Systems Thinking: An Introduction to June’s Articles

In 1990, a text titled “The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of a Learning Organization” written by Peter Senge was published.  It was meant as a framework to transform the effectiveness of businesses by referring to them as “learning organizations.” At the time, the preferred method of business improvement was known as Six Sigma…

The Message of Proverbs 3:5 – It Explains a Lot

Whether you read the Bible or not, Proverbs 3:5 contains a powerful thought, and reminds us of our humanity.  It states: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Today’s public education system leaves this essential bit of knowledge (only 15 words) out of the equation…probably because of…

“Now” Understood, As Well As “You” Understood

Think back to when you were in elementary school.  One of the concepts taught in English class was that of “You understood.”  It was introduced when you were learning the parts of speech – that is, what categories words belong to.  Persons, places or things were nouns, actions were verbs, etc. Then one learned how…

The Three Issues In Education Which No One Talks About – Part 3

When these articles were being planned, there were only “two issues in education” articles prepared.  However, since there are at least three elements in every system (but five in complete systems), there needs to be a third key element, or, in this case, issue. Two issues prove that there are always “two sides” to every…

The Three Issues In Education Which No One Talks About – Part 2

Last week’s and this week’s articles focus on two issues no one seems to talk about when discussing education and the difficulties we’re experiencing by preparing changing children in a changing society for a changing future which is completely unpredictable. Last week’s article’s theme was that everyone seems to forget that parents are the primary…

The Three Issues In Education Which No One Talks About – Part 1

This week’s and next weeks’ articles focus on three issues no one seems to talk about when discussing education and the difficulties we’re experiencing by preparing changing children in a changing society for a changing future which is completely unpredictable. Everyone knows that the current education system provided an adequate to excellent preparation for the…

Paddling Kids in School? Yes, It’s Still Permitted in Some States

There aren’t many things that surprise me these days, but there are lots of things that cause a great deal of sadness and angst, and those that cause great excitement.  That’s one of the reasons why this site breaks up the word “education” as it does.  “Edu” for things pertaining to learning;  “Cat” because of…

Happy New Year!!

While April 1st is most commonly known as April Fools Day, this used to be New Year’s Day way back in the day.  When the calendar was changed to celebrate the new year on January 1st, people who wished others a Happy New Year on April 1 were called April Fools. So today, rather than…

The Unspoken Problem With Education

With all the controversies surrounding education today, we seem to be having trouble finding where to place blame. Certainly teachers are an easy scapegoat, since if children aren’t achieving properly, then there must be something wrong with what they’re doing (or not doing). Administrators also get their share of the blame, since their salaries are…