Open Source Education

Why don't we involve coaches, administrators, teachers, AND students in the creation of educational innovation. Imagine the possibilities if students had real, meaningful and actual input into the design of educational innovations. Charles Leadbetter, In a 20 minute presentation at the infamous TED Conference poses this very question. If you've got ideas about how we can act on this, I want to hear from you, and I'll share them here. It just might be that the best ideas about education are in the minds of the students we're teaching everyday.

Cheap books

We're all lifelong learners, and to keep that going, well, we usually like to buy books. The website addall.com is a very useful site that checks the web to find the cheapest copy of the book on line. More books for less cash, you can't beat that.

Free Hugs

Those of you who are familiar with our approach to Instructional Coaching will know that we talk about spreading ideas like a healthy virus. There's a heart-warming video at youtube called free hugs that nicely illustrates that idea. Of course, the video itself, which has been seen by millions (and actually ended up on 60 minutes), is another example of the healthy virus idea.

A New Online Resource

The Oregon State Department of Education has created a valuable website that you might want to check out. They have published presentations and video recordings of many presenters including such people as Don Deshler, Michael Kamil, Elizabeth Moje, Randy Sprick and many, many others (including me). The site, as good websites should, makes it possible for you get the experience of the conference without ever having to leave your home.

A New Valuable Resource on the Web

Sue Keck, who is a ball of fire for coaching, and who oversees a major Pennsylvania Coaching project funded by a $31 million Annenburg Foundation Grant, has created a website that is becoming a very valuable resource for Instructional Coaches. The site www.pacoaching.org contains a resources section, copies of presentations, and podcasts. In the interests of full disclosure I have to admit that Stacy Cohen from the Pathways to Success project is featured in one podcast, and there is another podcast that is an interview of me. I highly recommend the site, (and not just because we're on it!). I am also looking forward to reading Sue's blog just to see what great ideas she lays out for all of us to see. Sue has a lot of good to say. She will also be sharing her ideas and knowledge at our upcoming Instructional Coaching Conference, to be held October 15 - 18 at the Eldridge Hotel in Lawrence.