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

A PLC in Mumbai

The 11th of November is “National Education Day” in India, and the 14th is “Children’s Day.” The dates for these two events were chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Maulana Abul  Kalam Azad (an eminent educationist and a great leader of India’s freedom  struggle), and Jawaharlal Nehru (India’s first PM) respectively. So, it is fitting … 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

There Are Questions…Then There Are Questions

It all began with a question. “Is there an official time-slot, set aside, for us to do our homework during the tournament?” he asked.  Let me explain: Last week my High School had their annual Activity Fair. This is a 45-minute block of time where coaches and sponsors of the different … Continue reading

Coming of Age

Earlier this week I had a dream in which I was speaking Hindi.  I’m not sure what I said in the dream, since I don’t understand Hindi, but I was most certainly speaking Hindi. India has not only infiltrated my dreams, it’s everywhere. And the longer I spend in Mumbai, … Continue reading

Start-of-School Eve

It’s August 10th. At my school that’s our “Start of the New School Year Eve.” I guess, as the Superintendent of the American School of Bombay, it is appropriate—if not expected—for me to send a note to my faculty and staff tonight.. After all, our students arrive tomorrow, which means: We … Continue reading

Tweets: My Most-Recent Dozen

Below are my last 13 tweets; a baker’s dozen. I post them here, collectively, because when read back-to-back, rather than every other day, they paint a different and perhaps a more interesting picture. Clean up the filth & litter, cut corruption by 50% and India emerges as 1 of the … Continue reading

Bombs Help Build The 21st Century Curriculum

21st Century Curriculum–Designed by 3 Bomb Blasts in Mumbai: Indian authorities have confirmed that on July 13th there were three explosions in Mumbai: At the Opera House district, Jhaveri Bazar, and at Dadar West. India, as we all know—and that’s why many of us have chosen to live, work, and … Continue reading