Innovation

D r. Jenny Rankin illustrates why data used with high-stakes consequences should always be made “over-the-counter” (embedding guidance for users) to best ensure the data is understood, analyzed appropriately, and used effectively. Look for an upcoming op-ed from Dr. Rankin on edCircuit.

Districts rejuvenate specialized, themed programs to promote student success by Mackenzie Ryan A t Nashville’s Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School, a female student distressed by the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, wrote rap lyrics that became the song “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot.”With the help of her teachers and classmates—and Pearl-Cohn’s recording studio—the student, Queen McElrath, starred in a music video that has since been viewed 124,000 times on the school’s YouTube channel. In a television-style interview with another student, McElrath says: “I decided to write this song so that we could unite, so that young people could have a voice.”Read the rest of the story at District Administration.

Sir Ken Robinson joins “CBS This Morning” to discuss his new book, “Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution That’s Transforming Education.”

by Robert Morris

Lord James Knight, formerly the Minister for Education in England and current Managing Director of Online Learning at TSL Education, took time to answer questions about the state of online and blended learning in education across the globe. Lord Knight’s response to my last question about the future and expanse of online learning speaks,

Aimee Rogstad Guidera from the Data Quality Campaign (DQC), a national, nonprofit organization leading the effort to empower educators, students, parents, and policymakers with the information they need to make the best decisions to improve student outcomes. Aimee believes that data have the power to transform education to ensure every child in this country is prepared for success in college and careers.

Rick Russell of Optimus Education discusses professional development for school leaders and the new delivery mechanisms used for the 21st century educator.

Propagate CEO and Co-Founder Frank Freeman discusses a digital approach to learning vocabulary and the role gamificaiton plays in accomplishing new goals.

Thought leaders in education and technology speak to the benefits of innovating for schools and across the world.