Education Consultant

1983, President Ronald Reagan commissioned a study of education called, “A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform”. This report cited dismal effects for future growth in closing the gap of student achievement between poor and middle-class Americans.  The authors of this study began from the assumption that public schools were failing and since education is function of the state and not the federal government, who are we to offer suggestions on how to fix the failing schools.  Due to the lack of improvement in education, President Regan cut many of the funds previously allocated to schools. His belief was if the money is not helpful, there is no need to spend so much money. Even though there was a substantial cut in funds, President Reagan did keep all the programs in place, simply cutting back on staff to implement the programs. There was no difference in the achievement levels after Reagan cut the funding than it was before. Why continue to spend ta...

In 1966, James Coleman, a professor at Johns Hopkins University was commissioned by the US Commissioner of Education to study the choice between compensatory education and racial integration, which strategy was more likely to equalize educational opportunities for poor minority students?  This report wrote that racial integration alone did little to boost academic achievement in urban schools. With the conclusion of all of these programs, a substantial amount of money was added to Public Education with little effect.   All the money sent to school districts across America is not making a difference in the education of all students. What is the real problem?

The true purpose of effective leadership is to unlock the potential in others. Leaders build leaders. TRUST: Trust is must for effective leaders. When people work with you it is important for leaders to deposit in their own trust worthy account. Trust is the foundation of any relationship: personal or professional. Remember, leadership is about relationships and relationships are built on trust. The only way leaders can build trust is to make your words and your actions match. You must do what you say you will do every time. You must be willing to do the things you ask others to do. When you align your words with your actions, people begin to trust you. Trust is build through consistency over time. When people trust you, you have more influence in their lives. When you can influence the people you work with, you are in a better position to add value to their lives and their work product. Trust is the foundation of effective leadership. DESIRE: Desire is the only character...

In the early 1960’s, President Kennedy read Michael Harrington’s publication, The Other America, which revealed that poverty in America was far more prevalent than middle-class people had assumed, and explained the impact that poverty had on education. This formulated another movement from Washington called the anti poverty agenda. The Civil Rights Movement brought to the forefront equal rights issues and school segregation. The separate but equal law was questioned.  This movement created programs like: The Food Stamp Act, The Social Security Amendments which created Medicare and Medicaid, The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which established the Job Corps, VISTA, and federal work-study programs, The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was also implemented. The more money added to schools, the less progress students made in improving the education for all students. What is the real problem with educating poor and minority children? 

Did you know that the education of children in America is a state function, not a function of the federal government? 1957 Russia successfully launched the first satellite into space. With the launching of Sputnik, then Republican President Eisenhower in looking for someone to blame decided to attack the education institutions.  There was a public outcry to do something.  He commissioned a meeting with the US National Security Council to address the issue. As a result, in 1958 The National Defense Education Act was developed and became law.  More than 70 million of your tax dollars were allocated to improve education. From this law many special programs were created and implemented in schools across America: Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, Title V, Title VI, Title VII, Title VIII, Title IX, and Title X. Large amounts of money poured into states to assist with the education of all students with little effect.   What is the real proble...

Organizations must have both leaders and managers to operate effectively. Sometimes, you can find both qualities in one person. Effective leaders are always good managers. However, effective managers are not necessarily good leaders. So, what is the difference?  There are many principles that shape a leader and becomes the cornerstone of how that leader operate within the organization; Values Principles: • Integrity – a leaders results is in direct proportion to the level of trust earned within the organization • Responsibility - leaders must hold everyone accountable for their actions including himself/herself if you want results • Commitment – Not only do leaders need to be committed, but they must hire and develop talented, committed people to obtain results • Vision - leaders must have a clear vision, with a convincing reason for others to embrace that vision Synergy Principles: • Communication – to obtain results, followers must understand t...

January allows educators to begin anew. This is the beginning of a new semester.  Ask yourself, “What is the difference in a problem and a dilemma?” Remember, a problem can be solved when the appropriate strategies are implemented. However, a dilemma is an ongoing issue. As leaders you will always have issues, those are your day-to-day struggles. Make the conscious decision to separate the problems from the dilemmas as you move into the New Year. It will make your life so much easier.  Strategic Planning is an important element in planning solutions to the problems that arise in your organization. Effective leaders have their eye on the pulse of the organization. They are able to recognize problems before they become urgent and they develop and apply appropriate solutions.