Nurturing and Encouraging Creativity

A little less than two years ago, I was in Katmandu for a leadership conference along with 400 educators. It was then that I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Douglas Reeves’ presentation: How to Value, Nurture and Encourage Creativity. Here, without any interpretation, commentary, or contextualization from me, … Continue reading

Finding the Right School For Your Children

Originally published on September 22, 2013. After receiving several enticing responses on excellence in education, I thought today I should touch on “school choice.” The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a global leader in research and advocacy for educational excellence, recently published the results of their survey: What Parents Want: Education Preferences … Continue reading

21st Century Excellence in Education

This morning I awoke to the music my wife was listening to whilst running on the treadmill. It was Irene Cara singing her iconic song “Fame.” A song about kids with big dreams; dreams of being famous entertainers. The song goes like this: I’m gonna live forever  I’m gonna learn … Continue reading

Developing Graduates and Institutions That Understand

Today’s thought is about authenticity. While reading Harvard Business Review’s Management Tip of the Day, I am no longer surprised to find myself thinking about ASB’s Early Childhood Curriculum (not to mention the rest of our school’s standards and benchmarks). Today’s tip is a great example. It is adapted from “To Be Authentic,” by … Continue reading

Tragedy in Newton

Originally published on December 16, 2012 “Why?” That’s what our children are asking us today. Why did a 20 year-old boy walk into a peaceful elementary school, in Newtown Connecticut, and kill 30 people? According to Renee Burns, a teacher in Newtown, “Stuff like this doesn’t happen in Newtown.” But … Continue reading

Sacred Ground

Originally published on October 6, 2012. The definition of “Holy” for the purpose of this post is: Entitled to veneration and respect by association with divine things Pertaining to or connected with sacred objects, people, or books Reverently dedicated to some person, purpose, or object Nine years ago, my middle … Continue reading

Two Fundamental Questions

Two of the most fundamental questions for school communities to ask of themselves, to be able to answer, and to effectively respond to are: 1.     What are the most important skills for students to learn? 2.     Are these skills being taught and learned in school? Hart Research Associates, a leading survey-research firm … Continue reading

More on the Messi Analogy–Students of International Schools

Let’s begin with this precious nugget: “Craig, I love the Messi analogy, and I agree. I think it serves as a metaphor for so many of the children in international schools. Our son, who although a New Zealander, was born in Italy, and he insists on being ‘Italian.’ He always … Continue reading

The Messi In Our Schools

As you all SHOULD know, Kolkata hosted a friendly soccer match between the national teams of Argentina and Venezuela last week. Here’s a quote from the Sports’ Section of the Times of India: “Lionel Messi, although an Argentine by birth, no longer plays soccer like an Argentine.  Having grown up … Continue reading