Post on 28-Dec-2015
Keys to Innovatingand Leading
In Independent Schools
Presentation Available at www.gclileadership.org
PRESENTERS
• Ted S. Fish, Ed.D., gcLi Executive Director
• Dr. JoAnn Deak, gcLi Institute Scholar
• Jeremy LaCasse, gcLi Faculty Dean & Head of School, Kents Hill School
• David Jimenez, Urban Promise, Camden, NJ; Shadyside Academy ’11
INNOVATION
Leadership
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
Adolescent Advantages
Leadershipand the Brain
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
CORTEX
AMYGDALA [Limbic system]
PREFRONTAL CORTEX
Basic functional design of the brain… Triumvirate… 3 parts always work in synchronicity:
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
Equal muscularity is the growth goal
But that isn’t the design
during adolescence!
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
I have a better idea: let’s send him to an NAIS school!
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
Not only is the PFC immature [has not reached its natural full size], What is there is often suppressed [functionally imitates a five year old PFC ]
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
And the amygdala is swollen!
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
Brain Quiz!
Swollen amygdala + suppressed/immature PFC =
You will be surprised by the answer…
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
A person who is predisposed to:• Try new things• Take more risks• Enjoy challenges• Seek interesting ideas• Excite others by their actions• Making mistakes and trying again
AKA… A LEADER
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
In a nutshell…
• It is the design of the adolescent brain to seek excitement, novelty and exhilaration to enhance learning and growth before adding to the gene pool!• Learning happens best when the brain works, does new and harder things, not the same thing over and over [it acts like a muscle].
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
However, it can be shutdown easily:
When adults curtail adolescent excitement and mistakes.
When peers give negative feedback, pressure each other to conform too much [some is natural and healthy].
When the school culture is too controlling, promotes a ‘right’ answer approach too much.
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
If the adolescent brain is stopped from seeking excitement, novelty and exhilaration in school,it will find ways to do this without our neurosculpting help!
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
available online:
www.deakgroup.com
Resources: elvis1 is password
Implications#1: Teachers invite, promote and support new ideas
#2: Teachers and schools create cultures where students do the same LEADERSHIP…caveat: the same cultures that give risk to risky behavior and mistakes give rise to innovation. They emerge from the same ground
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
Implications
#1: What does it mean for students to step outside of the box and innovate?…it’s natural…they are hardwired for it, so long as they are not hobbled by socio-cultural concerns
#2: What does it mean for teachers and schools to support that moment, so it happens frequently?…That’s where we build a conducive culture,Teacher-student; student-student ….LEADERSHIP
APPLICATION
Copyright © J. Deak 2012
• Problem: We had a community full of affinity groups, but little cohesion resulting from their work
• Goal/vision: to help students see the benefits of difference while creating a common understanding in the Shady Side community
Presentation Available at www.gclileadership.org
For more: LL Jun 15-21, 2012
Also see: www.facebook.com/gcLiLeadership