No "Normal" Brain: Neurodiversity

I have been reading the October 2012 edition of ASCD's publication Educational Leadership.  An article "First Discover Their Strengths" by Thomas Armstrong has intrigued me.  He recommends using the term neurodiversity for learners who struggle rather than deficit terms.  He also suggests ways to build on their strengths.  Armstrong says, "There is no 'typical' mental capacity--no 'normal' brain to which all other brains are compared." 

The Resourceful School

There are some terrific articles in the Dec.2011/Jan. 2012 ASCD Educational Leadership publication.  The theme of this edition is "The Resourceful School."  The article "Turning Crisis into Opportunity" by Naomi Calvo and Karen Hawley Miles focuses on three main strategies in order to more for less:

#1:  Invest in teacher quality
#2:  Give students individual attention
#3:  Maximize the use of time

The article also mentions a number of ideas on where schools can find money. 

Because charter schools receive less money than mainstream public schools it is even more important for us at Esperanza to be wise about the use of money and resources.  Therefore, articles and publications such as this can be extremely helpful.

The Benefits of Coaching

I read the the October 2011 issue of Educational Leadership from ASCD a couple of days ago. The theme of this issue is "Coaching--The New Leadership Skill." In the opening Marge Scherer, the Editor in Chief, states, " The aim of coaching is to get educators to reflect and improve on their theory and practice...and to be open to change their minds." She then states that the authors of the articles in this edition show us that coaching can do the following:

• Boost teacher effectiveness
• Enhance student learning
• Deepen subject expertise
• Improve staff relationships

Because coaching can be so beneficial it is important for all of us at Esperanza (not just the principal) to learn how to be excellent and effective coaches.

Benefits of Membership in Professional Organizations

I recently joined ASCD (formerly Assn. of Supervisory and Curriculum Development). A couple of days ago I received the May 2011 edition of its publication, Educational Leadership. The theme of this edition is school, family, and community partnerships. The articles were excellent! The timing couldn't have been better since Carmen Thompson--one of our Esperanza Board members-- and I are going to be meeting soon about this very topic for Esperanza.

As I ponder on this whole experience a few things come to mind. First, just like any other profession, it is important for our Esperanza educators to belong to professional organizations and read their literature...and even attend conferences and participate in the organization when feasible. It helps us stay on top of what is happening in our profession. We wouldn't want to go to a doctor, dentist, lawyer, etc. who wasn't aware of the latest research. Second, I am amazed that when we have a focused goal how many serendipitous experiences occur. If we didn't have an Esperanza focused goal to be a Community Learning School I'm not sure this recent publication would have caught my attention--at least, not to the degree it did. Third, it is important to share what we learn so we will remember it better. Therefore, not only will Carmen and I be discussing this but I'll make copies of 3 articles from the publication (the allowable amount) to give to our future Esperanza educators. Fourth, a professional publication such as this can lead to more people, books, and other resources that can benefit us.

Obviously educators are extremely busy but it is well worth it to glean from professional organizations.