Let's be honest with ourselves...

~ In education, the jobs we think we are preparing kids for either won't be there in a few years, or they do not yet exist...

~ The new Common Core State Standards for Math focus on applying mathematical skills to real-world examples that have meaning and relevance for students...

~ The new Common Core State Standards for ELA require ALL teachers to teach and embrace literacy with an emphasis on more rigorous informational texts... 

~ Forced professional development will never be successful on a long-term self-sustaining basis...

~ When the rate of change outside an organization is faster than the rate of change inside the organization, the end is near... (does this sound familiar with education and society...?)

~ Great teachers aren't just great teachers because they know the most content; great teachers are great teachers because they create an environment where the students are encouraged and supported to initiate their own learning...

~ Preparing kids for college is essential, but at current rates it is not adequate for most careers...

~ We need a major mindset shift when it comes to assessments; assessments need to be used as a learning device, and not just as an evaluation device...

~ Teachers who can't or aren't willing to use technology (or at least allow their students to use technology) will continue to make themselves less relevant and purposeful in the educational setting...

~ There is a HUGE difference between compliance and engagement when talking about education...

~ The Common Core State Standards will force all districts to hold up a mirror and really evaluate their current programs and structures. I purposely did not say "curriculum," because the CCSS will not be or replace your curriculum (despite what some may think).

~ Our students are bringing a 21st century mindset into our classrooms while far too many of us are still immersed in the 20th century...

~ Too often we focus on what's wrong and what's not working in education; let's focus on what's right and what's great in education...

** Thoughts are from CSD's Common Core conference with presentations by Dr. Bill Daggett.