This chapter opens with the question, “What makes a mind come alive?” It is an apropos question that is all to often left out of discussions about education and education reform. At Mission Hill it is central to the development of educational experiences for students. Check out this chapter that explores the idea of creating opportunities for students to create, … Read More
A Year at Mission Hill, Chapter 2: Beginning the Year
Chapter 2 of A Year at Mission Hill takes us to the start of the year, or as many educators see it, the laying of the foundation. While educators recognize the importance of reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic, many see the first days of school as tone setters. In this, the educators at Mission Hill work to build community amongst themselves … Read More
“To This Day” Project (Amazing Video)
Shane Koyczan — spoken word poet, writer, and performer — was the first Canadian to win the National Poetry Slam in 2000. That success portended the recent virality of “To This Day,” an emotional and passionate exploration of bullying, victimhood, and the ongoing struggle to heal wounds so as to not be defined by them. One of the many beautiful … Read More
A Year at Mission Hill Chapter 1
Below is the first chapter of a remarkable video series: A Year at Mission Hill. The premise, as described on the project’s site, is simple: Ten videos. One year. A public school trying to help children learn and grow. The national conversation we need to be having. What goes into creating a powerful learning environment for children and adults? Meet … Read More
10 Steps to Equity in Education
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which works to “promote the policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world,” published a Policy Briefing titled, “Ten Steps to Equity in Education.” The briefing (which you can read in its entirety here) lays out some of the basic policies necessary for achieving equity in … Read More
Schoolhouse vs Jailhouse Infographic
The schoolhouse to jailhouse pipeline continues to plague our society. The causes for the criminalization of our youth are many, complex, and solvable. Whether we are transforming norms in our schools or implementing larger social justice policies, we must engage students in ways that build their strengths, confidence, and overall well-being. A good place to start is by dialoguing about … Read More
Chris Emdin on Hip-hop, Obama Effect & Urban Science Education
Below is a short video of Chris Emdin, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Teachers College, Columbia University. In it he lays out some of the intersections of urban education, hip hop and the potential impact of President Obama on the black youth of today. These are important considerations to wrestle with as we look … Read More
Before I die I want to . . .
Creating discussions and constructive conversations that lead to transformational learning necessitates we generate experiences that reframe our perspective on our world. Sometimes this can happen in surprising and spontaneous ways that build community. Candy Chang created just such an event in her neighborhood in New Orleans when she painted an abandoned house with chalkboard paint and then stenciled “Before I … Read More
