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What is this website about?

This website consistes of 'Working Papers' shared as invitations to stimulate discussion and facilitate collaborative learning about and then implementing three proven, powerful, highly compatible approaches to classroom &

school transformation.....

While the primary focus is on students, there is a clear priority on shaping schools to demonstrably respect and care for teachers.

To get started, just scroll down

Arts

Integration:

strongly engages students and then provides multiple windows of input and of expression or demonstration of mastery. Further, it emphasizes interdisciplinary or trans-disciplinary concepts and understandings.

More On Arts Integration

Character Development:

looks to be the single most important 'scaffold' necessary to lift the learning environment.

A culture of Character & Continuous Improvement permits higher levels of engagement, learning, remembering, and application.

Transformational

Invitational

Education:

'cordially invites' students and teachers to their highest potential- Academically, Socially, Physically, Emotionally.

It may be unique among the school improvement models because of its direct focus on creating and maintaining a positive culture, and, because it invites teachers to care for themselves as much as for students and other teachers.

Please click the link above and listen to just the first minute or so.....

Does this painting, 'The School of Athens' by Raphael, engage you?

Would a couple of questions strengthen your engagement?

What is the focus of this work of art, and what makes you think that? What might Raphael have been trying to accomplish with this painting? What questions does this Work of Art raise in your mind?

Would you like to work together on an art integrated lesson or an arts-based strategy which focuses on an important educational goal or difficult curriculum standard?

Who am I?

A retired school superintendent, having served in Ann Arbor MI (14,000), Nashville TN (70,000), and Cobb County GA (100,000).

When I was Superintendent in Nashville it was named by Leonard Bernstein as the location of the Bernstein Center for Education Through The Arts.

Being involved with the beginning of The Center, with the initial implementation of an arts integration model, participating with the research, and experiencing firsthand the strong engagement and high levels of learning of the students, and teachers, was a pinnacle professional experience....and grew into a key personal learning experience.

Much has been learned, through several arts integration models, and in the related character development approaches, and more recently with the 'Invitational Education' approach to a positive school culture.

Raphael, School of Athens, fresco, 1509-1511 (Stanza della Segnatura, Papal Palace, Vatican)

In semi-retirement, I am committed to supporting and learning with teachers and teacher leaders to implement and evaluate the lessons learned.

My hope is for more respect and support for teachers and for the profession....

and for more, and happier teachers.

If you are interested in collaborating

please contact me.

richardbenjamin7@gmail.com

Or....This Painting....

Collaborating Teachers in the U.S and Hong Kong

River of Wisdom

Meet The Team

FAQ

Invitational Education

Guides & Tips

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