Leadership Blog

Vander Ark on Innovation

This blog was written by Tom Vander Ark (@tvanderark), an education advocate, adviser, and author of Getting Smart: How Personal Digital Learning is Changing the World. Tom is Founder and Executive Editor of Getting Smart and a partner in Learn Capital. This blog is no longer being updated.

School & District Management Opinion New Chief at the Chief State School Officers
An introduction to the new chief over at the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), Carissa Moffat Miller and her thoughts about the new normal in education and projects the CCSSO team is hard at work on.
Tom Vander Ark, June 13, 2018
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3 min read
Teaching Opinion On Becoming Student-Centered and Mastery-Based
A discussion with Dr. Susan Bell, a look at the work of Windsor Locks Public Schools and their move to student-centered, mastery-based learning.
Tom Vander Ark, June 12, 2018
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4 min read
Future of Work Opinion Design Focused High School Builds Tech Talent in Indianapolis
Purdue Polytechnic High School is using design-challenges to give students real-world experiences as they earn their high school diploma. In partnership with Purdue University, PPHS is setting the stage for a new era of learning.
Tom Vander Ark, June 6, 2018
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4 min read
Personalized Learning Opinion Fresno Professionals Shifting Practices Towards Personalized Learning
A look at Fresno Unified School District and their goals for greater personalized, competency-based learning at and beyond the classroom.
Tom Vander Ark, June 4, 2018
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7 min read
Personalized Learning Opinion Michael Fullan Sees Global Momentum for Deep Learning
Michael Fullan is Canada's gift to education. For half a century and with 45 books to his credit, Fullan has been the world's most persistent and persuasive advocate for powerful learning experiences. Listen in to hear a conversation between Tom and Fullan about the potential for better high school credentials and how the assessment system is changing.
Tom Vander Ark, May 30, 2018
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4 min read
Education Opinion How Cengage Supports the Shift to Competency
With more than half their revenue coming from digital products, Cengage is managing a shift from publisher to tech company, and their new efforts are set to make waves in competency education.
Tom Vander Ark, May 25, 2018
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3 min read
Education Opinion New NWEA Chief Chris Minnich on the Future of Assessment
Chris Minnich sees assessment literacy as key to successful assessment, and NWEA has focused on providing extensive professional learning opportunities for teachers to help them to maximize the value of assessments in teaching and learning. Learn more about their approach here.
Tom Vander Ark, May 23, 2018
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4 min read
School & District Management Opinion Leading the Charge for Better D.C. Schools
Tom chats with Maura Marino about the work happening in DC around new school development and improvement and how quarterback organizations can support innovative new schools and scale proven models.
Tom Vander Ark, May 16, 2018
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4 min read
Future of Work Opinion Equity and Innovation at NewSchools Summit
With a call to leverage diversity for innovations in learning, Stacey Childress opened the 2018 NewSchools Summit (#NSVFsummit) in San Francisco. The national nonprofit catalyzes new schools, encourages better EdTech tools and develops diverse EdLeaders. Tom shares highlights from the summit and more.
Tom Vander Ark, May 14, 2018
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6 min read
Education Opinion Quality Early Learning Makes Tulsa a Great Place to Grow Up
Tulsa, Oklahoma is providing quality early learning for all. Tom shares how the city is able to provide leading edge programs and what is making them successful.
Tom Vander Ark, May 8, 2018
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9 min read
Future of Work Opinion Rethinking the High School Credential
Most American youth don't get what they need from high school. There are lots of reasons --some economic, some cultural, some educational. Two root problems are how we've defined the finish line and how we communicate success. Tom shares his thoughts on the current high school credentialing system and the questions he wishes a new system would answer.
Tom Vander Ark, May 3, 2018
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3 min read
Personalized Learning Opinion Business Partners Define Badges for San Diego Students
How industry defined digital badges are supporting authentic, competency-based learning and work experiences that help students build rich, digital portfolios to support their college applications and career aspirations.
Tom Vander Ark, May 2, 2018
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5 min read
Future of Work Opinion How Better Transcripts Will Improve College Admissions, Employment, and Licensing
In this new world where anyone can learn anything, anywhere -- how we track, verify, and share capabilities is becoming a big deal. Tune in to this podcast with Parchment CEO, Matt Pittinsky to learn more about the future of transcripts.
Tom Vander Ark, April 25, 2018
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5 min read
Teaching Opinion Community Defined Projects at Health Leadership High
A visit to project-based Health Leadership HS, a talent pipeline and advocacy organization for a healthier community in Albuquerque, NM.
Tom Vander Ark, April 23, 2018
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5 min read
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