Even President Barack Obama writes “I Can” statements. What’s the difference between his and ours? Barack’s messages are more participatory and collaborative statements such as, ”Yes, We Can.” 

 The “We” in education must heed the words of our new president quickly if we are to ever thrive as a truly productive social institution.

 In a late January memo, President Obama called for government to be more transparent, participatory, and collaborative. 

 Perhaps we should take these words and apply them to educational settings. I’m thinking “we can” apply transparent, participatory and collaborative in numerous, perhaps limitless ways in our schools. All we need is a little vision and hope for change.  

 Let’s try a few:

The use of educational technology will be transparent, participatory and collaborative.

Student projects will be participatory and collaborative.

Educational Leadership should be more transparent, participatory, and collaborative. 

Student writing will be collaborative.

Teachers and administrators will solicit feedback from students and community members.

Teachers have collective knowledge and expertise that benefit policy making.  

School district will use innovative tools to collaborate within their organizations and throughout the region.

School district will identify new opportunities for student collaboration; for collaboration with outside organizations; for teacher collaboration; for community involvement and participation.

Now, it’s your turn.

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