Transforming Education - Yes, we can.

I recently retired from the classroom, not with the intent to retire from education completely, but to take time to reflect on years of observations and learning and innovations, and share those observations and learning and innovations in order to improve and maximize students' experiences in high school. Young people deserve this.

While working in education, I was provided many opportunities to innovate. Below is a list of observations that we sought to solve. In future posts, I will share more details about each.

Your child's school may address some of these, but does it comprehensively accomplish all of these? If not, it can.

1. When students are seniors, if they plan to attend college, they are faced with writing a 650 word essay that conveys their talents and aspirations for college admissions. If students knew about this essay as early as freshman year, they would be more likely to spend four years mindfully developing their talents.

2. If students do not plan to attend college, thy need to know their options and be prepared to pursue those options.

3. Throughout high school students need exposure to the many careers available to them, so that they can consider their talents and developing their talents for the opportunities that pique their interest.

4. Students also need many opportunities to discover their interests and talents - without the pressure of a grade attached to it.

5. Students need direct instruction and consistent practice in soft-skills - communication, collaboration, critical thinking, character, creativity, confidence - to prepare them for a successful future.

6. Students need to learn how to be creative and practice creativity throughout high school. Never in history has this been more important to their future success than now.

7. All students need direction in finding internships and job shadows; they need to learn how to write a resume and have time to do so; they need direct test prep as long as SAT and ACT are still offered; they need exposure to communicating professionally online; they need instruction and practice in leadership so they can take the lead in life.

8. Students need many more opportunities to network with students outside of their limited social circle. Not knowing and connecting with many people over the course of four years, from various grade levels in a building is a missed opportunity.

9. All students need direct practice in building empathy - for supportive, safer schools and for future success.