Three nights ago ASB hosted our annual 8th Grade Ceremony. This event symbolizes the “Closing of Middle School,” and the “Beginning of High School,” for our students. The evening showcased two student hosts, and two class speakers. Sitting in the audience, watching and listening to these four fourteen-year-old ‘kids’ (with … Continue reading
Several years ago my brother and I were back in the U.S. visiting our parents. They’d just moved to their new home in Tucson, Arizona. They took us to a get-together in the neighborhood. Neither my brother nor I knew anyone at the party. My mother walked us around the … Continue reading
E. E. Cummings wrote: In 2008, ASB hosted our first Un-Plugged Conference. The conference was born with a two-fold purpose: To showcase, to the world, the ways in which ASB integrates technology into the learning process of our students To engage ASB’s educators in a conversation about the relevant trends … Continue reading
As I continue my tour through college Admissions Offices, I thought I would add some more insights to my last post. During my two hours with members of Duke’s Admissions Office, I asked questions like these: How do you decide whom to admit between so many outstanding applicants? What’s your … Continue reading
Over the last few months I’ve been visiting university Admissions Offices across the United States. My tour is part of the data-collection phase of ASB’s goal: to create the most relevant and effective Center of College and Career Services in the world of international education. “We do not judge applicants … Continue reading
“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. ‘Pooh?’ he whispered. ‘Yes, Piglet?’ ‘Nothing,’ said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand. ‘I just wanted to be sure of you.’” The character of Piglet, in A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Poo, has a very clear idea (as clear an idea as Piglet can have) of who and … Continue reading
Last year I contributed to the ASB Un-Plugged conference by sharing my research, based on data collected from over one hundred current Heads of Schools, to the question: What are the most important and relevant opportunities and challenges facing international schools? Here, in no particular order (except for #1), are: The Top … Continue reading
Remember when Facebook bought Whatsapp for US$19 billion? One analyst said, “Facebook bought Whatsapp so Zuckerburg’s company could become relevant once again.” His comment implies Facebook is no longer relevant. Facebook has dominated the social media market for a decade (ten years is a really long time in the world … Continue reading
I remember a little over a year ago, the many faces of social media (not to mention TV and good ole’ fashion newspapers) were a-buzz with commentary about Amy Chua’s new book. Chua is the Yale professor, and Chinese American, who gained notoriety in 2011 with her book, Battle Hymn … Continue reading
With every year comes the selection process for new hires. Interviewing teachers is a fascinating adventure. Once again, I’m struck by how differently (more powerful and more deeply authentic) the ‘master teachers’ talk to us about education compared to the rest. Truly, I am humbled and inspired by the anecdotes and … Continue reading
