From the Editor

The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Nicole Adrian
In this issue, three superintendents write about districtwide plans and changes to modernize student learning. More

Cover Story

Problem Solvers of the Future
Terry Holliday, the keynote speaker of this year’s Leadership Summit, writes about how Iredell-Statesville Schools in Statesville, NC, have been using plan-do-check-act cycles and management framework to turn students into problem-solvers. More

This Month’s Features

Remodeling 101
This article, by Robert D. Hassler, superintendent of North Penn School District in Lansdale, PA, describes how the district is using the effective schools and Baldrige models to produce higher student achievement and organizational efficiencies. More

A Journey Without End
John E. McKinney, superintendent of Danville Schools in Danville, IN, writes about how the district staff has implemented continuous quality improvement (CQI) through many means, including student-led conferences, a teacher training induction program and CQI coaches. More

No Excuses Leadership
This article, from Leader to Leader, describes how disallowing excuses and leading by example ensures necessary changes are made and gets things done. One example is from Rudy Crew, the former chancellor of New York City’s schools, and how he pushed past excuses to make changes. More

Leadership Summit Set for June
The 2008 Education Leadership Summit for Superintendents will take place June 19–20 in Santa Fe, NM. The theme of the conference is the same as the cover topic for this issue of eBrief: Leading for Tomorrow’s Challenges. Terry Holliday, the author of this issue’s cover story, is one of two keynote speakers. The other is Anne Barab, The Resilience Expert, who is also a former school board member and professional speaker. The Leadership Summit includes networking opportunities, strategic dialogues on best practices and overcoming challenges and roundtable discussions. More

Many K-12 Students Behind in 21st Century Skills
A 2007 survey, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of ASQ, reported that many K-12 students are not learning the skills they will need to succeed in the 21st century. The survey finds that 96% of adults feel students need to improve upon communication, organizational and problem-solving skills. More

ASCD Offers Articles on Leading for Tomorrow’s Challenges
Numerous articles from the February 2008 issue of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s (ASCD) Educational Leadership journal offer insight into teaching for future challenges and 21st century skills. Visit ASCD’s website for more information and articles.

Of Interest

Facilitating Continuous Improvement in Education
This course, set for July 14–18 in Milwaukee, allows participants to deepen their understanding of process improvement, tools and theory while receiving coaching and practice in group-process facilitation. Attendees will present quality tools and processes, and facilitate peers in a safe learning environment, integrating adult learning theory and other aspects of group-process applications. More

Baldrige Self-Assessment for Higher Education
This two-day, instructor-led course, set for May 3-4 in Houston, is primarily for post-secondary institutions. The course objectives include identifying the benefits of applying the Baldrige criteria and applying the Baldrige values, principles and criteria. Course activities include large and small group discussions, interactive exercises and completion of a sample self-assessment. More

Learn More About ImpaQT Training
ASQ’s new ImpaQT Training, is for K-12 educational institutions. The training offers quality and continuous improvement in three education modules: the classroom, school and district. This on-site training uses continuous improvement practices to generate higher student achievement. The website offers a course outline for classroom training, learning outcomes and instructor information. Learn more or view a video about the training.

NQEC Call for Presentations Deadline Extended
The 2008 National Quality Education Conference (NQEC) is scheduled for Nov. 16–18, in Reno, NV. The event will follow the theme “Solving Tomorrow’s Challenges: Educating for 21st Century Skills." The areas of focus include accountability, critical thinking and working beyond teams. The call for presentations deadline has been extended until March 31. Read the directions for submitting a proposal or visit the NQEC website.

Successful Student Measures: A Case Study From Seminole Community College
This free webinar, available only to ASQ members, describes how this community college used seven measurement clusters to measure student success, ultimately closing the gap for minority students, lowering withdrawal rates and producing more graduates. More

Publication

Leading Peak Performance: Lessons From the Wild Dogs of Africa — How to Create Pack Leadership and Produce Transformative Results
By Stephen Hacker and Marvin Washington
This book outlines an effective leadership approach to create places of spirit and meaning. Using the wild dogs of Africa as a metaphor, a new and emerging leadership style is explored. Preview a sample chapter.

Next Issue’s Topic: Preparing students for the math, science and engineering fields.

Words of the Wise

“A college degree is not a sign that one is a finished product but an indication a person is prepared for life.”

—The Rev. Edward A. Malloy

“The main part of intellectual education is not the acquisition of facts but learning how to make facts live.”

—Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”

 —Malcolm Forbes