal Training, K-12 Summer Institute, Professional Developmemt For Principals, REEP, REEP Summer Institute For School Leaders, Rice University
Posted by: REEP/Rice News
Hello REEP Blog Readers. We would like to remind you that we are now accepting applications for the REEP Summer Institute For School Leaders which is scheduled from Sunday, July 8th to Friday, July 20th, 2012 at Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business.
The Summer Institute is widely recongized as one of the THE BEST K-12 professional development programs for the nation. The classes are led by a diverse group of practitioners, scholars, and thought leaders from the worlds of education, business, and leadership.
If you are interested in applying for this program, please read this carefully.
Filed Under: Criativity, Out of Our Minds, REEP, Sir Ken Robinson
Posted by: Andrea Hodge
It has been a week since Sir Ken Robinson came to Houston to share his thoughts on creativity. Apparently, one can’t just imagine good ideas to be considered creative. You actually have to do something with your ideas. I wonder what those of you who attended the lecture (or watched his videos) have taken away from his ideas. Please share!
One idea of many that resonated with me was a quote by Anais Nin: The day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
When I think of this with respect to education, I wonder how long we will tolerate the status quo in many areas before we make a change. Change can be hard. Many factors can contribute to an initiative failing. Leaders take a risk to set a new course.
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Andrea Hodge is the Executive Director of the Rice Education Entrepreneurship Program (REEP) at Rice University.
