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On Being An Effective Leader

The crashing over the United States in the fourth quarter of 2023 seems to me to have been inevitable.

• I will leave it to far more qualified writers than I to explore the causes and effects of such a vast disturbance.
• However, I recommend that you take the time to read source materials and understand the issues involved.
• I also want to remind the heads of private day and boarding schools that they can and should learn three critical lessons from what we all are experiencing.
• The chief officer of any institution must be a listener, a learner, and a leader.

1. Listen

Overwhelming expressions of opinion don't come out of nowhere.

• It's like you and I putting a pot of water on the stove and turning the dial to high.
• You know the pot could and will boil, but you can continue your business until then. Right?
• Wrong! Before you know it, the pot is boiling uncontrollably all over the place.

Don't ignore issues you hear about on your campus.

• It doesn't matter whether it's a member of your cleaning crew, your physics teacher, or a member of the board of trustees.
• Every voice is important.
• You must listen carefully to each and every one.

Read articles such as Dr. Susan Whitbourne's

Volunteering at Your Children's ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School

²ÝÁñÉçÇø schools thrive on the active involvement of parents in various aspects of their children's educational experience.

• These institutions greatly value the contributions of parents in creating a vibrant and supportive community.
• Volunteering at your child's private school fosters a stronger connection with the institution.
• It also sets an excellent example for your child.

As a parent who volunteered and supported my child's PTA, I'll share various ways you can get involved and make a meaningful impact on your children's educational journey.

Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA)

Most private schools have a that plays a crucial role in building a strong school community.

• Joining the PTA provides parents with opportunities to participate in school-wide initiatives, fundraisers, and events.
• These organizations often serve as a bridge between parents, teachers, and school administrators.
• A well-organized, well-run PTA can also become one of your school's most effective marketing tools.
• Satisfied parents talk and spread the word about the school, which means so much to them.

This video explains why it is important to be involved in your school's parent-teacher organization.

Classroom Assistance

Offering to assist in your child's classroom is an excellent way to get directly involved in their education.

• Teachers often appreciate having volunteers to help with various

The Evolution of Early Reading Strategies for Children

Early reading has always been a cornerstone of child development, forming the foundation of lifelong learning and comprehension.

• How we teach children to read has seen significant shifts over the centuries, reflecting changes in education theory, societal values, and technology.
• This article will explore these changes, offering insights into the past, present, and future of early reading strategies for children.
• To understand how we teach reading in the 21st century, let's look at how they taught reading in Roman times and the Middle Ages.

During Roman times

In was quite different from what we know today.

• However, reading was an essential skill, especially for those belonging to higher social classes.
• Learning to read, write, and do arithmetic was a fundamental part of a Roman child's upbringing.

Here's how children were generally taught to read during Roman times.

• Roman education often began at home, especially for the elite, with either the father or a private tutor providing instruction.
• However, there were also rudimentary forms of schools known as "ludus litterarius," which children from a broader range of social backgrounds could attend.
• That's how the formal education for many Roman children began, focusing on reading, writing, and arithmetic.
• While it was rudimentary compared to modern standards, it laid the foundational skills for higher levels of

As parents, we play a crucial role in our children's educational journey, especially during their middle and high school years. To support their academic success, we must understand the tools educators use to assess and guide their students' progress. This article delves into the world of rubrics and how they can empower parents in grades 7-12 to be active partners in their children's education.

The Importance of Rubrics in Grades 7-12

Rubrics are not just grading tools but windows into your child's learning experience. We'll explore why rubrics are essential for assessing academic and soft skills development, helping you gain insights into your child's progress in various subjects.

What is a rubric?

A rubric is a structured scoring guide or set of criteria used to evaluate or assess performance, work, or a particular task. It provides a clear and systematic way to measure the quality or level of achievement in a given context, such as in education, grading assignments projects, or assessing various skills.

The use of rubrics dates back to ancient times, with the term "rubric" originating from the Latin word "ruber," which means red. In ancient Rome and medieval Europe, teachers and religious leaders often used red ink or red lines to highlight important text or instructions within documents or manuscripts. Over time, this practice evolved into using red ink or markings to indicate specific grading criteria and guidelines for assessments.

However, as we understand them today, the modern concept of rubrics developed more significantly in