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Jay Roth

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Jay is Currently Reading

Jay Roth is currently reading

Unleashing the Positive Power of Differences: Polarity Thinking in Our Schools: Polarity Thinking in Our Schools

by Jane A.G. Kise (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: currently-reading, polarity

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Jay Roth said: " Polarity thinking is an acknowledgement that certain recurring problems are actually unsolvable. Instead they are dilemmas in a constant tug-of-war between two interdependent values, and by applying a solution mindset to rectify the problem one pole Polarity thinking is an acknowledgement that certain recurring problems are actually unsolvable. Instead they are dilemmas in a constant tug-of-war between two interdependent values, and by applying a solution mindset to rectify the problem one pole represents (often characterized by "either/or" thinking), the result is a drive toward the other pole. To manage the interdependent tensions well, a different approach is required - one that is characterized by "both/and" - where the goal is to harness the upsides of *both* poles while minimizing the downsides of both.

Education is rife with what appears to be a pendulum - teaching content vs. teaching process; having teacher autonomy vs. teacher collaboration - as well as relatively new paradoxes (evaluate teachers for "accountability vs. growth"). Kise documents the various polarities in education in this text (for example "Academic Success AND Whole Child Success" and teacher evaluation as "Measure of Effectiveness AND Guide for Growth") and has well-researched the various perspectives for the ups and downs of each. She also maps recommended action plans and warning signs to help leverage the action on which to focus for the upsides of both poles.

Part I briefly explains what polarities are and their prevalence in life as well as the education system.

Part II offers four large common of polarities in education that are currently looked at as "problems to solve" instead of polarities to manage or leverage (quoted from text):
- Chapter 3 explores why we provide education, through the polarity of Academic Success AND Whole Child Success
- Chapter 4 looks at who should teach, through the lens of teacher effec- tiveness through Evaluation AND Professional Development
-Chapter 5 examines how we teach with an in-depth look at the “math wars” and the polarity of Mastery of Knowledge AND Mastery of Problem Solving
-Chapter 6 focuses on what we teach and the polarity of Standardization AND Customization

Part III gives five chapter of specific resources (quoted from text):
-Chapter 7 provides a script, slides, and examples for introducing polarity thinking to a team.
-Chapter 8 provides activities to help your team apply the tools to a relevant dilemma, using the example of Homogeneous Grouping AND Heterogeneous Grouping.
-Chapter 9 provides tools for introducing and gaining acceptance for initiatives and strategies that involve polarities, using the example of Teaching Reading Skills and Strategies AND Student Choice in Reading.
-Chapter 10 presents common polarities in education and tools for determining the ones on which your team might focus.
-Chapter 11 provides ideas for introducing polarity thinking to students, from discussing classroom norms to lesson ideas that align with the Common Core State Standards.

and Part IV offers some insight on our hardwiring to explain opposing views (quoted from text):
-Chapter 12 explores how the personality theory of Carl Jung and neuroscience can inform our understanding of how we teach and learn.

This book is an invaluable resource for leaders, teachers, school board members, decision-makers, and policy-makers. The world seems so polarized and unwilling to successfully dialogue about differences; Kise's book is a perfect complement to the conversation of those who hold different viewpoints. ...more "

Nov 16, 2013 10:16PM · see review

Jay Roth rated a book it was amazing

Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard

by Chip Heath

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Jan 02, 2012 06:34PM

Jay Roth is currently reading

Unmasking the Face

by Paul Ekman

bookshelves: currently-reading

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Jan 02, 2012 06:32PM

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Jay’s Quotes

“Success is...
knowing your purpose in life,
growing to reach your maximum potential, and
sowing seeds that benefit others.”
― John C. Maxwell

tags: success

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“Look behind you: What have you learned?
Look around you: What is happening to others?
Look above you: What does God expect of you?
Look besides you: What resources are available to you?”
― John Maxwell

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