“Are you with me now” A J Ryder
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This week I spent five days in Denver for the Leadership Summit. Loads of planning went into designing an experience different from our previous Leadership Conferences where the emphasis was on doing intensive work with local hosting principals. The beauty here was this felt more like a gathering of all the many aspects of BPL. Attendees chose affinity groups and mingled in advisory. Yes, as usual, the work was done at the schools and this time students played an even larger role. This made a huge difference. And yes, Leadership Journeys featuring BPL principals Ebony Clark – NFA West, Jennifer Quinones – New Village Girls Academy and Cito Nun - Welt Education Center was again fantastic and served as an anchor for the conference. In my History of BPL sessions, there was a cross section of adults and students all working together. Although called a history in essence, it was a Sankofa experience where we held onto the past to look and design for the future. I did quite a bit of work compiling all sorts of historical documents in text and video form that I’m putting in a Google Folder to give to everyone who came to the two sessions. If anyone else wants access to the materials let me know.
IBPLC Advisory Sessions
For most of the time in Denver I stayed with The International Big Picture Learning Credential sessions facilitated by Andrea. Here we focused on the k-8 side of the IBPLC. Realizing this is our biggest shot ever to change how students show how they are smart it was our time to muddle our way through some tough issues and we came out the better for it.
Shameka and El After Dark – What Keeps You Up at Night?
Shamecka and I did our third Shameka and El After Dark. It lasted way longer than the allotted time with many lingerers. We both learned a great deal and are readying ourselves for a podcast series. A big shout out to Anthonette, Andrea and Scott who really provided the bottom-up support in our community for all three. Without them After Dark would not have happened.
It is always great being with Shameka. Our different trickster personas seem to keep the energy and momentum high. The group’s storytelling in song, dance and word ranged from cathartic to funny and serious to playful. Since we were in Denver, I decided to tell a story about an encounter I had with Elizabeth Lee, a student from the Met in Providence that happened about 20 years ago. It was a story that was both serious and playful. All that said, 15 minutes before I told the story Wayne Woods who was Elizabeth’s advisor called me. I hadn’t spoken to Wayne in 15 years. Then just as I was getting on the plane yesterday an Instagram from Elizabeth popped up. Now either this social media stuff is getting so good at following us around that it signals these connections or the world works in mysterious ways.
One surprise and a great addition to After Dark was LIVE Music. A song written and played by Zach Schmidt called Are You With Me Now? (the name of my blog) took me back. After Dark is definitely providing space for anyone who wants to get something “out of their mind” with a supportive set of friends. More to come…
Leadership Summit
The feedback I got was that this was the best conference ever. I’m hoping all who planned it feel great. Jen, Loren, Anna, Chris, Eunice, Katrina, Joshua, Sara, Steve, Robin, Cito and so many others should feel great.
One more thing….
On every trip we take the one thing that is certain is that is Andrea will be providing and discussing chocolate. On Thursday, I mentioned to Andrea that I read an article in the NY Times detailing research that shows chocolate has many health benefits. I asked her if. she wanted to see the article and her response was: “I don’t need to read it, I believe it.” And therein lies a nugget. In belief we are using our tacit understanding which has millions of years of science built into it. Data from research is the newbie on the block. In talking about change, what is more powerful and to which groups?
Next week, I’ll be in DC for a meeting on assessment put on by XQ Institute and the Carnegie Foundation. Then, up to LA to do Harbor Freight work.
Be well!
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