Mr. Z's Lifelong Educational Leader Blog: NASSP Day #2: Powered by Optimism

Gaylord National Harbor Conference Center

Beach sculptures @ National Harbor

Thursday was the Breaking Ranks Schools Showcase, which is a group of schools from across the country which are recognized as the most high performing and innovative schools in the United States. These schools were all truly Powered by Optimism! Each school believed in public education and believed each student could be successful. Although each school was very different in size, demographics, and location the main beliefs and goals were still the same. All schools had a strong system to allow for student voice in school, all believed in the power of technology to transform education, and all believed in each student needing to have a personal connection with at least one adult in their schools. Beverly HS in Massachusetts, WM Hays Composite School in New York, & Pittsfield High School in New Hampshire all had great presentations that included students. I love hearing about the programs other schools are using and how many of the things we are doing at LCC are the same things that these schools are doing.

I left the Successful Schools Showcase feeling like we are on the right track. These schools all were optimistic, just like I feel we are at LCC. They strive to improve each day and have a willingness to change, just like LCC.

For the evening we had two great keynote sessions. One of them by Scott Klosoky one of the leading technology innovators and entrepreneurs in the country. He spent lots of time talking about gaining technology mastery and using technology to its fullest potential. He talked about being high beam leaders who were constantly pushing forward with new ways to integrate technology.

Arne Duncan, Secretary of the Department of Education spoke and answered audience questions at the last session of the night. He laid out Obama's education plans for the the 2nd term and talked about the reinventing of america's high schools.

I met some young principals from Texas during one of my sessions yesterday and had dinner with them at Nandos Peri-Peri. Nandos is an African wood grill restaurant specializing and had a awesome, but very spicy grilled chicken and rice dish.

I left yesterday knowing that I have two things I need to ensure and work to continually develop at LCC. I need to be the leader who is more systematic in my use of student voice in decision making, and I need to figure out a way for each student to have a personal connection with one adult in our school system.

Lots of great sessions on Friday and then an opportunity to meet with our entire Nebraska Principals Group for the evening.