People tend to do things because that's how they have always done them or because that's the way others have done them. Schools are no different. The rigid factory model of education--a conveyor belt that moves children through a standard curriculum of books and lessons in a strict sequence--assumes that all brains are basically the same. They…

Most business people seem to understand the direct connection between product and revenue; they seem keenly aware of the staggering cost of inattention to product. Yet, when these same business people become trustees of independent schools, they tend to overlook this connection, which is surprising when one considers the frequency with which they…

There's something wrong when attending a really good workshop leaves one sad. In mid-October, 80 dedicated, bright teachers and administrators met with some workshop leaders and speakers in Vermont to explore the growing difficulties that students with "executive function" problems have in school--problems that affect such things as attention,…

Curriculum review committees, trapped by schools' departmental structure, can only reaffirm existing academic requirements and departments and can make changes only by adding to the curriculum. Curriculum change is needed, however. Schools should create curricula reflecting today's realities and needs, not the demands of colleges. (RW)