Race to the Top Implementation, Chattanooga Showcase, a Note About Getting Stuff Done

THEC tells us how "Race to the Top" is going from their perspective
For those interested in keeping track, this was recently released the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in Nashville. 

Chattanooga showcase
Chattanooga's public radio station is highlighting a program done by the Benwood Foundation and the Public Education Foundation in Chattanooga that's aimed at exactly what Tennessee is trying to do: Improve teacher effectiveness.  On NOVEMBER 21 from 12 - 2 PM on WUTC (88.1), they will examine how thier initaitive, which is really based around teacher and administrator collaboration, helps teachers get better at what they do.  Talk about providing the tools to teachers so they're empowered! How can East Tennessee learn from this program that's received national attention?

Getting Stuff Done Through Shared Leadership
After yesterday's regional coalition meeting at the United Way, I looked around at Sen. Jamie Woodson from the TN Senate, Alene Arnold from SCORE, Jessica Holman from the KCEA, Pam Trainor from the School Board, Jennifer Evans from the Chamber, Karen Davis from the Public School Forum of East Tennessee, Dr. Susan Benner from University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and several school system representatives ALL TALKING about what's happening in the state of Tennessee around education...from AYP scores being released to the new teacher evaluation system. 

I started to think: How great is it that these people are all at the same table? Instead of a variety of groups trying to do their own initiatives in isolation, it seemed refreshing that the group talked about SHARED LEADERSHIP.  Shared leadership, as many in education will tell you, is essential to getting stuff done.  The United Way helped to convene the discussion, but that doesn't mean the United Way has to own it. 

Just my reflections from my meeting held yesterday.  I was excited.  And I posted this.  Your thoughts/reactions are welcomed!