I have a vision of a school . . .

Some of us are in Facilitative Leadership training this week. Today our assignment is to promote a vision. I thought I'd share my vision with those of you who read this blog.

I have a vision of a school in which:

• Learning takes place 24/7/7, with caring adults present who are passionate about their own learning and can convey that passion to their students;
• High-speed ubiquitous connectivity gives students and teachers opportunities to collaborate with experts and each other from around the world--or in the next classroom;
• Resources are available as needed regardless of format. Students and teachers know when and how to use the most appropriate tool for the assignment;
• Teachers collaborate with the school library media coordinator and technology facilitator to create units of instruction that reflect and validate their students' knowledge and experiences, yet push them to stretch and grow to reach their highest potential;
• Children are surrounded by a culture of reading and learning that assumes that everyone in the school will be successful, well-read, and a life-long learner;
• Parents are educated side-by-side with their children regardless of education or income level, so that they too are successful life-long learners who stimulate and encourage their children's learning--and stick around;
• A community reflects the values and success of its schools, attracting business and industry because of its educational priorities and vision, so that everyone in the community has the opportunity to care for their families and live out the American dream.

These are the schools of the 21st Century--education 24/7/7, life-long learning from cradle to grave, a piece of the American dream for all.