All You gotta do is Say YES..

Infamous songwriter Jill Scott said "all you gotta do is say yes" as she encouraged parishioners of her artistry not to deny what they felt and go for it (whatever their it was). How appropriate for this time in education when the poker faces of un-engaged learners line the rows of countless classrooms across the nation.

The Young Women's STEAM Academy has a distinct opportunity to evolve the classrooms and advance the way student learning takes place. We have the ability to engage learners in various outlets as well as incorporating blended learning. Blended learning is much more than a computer or tablet handed to every student. It is innovation and evolution doing the waltz. The two go hand in hand and pair beautifully with reducing the stresses educators face when they attempt to increase rigor and close the achievement gap.

Blended learning is just the beginning. As we cultivate and master this aspect of change we are able to compete other initiatives in phases. One of which is ePortfilios. ePortfolios are a great tool for students to incorporate the COVA method as well as have depth to their reflections.

We must encourage time to process as even adults need to break down things we are expected to learn. Life consists of more than regurgitating information to pass an exam. After all, where is the fun in that?

It does not exist.

One book I look forward to reading with my colleagues is Learning By Choice: 10 Ways Choice and Differentiation Create An Engaged Learning Experience for Every Student by A. J. Juliani. This book explores 10 simple ways to transform your classroom into a student-centered experience, through choice, easy ways to differentiate, and a focus on student engagement from the start.

Another is The Leader Who Had no Title by Robin Sharma. Regardless of what you do within your organization and the current circumstances of your life, the single most important fact is that you have the power to show leadership. Wherever you are in your career or life, you should always play to your peak abilities. This book shows you how to claim that staggering power, as well as transform your life and the world around you in the process. As educators we change lives daily. No matter for the good or the bad in some instances yet lives are changed none the less.

If you are familiar with Ken Robinson and his amazingly popular TED talk, ‘Do Schools Kill Creativity‘ will understand why I am interested in introducing it on my campus . The book follows Ken’s belief that creativity is greatly undervalued in modern education. In doing research for my Literature Review I came across the video and became interested in the correlating book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink. It seems as though simple concepts are key and highly effective.

I'd also like to introduce The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I first read this book when I was twenty years of age. It changed the way I present my complete self in meetings as well as in life. I think it is an exceptional read for everyone in the field of education because we take on so much and often do not find healthy ways to release the weight. The book explores and offers a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. Wouldn't you agree this was needed and necessary?

All in all, the world of innovative thinkers exists in the students we impact everyday. As we identify their challenges, provide sound and achievable solutions to our targeted audience, and always consider the third way; the opportunities are endless.