Two Steps Back is a several year old episode of “The American Life.” It tells the tale of an innovative Chicago school with a collaborative principal getting the life crushed out of it by the desire for uniformity and control by the central office (it includes an interview with then Superintendent Arne Duncan) and a compliant new principal. Thanks to our school’s principal, Ted Appel, for letting me know about it.
And, while you’re at it, here’s a good piece about the importance of collaboration by Walt Gardner titled Principals as Saviors.
I listened to this program just a couple of weeks ago, and was floored by the truth of it. It reminded me of why I used to love teaching and why I often struggle with it now.