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© 2011-2023 Kathleen Wright

Don’t Archive Just Yet: In memoriam (2011-2016) when we had a real US Department of Education

Reflections of an Urban Educator…teacher, nurse, and business woman seeking broad access to excellence in education for all children and effective support systems for sustainable continuous quality improvement for the adults.

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Or check out highlights from SchoolsRetooled, including excerpts from a new work-in-progress below:

Renewing the American Education Delivery System

Becoming a Single Delivery System Comprising Many Modalities

Introduction

 No Fault Education Policy

1-minute PowerPoint on 8 Essentials for Education Delivery System Reform

Table: State Vs Federal Role in Education

If Not Now…When?

Special Ed: The Kids Stay in the Picture

Pension Debacle Demands Resolution

Affordable Healthcare Benefits for Employees and Retirees

Colleges Need to Get Real

Appendices

My Philosophy of Education

On College Readiness

Very dry, non-hysterical take on testing addressed to Senate Education Committee Member, the super-cool Honorable Al Franken

Hot Topics

2011 Draft:  Seven Keys to Education Reform
This pocket book explores key levers of change to eliminate the data limitations, institutional myopia, bureaucratization, and mismatch between mission and incentives that interfere with sustainable reform of elementary and secondary education in the US.  Download:  Seven Keys to Education Reform

Why College Readiness?
Many well-meaning observers challenge the goal of college readiness for all high school graduates. While it is valid that alternate paths deserve consideration, critical thinking is required for success in all walks of life. read more…

Accountabilities – Securing the Floor to Raise the Ceiling
When you bump your head on the ceiling, it’s the designer’s fault. When you bump your head on the floor, you may need to look in the mirror. It’s that way with student test scores, too. No one ever said that accountability testing was designed to limit how high achievement could get; rather, it was to ensure that no child was left behind because he or she was unprepared for the next level on the climb to the top. read more…

 From Instructional Leader to General Manager 
As reform-oriented superintendents experiment with new budget formulas, a dramatic shift toward decentralization of school funding and decision-making is emerging. The model makes good sense for management of 21st century schools. However, one may wonder if traditional training in instructional leadership will be adequate preparation for school leaders. read more…

Education leadership is being given an injection of general management training as traditional schools of education are realizing synergies with business school partners at leading institutions. Instructional leadership will not take a back seat, but there should be real gains in resource allocation and staff development. Philanthropy may be more effective as well when sophisticated turnaround experts refocus funding on the primary mission. read more…

The Case for Career Mobility
 The revolving door for newcomers, the pension trap, and the toxic culture of a flat pyramid contribute to the breakdown in public education. Today, students may pursue their diplomas through traditional classrooms, online courses, and dual enrollment in college. Just as the doors are opening and the walls are coming down for students, teachers and administrators would benefit from access to career detours outside of their districts. read more…

A Unique Program for High School Re-engagement
 Our Mission: To create a learning environment that enables students who are overage and under-credited to re-engage in education, design a personalized plan for accelerated progress toward graduation, and chart a path for success after high school.   read more…