K-12 Greatest Hits: Your shortcut to what works in education

The ground under many school districts is feeling very shaky, and if renowned author Jim Collins is right, we'd better get used to it. Collins asserts that we are entering an era of chronic and permanent instability, uncertainty, rapid change, episodes of chaos, violent disruption and big, fast moving forces that we can neither predict nor control. How does an educator thrive in this climate? Collins offers insights based on nine years of research and vigorous analysis of leaders who are showing us the way.

Why is professionalism such a controversial subject among educators? Why is there a raging debate about whether some sectors of the education community qualify as professionals? What does professionalism really mean in the education field and, in practical terms, what does all of this mean to you on the front lines?

Dr. Stephanie Feeney is Professor Emerita of Education at the University of Hawaii and author of "Professionalism in Early Childhood Education: Doing Our Best for Young Children." Dr. Sue Martin is Co-author of "Perceptions of Professionalism Among Individuals in the Child Care Field."

Sarah Garland is a staff writer at the Hechinger Report, a nonprofit news organization that focuses on education journalism

Principals and directors are on all day and often into the night, making decision after decision after decision. We know this is not a healthy practice, but who hasn't gotten into the rut of not taking breaks? Our guest says this practice can have profound consequences, compromising your ability to make sound decisions or even handle yourself in critical management situations. Learn more...

Author Roy Baumiester is the Social Psychology Area Director and Francis Eppes Eminent Scholar. Self-control, choice, decision making is part of his ongoing research. Susan Offutt is the Executive Director at the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

When it's time to make those tough leadership decisions who do you turn to for trusted advice? Is it always the same handful of people? When should you look outside of your trusted advisors? How do you determine who should be at the table to get the right advice, at the right time, to make to make the right decision?

Bob Frisch, managing partner of The Strategic Offsites Group, is the author of "Who Really Makes the Big Decisions in Your Company?" and his latest book "Who's In The Room? How great leaders structure and manage the teams around them." David Bloomfield is Professor of Education Leadership, Law, and Policy at Brooklyn College and the City University.

Savvy school business officials have already cut school budgets to the bone. But these financial times are requiring more radical strategies for cost containment. Our guest today has helped many school districts develop these radical cost-cuttings plans and shares his insights on today's program

In this fascinating interview, a former skinhead takes us inside the process of how teens are recruited in school and why some teens are more susceptible than others. Listen and learn how to determine if teens are vulnerable. More importantly, learn how to help teens avoid the traps of hate groups, gangs and other cultural predators.

Bryon Widner is a former skinhead and took part in the documentary, “Erasing Hate". Kathryn Stamoulis, PhD, is a counselor and educational psychologist. She teaches "Tweens & Teens" at Temple University. Ugo Uche is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes with adolescents and young adults in his practice.

Our guest's research indicates that the heart has an intelligence of it's own. Understanding how the heart interacts with the mind and how to balance the two can help teens deal with various emotional issues. Learn how you can use this research to help your children manage their emotional states.

Robert A. Rees, Ph.D., is Director of Education and Humanities at the Institute of HeartMath in Boulder Creek, California. Dr. Rees develops programs that reduce stress and increase resilience for students based on HeartMath's research on emotional physiology, heart-brain interactions and the psychophysiology of learning and performance. Ugo Uche is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes with adolescents and young adults in his practice

.

Finally, Schools Get Relief From No Child Left Behind, Three Strings Attached

Today at the White House, senior administration officials released three requirements in President Obama's plan for states to get relief from No Child Left Behind. The plan provides flexibility, but comes with many conditions and aims to maintain a high bar. Not all schools will qualify. Those that don't will be stuck with the old rules. Listen now for details.

.

President Obama's recently proposed American Jobs Act includes some 60 billion dollars to save 280,000 teacher Jobs and repair dilapidated schools. If passed, how will the money be distributed, what will be the criteria, and will the money reach your school district in time to make a difference this year?

Guests: Arne Duncan is the U.S Secretary of Education appointed by President Barack Obama. Melody C. Barnes is was chosen by President Barack Obama to serve as the Director of the Domestic Policy Council for his administration. Carmel Martin is Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development at the Department of Education.

.

Historian and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch travels the nation speaking to educators and says that the depth of discouragement in the field is at an all time high. Why are so many educators demoralized? More importantly, how can those who feel this way recover their passion to make a difference? Diane has offers some great advice..

.