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Cameron Plommer I want get feedback on an idea I have I think a lot of high school and college grads are at a real disadvantage when they enter the real world. School ignores so many practical skills and doesn't push students to be remarkable. I'd like to set up some kind of school, workshop or program that gives students the information, resources and motivation to be remarkable people. Which in turn will hopefully lead to better people and employees. Thoughts. Criticism. Business partners???

92 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Personal Development, Untemplater and Brazen Undergrads 2 more

Melissa Breau, Lindsey Donner and Ty Unglebower recommended this

Mehul Kar: Duuude...I was working on a similar project, but in terms of setting up a system to provide global networking opportunities (preemptive to ...MoreDuuude...I was working on a similar project, but in terms of setting up a system to provide global networking opportunities (preemptive to inevitable global needs).

In higher education especially, a good network is an essential part of the "practical" set of "things" that universities lack in offering.

start an email convo? mehul.kar@gmail.com
92 weeks ago

: Think less school/workshop/program and more consultancy (not that I've given this very idea a *ridiculous* amount of thought or anything...). ...MoreThink less school/workshop/program and more consultancy (not that I've given this very idea a *ridiculous* amount of thought or anything...). There is a definite gap between the services and support offered by in-school guidance counselors and the type of individualized support and direction most students need (and many parents would be willing to pay for) at this stage of their education/career path. And gap = opportunity, obviously.
92 weeks ago

Kachina Gosselin: I think that you've definitely identified a need. I'm graduating from MIT and even though students are pushed to be remarkable they aren't given ...MoreI think that you've definitely identified a need. I'm graduating from MIT and even though students are pushed to be remarkable they aren't given much support to do so as they could. I've got a lot to say on that topic, but I'll try to keep this short. Anyways, your problem will be identifying a way to address this need that is effective, scales well and is profitable. I'd like to get in on the conversation, I think the consultancy idea has potential.
92 weeks ago

Danver Chandler: School Counselors (High School) actually have the job description to help direct students. I would not blame school. Everyone seems to want to ...MoreSchool Counselors (High School) actually have the job description to help direct students. I would not blame school. Everyone seems to want to blame schools - they have become the parents, the educators and and a whole gamut of other things. I hope you'll perceive your endeavor as an asset to schools, as an enhancement to the entire educational process (in a way alleviate one of the hundreds of duties schools seek to fulfill).
Perhaps your endeavor might best be met in getting towards parents. The psychological state of a child is formally fixed at the age of 5. Therefore a person has decided who they'll be by the age of 5. If they want to change, it'll be up to them. But, again, you're speaking of college students and high schoolers. If you believe it IS cut and dry and can be put into a list, write a book and lecture at universities or show up at these collegiate seminars for undergraduate students. Your desire seems broad and only as a kudos to you, I hope you'll focus/narrow the vision to either providing resources or for providing a method that cultivates motivation. Everyone is motivated, their value systems are different from ours and sometimes we judge that to be problematic (as in some cases it definitely can be).
92 weeks ago

Scott Carver: My initial thought, given the information presented on this, is that care needs to be taken in how this is planned. To teach a class full of ...MoreMy initial thought, given the information presented on this, is that care needs to be taken in how this is planned. To teach a class full of folks how to be remarkable given a set of instructions runs the risk of having the opposite results. I see a class full of remarkable people just like each other.

"Real World" can't be taught, IMHO. It has to be experienced, failures have to occur, being unremarkable a time or two and learning from that will make one more remarkable than what can be taught.

I may have totally missed something in your post and if I did I do apologize for sounding so negative. I think it IS a very interesting thought.
92 weeks ago

Sue Miley MBA, MA, LPC, Business and Career Coach: Two points made in the discussion I think are very important:
1. Parents cannot delegate parenting to the schools or churches. (Danver) Schools ...MoreTwo points made in the discussion I think are very important:
1. Parents cannot delegate parenting to the schools or churches. (Danver) Schools are a means for education and have a role in motivation, but in their efforts to be all to everyone I feel the results are diluted.
2. You can't teach kids to BE remarkable. (Scott) We can inspire and motivate, but it is the concept that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink it.

As a licensed counselor myself, we learned in graduate school that you can't work harder than the client. Not because it isn't a worthy goal...but because it doesn't work.

I think schools and teachers would have a much more significant impact on motivating students if they practiced consistently being remarkable themselves. In that, the students who have the potential and motivation will be attracted to what that teacher has and mentoring moments will abound!
92 weeks ago

Carlee Mallard: I think you're definitely on to something. How to go about actually talking to high school and college graduates about what they need to do is ...MoreI think you're definitely on to something. How to go about actually talking to high school and college graduates about what they need to do is sort of tricky. The thing is, they don't even know that they need the help. The ones that want help will go to their school counselors or career development center in college. Someone said go to the parents, because they're the ones that are going to want to find assistance/guidance for their high school grads. But you'd have to provide something that the school and career counselors don't already provide. And I'm not sure a paid "course" per say is really the best way to go about that.
92 weeks ago

Sean Masters: I'm willing to bet that at least one credit card company would sponsor this to some degree, if only as PR.
92 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower: The idea, and certainly the reasoning behind it are sound. Schools don't teach enough practical knowledge.

The problem I foresee is that many ...MoreThe idea, and certainly the reasoning behind it are sound. Schools don't teach enough practical knowledge.

The problem I foresee is that many high school/college people will already be saturated with schooling, mentally, financially, during the times they would most benefit from this sort of instruction. You may find it difficult to convince such people to engage in even more schooling. No matter how advantageous.
92 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer: Thanks for the feedback.

Let me clarify something: I agree that you can't teach any one to be remarkable. I to do two things (I think): 1) open ...MoreThanks for the feedback.

Let me clarify something: I agree that you can't teach any one to be remarkable. I to do two things (I think): 1) open students up to new concepts and what is valued in the real world (so they can start doing these things, and so they know what's important), 2) give them practical skills and resources.

I see several key areas that are not addressed by school and parents:

1. mentorship: how to get a mentor in the field you are interested in pursuing, or just general mentorship.
2. opportunities to get real world experience: what jobs or experience can high school or college students gain that adds real value and teaches something valuable.
3. Access to networks
4.Self-Doubt/Lack of direction: not knowing what the real world is like or even what kind of careers are out there. (This was me for a long, long time). How do we expect college students to pick a major when they don't know anything about the real world?

92 weeks ago

Lindsey Donner: The irony of this is, I worked for a non-profit, and teaching social, general, and financial literacy courses (or workshops) were a critical ...MoreThe irony of this is, I worked for a non-profit, and teaching social, general, and financial literacy courses (or workshops) were a critical aspect of - guess what - re-assimilating homeless men back into society. Yet we neglect the same concept for our children and young people. I agree with others that the way to resolve this is something outside of the institutional model, however.
92 weeks ago

Alex Medvedovski: If you are interested you are really interested doing this you can open an online school either for free or $15 a month (depending on number of ...MoreIf you are interested you are really interested doing this you can open an online school either for free or $15 a month (depending on number of users and classes) at www.supercoolschool.com. This platform empowers everybody to create their own school with one click.
If you have any questions on Supercool School you can contact me and I will gladly answer any questions you might have
92 weeks ago

Danver Chandler: @ Cameron, basically I hear you saying that you want to do what this book has done: weblink: More@ Cameron, basically I hear you saying that you want to do what this book has done: weblink: http://www.amazon.com/What-Color-Your-Parachute-Teens/dp/1580087132. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE FOR TEENS is a great resource as you seek to decide HOW to go about this process.

My aunt, an attorney, and I (a teacher now for 4 years), are looking to implement this idea of getting students to think of school and their classes with a sense of purpose and help teachers supply optimal experiences to nurture their purposes. A great book entitled: The Path to Purpose: helping our young children find their calling life, by William Damon. Could be a great start for you as well.

I don't think you'll have to reinvent the wheel here, many people see the need and have expressed the 'how-to' for it. Perhaps linking with the appropriate teams will help you get closer to doing that directly with kids.

And, by the way, the local schools would love for you to volunteer in the building (I am not saying you aren't/haven't or what-have-you, but it may turn into an opportunity for you to speak with faculty and then perhaps become that mentor at the school). I mean you could create a non-profit and go into the school with your ideas...it is as simple as getting the background-check and having the trust from the principal.

92 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer: @Alex intriguing concept. Will be thinking about that.

@Danver Thanks for the advice. I do agree and acknowledge that many people have done ...More@Alex intriguing concept. Will be thinking about that.

@Danver Thanks for the advice. I do agree and acknowledge that many people have done great work already on this. I don't see my role as creating something entirely new. I think my role is to aggregate and synthesize of all the great information and knowledge out there.

I like your idea of volunteering in the schools in some fashion. Will keep that in mind.
92 weeks ago

: "Self-Doubt/Lack of direction: not knowing what the real world is like or even what kind of careers are out there. (This was me for a long, long ...More"Self-Doubt/Lack of direction: not knowing what the real world is like or even what kind of careers are out there. (This was me for a long, long time). How do we expect college students to pick a major when they don't know anything about the real world?"

This is where the need is. No one is teaching students how to identify and critically assess their interests/talents/skills, think about them holistically and bring them together into a unified whole that could be applied in multiple fields or on multiple career trajectories. This is especially true for youth whose interests don't naturally sync up with obvious career choices (like math? Become an accountant!). I see this process lending itself much more readily to a coaching model than a book (not hands-on enough, IMO).

92 weeks ago

Rachel Puckett: My thoughts:

There are young entrepreneurs who have already identified this gap and are trying to address the need. Two examples that I know of ...MoreMy thoughts:

There are young entrepreneurs who have already identified this gap and are trying to address the need. Two examples that I know of off the top of my head are: http://www.extremetour.org/ and http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/. The two founders of the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour started the tour after writing/publishing a book about this very process.

What do these two models address? The first reaches out to students at college campuses with examples of successful young entrepreneurs. The second is a web-based model whose audience is not limited only to college students.

But where would the competition step in? Where's the gap/need? I think the service would need to strike the right balance of inspiration, in-depth knowledge of your target audience (for instance, undergrads or even high school students), and practicality, i.e. provide concrete solutions for network and job experience for motivated college students and/or high school students who are already interested in becoming what you refer to as 'remarkable people'.

The two references mentioned above are both concentrated on entrepreneurship and business, and I think that is actually their greatest advantage.

To me, the most interesting take on this problems would be something that involves huge benefits for the people who get involved and attend....as in a network of workshops, planned by students nation-wide, about these topics and the students who are inspired to be 'remarkable people' then join the "movement". You could challenge people to take action on their desire, to define it, and then capitalize on their action/excitement to strengthen your own project...

Great idea...it would good to take some concrete steps to exploring its viability
92 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer: I think I want to help people answer this question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Makes it cut and dry after that.
91 weeks ago

Danver Chandler: @Cameron, then you're back the whole thing concerning purpose. You will get kids who'll tell you, I want to be a doctor or lawyer or teacher or ...More@Cameron, then you're back the whole thing concerning purpose. You will get kids who'll tell you, I want to be a doctor or lawyer or teacher or and a million other occupations. But what is their reason for going after that particular job? I had a friend who's parents said "go in engineering, it pays well". And she graduated with the degree, hated it, never went in the field, but spent $120,000 on her 4.5 year education at a private institution! Now she's in debt and getting another degree! She could tell you what she wanted, money via an engineering degree.

I think if you dig deeper and get kids to think, "why this field" and that field they'll connect to wanting to become these "wonderful people". I can tell you right now I have classrooms full of kid who tell me they want to be in the NBA or NFL, who want to model or act or sing or dance...and then they have NO clue what it takes to really make in these types of careers..(they have no idea about the real world of dancing or NFL membership etc...)
Perhaps your question is more of "What do you REALLY want to DO when you grow up? (get behind the fame and glory and get to their desire...a lot of kids I've asked have shared that they DO want to help people...they're not sure of the millions of ways in which they'll be able to do so.) Just a thought.

91 weeks ago

: I think "What are you good at?" and "What makes you happy?" are more salient questions. The answers to those can be used to brainstorm/formulate ...MoreI think "What are you good at?" and "What makes you happy?" are more salient questions. The answers to those can be used to brainstorm/formulate career strategies beyond simply asking kids to name an occupation. It's also working from a place of security/sound knowledge. Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up, but most people can articulate what they enjoy doing and what they think they have some aptitude for. Start there and segue into its professional application would be my approach.
91 weeks ago

Mehul Kar: I was taught that there are 3 criteria for choosing one's life path (In the Vedas-ancient texts of India- this is called one's Dharma). they ...MoreI was taught that there are 3 criteria for choosing one's life path (In the Vedas-ancient texts of India- this is called one's Dharma). they are:

1) What makes you happy
2) What are you good at
3) What society needs

If you can find a career path that answers all those questions satisfactorily, then you have found your Dharma.
91 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer: @Danver/@J. Maureen:

I want people to answer the question "what do you want to be when you grow" by researching potential jobs, getting insights ...More@Danver/@J. Maureen:

I want people to answer the question "what do you want to be when you grow" by researching potential jobs, getting insights from professionals in the field and any other way one might figure out what they would be happy doing in a career. Being able to articulate their strengths, what they enjoy, and what they are good at will get to my answer.

If think we are talking about the same strategy, just from different angles.

I agree that most kids want to be professional athletes or entertainers of some sort (i did). But, if kids knew what parts of sports can be transferred to a career, that will be a big eye opener.

And if a kid figures out they want to be something that typically makes little money, it will be huge that they learn this early in life so they can develop supplimental skills. Example: somebody figures out they want to be a painter, so I would recommend they not only work super hard at painting, but also getting some marketing, entrepreneurial and overall businesses experience.

I feel this is a good niche and focus for my idea.

What are your strengths+what do you enjoy+ what can you be really good at= What I want to be when I grow up
91 weeks ago

Jennifer Peeler: This sounds a lot like what we work on at the Self Knowledge Symposium at NCSU. Most of us college students are in a confused stage. We are ...MoreThis sounds a lot like what we work on at the Self Knowledge Symposium at NCSU. Most of us college students are in a confused stage. We are supposed to be no longer dreaming, we are supposed to be getting down to work. Yet, we have hardly a clue what that work means or what it's for, and school/college does a really bad job of showing us how to apply ourselves. Danver is absolutely right, in that it comes down to purpose and that's exactly what we work on at SKS. For us, and our mentor August Turak (check out http://augustturak.com/) that purpose comes from selflessness. Once students identify and accept their need to be part of something bigger as an asset, not a hindrance, then they can seek out organizations, businesses, and careers that they will love to be part of creating and maintaining. Getting past this wall is where the biggest gap exists, that's where I've started helping and I'd love to see more people join me!
91 weeks ago

Tameem Qazi: Interested in the business partner proposition. Would like to find out more details
91 weeks ago

JenG: Cameron,
I think you're heading in the right direction. It's part self-assessment and part knowledge of the greater world that's needed. For ...MoreCameron,
I think you're heading in the right direction. It's part self-assessment and part knowledge of the greater world that's needed. For example, I may know what my strengths are, but as a student in HS or college, I most likely don't know the full range of careers that are even available. So I think that's what you meant when you said real world knowledge.

The difficulty of packaging this is that: a) it involves a lot of self exploration, which takes time, and b) once you get to the "real world" options, it needs to be tailored to each person.

I think this is why others suggested coaching rather than a book or class. But I can imagine a coach + book option, where you step students through exercsies and let them learn from each other. Then go to personalized coaching to help them find the right career from them once they fully understand themselves.

Of course, I think the real key would be to bring it to the schools. Maybe in HS like an afterschool activity? I think weekends would be hard.

I love thinking about this and would be glad to keep brainstorming it with you. I'm also very interested in turning this into a reality. Having just gone through this process myself, I do wonder why I waited so long...
91 weeks ago

Ashley Ambirge: Definitely connect with @adrianswinscoe - he is in the process of currently undertaking a similar, if not identical, project! :)
91 weeks ago

David Lapedis: Hey Cameron,

I think you're right on here. The trick to me is getting young adults to think about this when they still have the resources to ...MoreHey Cameron,

I think you're right on here. The trick to me is getting young adults to think about this when they still have the resources to develop their passion. I worked with a nonprofit that built h.s. social entrepreneurs that aimed to influence kids when they still were developing emotionally, but had the resources to make change and discover their passion and potential. These two orgs are doing it.

Thefli.org and http://sgla.org/.

The question is how can we make these programs standard in our education systems. Wouldn't we all benefit if we have impassioned young adults working to better themself and our society?
91 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer: Jen, has my idea down to a tee.

@Ashley thanks for the contact, I'll look into it.

Right now I'm torn. Do I go down the more long-term route of ...MoreJen, has my idea down to a tee.

@Ashley thanks for the contact, I'll look into it.

Right now I'm torn. Do I go down the more long-term route of creating a program and coaching system, or do I do the short-term route and put out some ebooks and other low entry products.

I'm leaning toward the lower entry route just to get my feet wet
91 weeks ago

JenG: Cam,

I agree that starting with some e-books might be one way to do it. Or utilize existing books (like PP mentioned, What Color Is Your ...MoreCam,

I agree that starting with some e-books might be one way to do it. Or utilize existing books (like PP mentioned, What Color Is Your Parachute for Teens) and then start volunteering at a school or YMCA to get experience/feedback. If the class goes well, you could transition into coaching with some of the students from the class.

Personally, I would make the class where you step through exercises in the book be free, then hook with coaching (since by that time they should have seen your value). The danger is that parents will likely think they are as qualified to help kids find their chosen career. The key is convincing them (if they don't know it already), that their kids are more likely to listen to a stranger. :)

Again, happy to help you in any way...
91 weeks ago

Danver Chandler: @Jen/Cameron - the drawback with high schoolers and after school is that many are involved with activities after school. This is not to ...More@Jen/Cameron - the drawback with high schoolers and after school is that many are involved with activities after school. This is not to discourage, but you'll want to consider other options (I will tell you that there are MANY programs that have permission to take students out of class on a regular basis (once per week) in groups.) And, I'm glad you seem to be resolving the true desire of this program etc...
91 weeks ago

Andrew Hill: So I read most of the comments and have varying opinions, but think there is one simple answer. To give you some background about myself I'm a ...MoreSo I read most of the comments and have varying opinions, but think there is one simple answer. To give you some background about myself I'm a High School Senior at the largest public high school in Rhode Island. I'm 18 years old, an Eagle Scout, on an important national student panel on education and sit on the SAT Committee of the College Board, In June some of my comments on education will be published in College Ed. I'm also an Entrepreneur who has been trying to balance school, work, and life with varying degrees of success over the past four years.

Last tuesday I was in a national focus group on education and what changes should be made if there were no restrictions, the proctor was irritating me and after some coersion I stated I would remove the statistical grading system that is used in education, this if done correctly, would alleviate all these problems. The main problem you may be seeing is "Smart Kids" having major issues with the real world and this is in part because school has become, for many, a place of learning how to manipulate the system to get the highest rank and grades, and is not focused on learning. (simplifying it greatly for space) If just class rank was eliminated school would be much better. To prove this point, two students in my physics class yesterday were very confused when we were talking about the universe and big bang in physics class because they thought the big bang killed the dinosaurs, one is the top ranked male in the class and president of national honor society and the other girl is top 30 or so also in national "honor society". I'm also against NHS and other similar point based excellence recognition systems in general.

Secondly, there is no business taught in school, generally, until maybe economics in High School and this is generally an elective. I believe instituting a form of Entrepreneurial education from 1st grade to 12th grade would be an amazingly valuable and if American education could shift from killing creativity to embracing it enhancing it and valuing the opinions of youth we could fix many issues.

A few more general comments; I know everything has been pretty general I've said, I apologize, this is a strange medium to try and place a lot of information in. At the end of the day all the helicopter parenting is really what is screwing everyone up, please step off and teach your kids to learn from failure. The ability to learn from failure and placing value in this essential trait is essential for successful people. When passing and NHS and gpa requirements aren't concerns people will be inspired, inspire others, and do greatness. If you are doing everything for your child because you want it to be perfect you're screwing them up for life and not allowing them to learn correctly. Go find the data, it is there. At the end of the day, the opprotunity is there you just need to take it and run with it. I have met amazing people, done amazing things, and still don't know what I want to do when I "Grow Up" because I'm not single minded and nor are most people. My plans include Education, Energy, Entrepreneurship as the big three things that can change the world. Without being allowed to fail, learn on my own, and have no bullshit parenting I would be a failure and know nothing of what the real world is like. At the end of the day, all life is is a game so enjoy it; there is no reality.

I've got connections throughout higher ed, K-12, and national Education policy makers so if something does come of high value from this great conversation I'm a bit connected...
91 weeks ago

Andrew Hill: Also, I have to agree with the comments on Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour I want to meet with them and talk to them for sure in the future. I'm not ...MoreAlso, I have to agree with the comments on Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour I want to meet with them and talk to them for sure in the future. I'm not sure on young entrepreneurship.com or whatever their information may be ok but the site layout and format is garbage in my opinion. Much better off checking out under 30 ceo which is more geared to college students but is welcoming to all and people there, especially the founders, will go out of their way to help you out.

Talks to see online on the issue of entrepreneurship and education of note in my opinion are Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk "Schools kill creativity" and TEDxEdmonton's Breeding Entrepreneurship by Cameron Herald Both easily found online.

A bit more to add, I believe another essential addition to the education system is getting like minded engaged students together in national groups at conferences with other top minds be it Phds or CEOs and Policy makers in that area is essential for the continual push by high school students. Generally, it is NOT understood if you are trying to be successful in entrepreneurship or are truely intelligent. It is hard to be surrounded by, quite honestly, disengaged negative peers who do not mind being unremarkable. I have found that the education panel I'm on has basically made me be able to survive the rest of my time in high school knowing that out there, somewhere, the light at the end of the tunnel exists. Also, getting interaction between local colleges and universities with high schools is essential. The mindset of college profs versus most high school teacher's is amazing, although there are a small amount of remarkable high school teachers who are more similar to profs who make the difference in students lives in high school.

This year, last year, and next year I will attend the AP Annual Conference with the College Board and the annual Forum. The difference is the crowd, High School teachers vs. College Deans and profs respectively. You would think that me, being a high school student, would have an easier time with the high school teachers, but the opposite is the case. High School teachers, in general (remember I'm generalizing there are exceptions), have an issue with superiority complex with their students and have the mindset that they went through high school, went to college and got their degree, and are better than their students so they talk down to them (I stress in general). While surprisingly or unsurprisingly College Profs and Deans are generally much more highly educated many with their Phds or working towards them, have works that are published, and are much easier to talk to, less judging, and more open to different perspectives and ideas. Although we are in no way equally educated they do not have an air of superiority and love talking to whomever they can about current events or their field or whatever the other person is interested in and learning from them as well. They tend to value to individual mind, not the status or title. This is something that needs to be brought down to the high school level. It may mean breaking up the teachers unions to rid them of poor quality tenured teachers or requiring teachers to rotate every four years with a year off to refresh themselves so it doesn't become just a means to an end. I'm not exactly sure yet.

2
91 weeks ago

Danver Chandler: @Andrew: Your comments pose many thoughts (as I teach middle school students and aspire to become a professor sometime in the next 15 years, no ...More@Andrew: Your comments pose many thoughts (as I teach middle school students and aspire to become a professor sometime in the next 15 years, no rush). Therefore, a few things:

1.) Grading Systems - In undergrad and graduate school future teachers are always asked to share their ideas about state-mandated testing, GPAs etc... It has always been the desire of those I engaged with to use the system that is used for students in special education, portfolios. Portfolios contain documentation of the student's capabilities in a very real tangible format. In working with the College Board's college curriculum for middle schoolers there I saw how they aimed to create opportunities for students to show case their best pieces and highest quality work. Rubrics were used to evaluate learning and in my opinion, it helped create learners that were deeply engaged from such an enriching curriculum. The problem however, lies in the vast amounts of money that are generated for test developers. In addition to this, the federal government has strict guidelines for public schools that bind seem to frighten schools (administrators). In fact, that makes me think now that it would be a great documentary to get behind the scenes concerning these ACTs, SATs, state tests etc...(and of course GPAs - which I believe teaches competitive nature and not so much community oriented)

2.) Parenting - I'm not a parent. It seems what you've observed is that they are involved. I teach kids who have been left alone so much they've gotten pregnant at 12 years old and 14 and in jail at these ages. As I've grown I've come to view the experiences helpful. Try to view it as a sense of appreciation (as you observe) and consider when you are out of the house you'll not have to deal (or other persons) with such concerns. Granted, it's a parent's first time to parent, they might not get it right the first time (especially if you're the oldest). And, there is NO way that parents will be responsible for screwing up people unless the child chooses to believe they have been so damaged they can not heal or grow to think and live in new ways (it is not beneficial to blame the outcome of our lives on other people, that would leave you and I completely powerless.

3)You're right. Many adults change careers or actually shift careers. We change and grow in new ways so our careers tend to reflect that!

4) I'm eager to check out "Schools Kill Creativity". I visit TED on occasion and have not stumbled on this particular lecture.

5) Cameron indicated he wanted to help the remarkable. I hear you want to get away (or have students get away from the unremarkable, the very folks spoken of to be helped). Do you care to elaborate? I just find it a bit ambiguous and would like some clarity.

6) Since education is something you're interested in. I hope you'll highly consider substitute teaching and getting into the shoes of high school teachers. Consider this food for thought: high school teachers are required to teach students who do not want to learn, college professors teach students who pay to learn. In addition to this high school teachers are known to 1,000+ students each year (with that number being 'new' students). At private universities instructors meet much smaller numbers of students (at Vanderbilt my class size was 8 in graduate school).

In all of your endeavors to benefit humanity I wish you much prosperity.
91 weeks ago

Andrew Hill: Danver, Later today I'll go into more detail but to briefly answer what you've said.

1) Grading systems: It may sound strange but I am actually ...MoreDanver, Later today I'll go into more detail but to briefly answer what you've said.

1) Grading systems: It may sound strange but I am actually for Standardized testing, but I am not for teaching to the test. We do need some form of metrics on students and things like the SAT add a critical component, but thats just it, a component. I have a nondisclosure agreement with the College Board especially concerning the SAT since I'm on their internal Committee, so I can't really mention much about the behind the scenes, but will say it is a great team they have and they really are doing everything they can to make the test the best it can be; I'll mention the idea of a documentary about the SAT to them this week. If you are interested in getting involved with the college board, call your regional office up, they always are looking for more members and people to work with and be active and whatnot. It is a great time. This summer APAC is in DC and Forum will be as well this fall.

Rhode Island actually recently implemented a portfolio based "Proficiency Graduation system" which requires 14 portfolios (2 per class) freshmen, sophomore, and junior year and then a "Senior Project" Senior year which consists of a research paper, mentoring hours (15 minimum), and a 10 min speech in front of a panel of judges on the topic you chose. The system on top of the normal education system that still exists is a complete waste of time at my school and just disrupts class with portfolios because they have made "Mandatory" portfolio assignments which defeats the purpose a bit. In general it has failed at my specific school due to the faculty and students lack of embracing the change and taking advantage of it. The Senior project is a waste of time in many regards and they do not allow you to use powerpoints for your presentation... They are looking to remove the senior project proficiency by graduation standards and go back to testing. Rhode Island is insane. With that said a good friend of mine and I were just talking for about an hour on AIM catching up, he goes to a private school down the street from my school and he is in Honduras right now volunteering at an orphanage for two weeks for his mentoring hours. This school lets them leave and really have a mentoring experience and has embraced senior project. Obviously it all comes down to money and the culture. So it has to be carefully done for sure, especially implementing this in large public high schools. Another method of grading is to grade out of 150% or something so that even though the school grades only allow up to 100 your students can take much greater risk and you can grade them much harder but at the same time they aren't slighted because the other teacher is an easier grader, and you will also see that the kids in your harder graded class work harder, produce better quality work under these high expectations and at the same time will not be as worried about their grade because they know they will do well for their rank and all that crap. So how to exactly go about it is an interesting question.

2) Parenting, I believe I may not have been specific enough, I meant that in reason. Please don't let your kid get pregnant in middle school or high school for that matter, and encourage them to do the right things and be there for support, but please don't micromanage or over manage.

4) Gotta watch at least a video or two on TED each week if not daily, at least I do, it keeps me going. One of my new years resolutions was to become inspired daily. TED and DO lectures have helped me with this goal.

5) As for the getting away, I'll comment more extensively later on. I believe it is essential for this to occur and have conferences, mastermind groups, online social networks and forums for high school teenagers to seek out similarly interested highly motivated peers. For example I'm an Entrepreneur, no one else at my school really understands what that means, It has taken me the past four years to explain that people use live plants in aquariums similarly to as one landscapes their garden and yard. I'm isolated from others like me in this hobby (aquascaping) and business mindset (entrepreneurship in general, more specifically my interests lie in what makes people buy products). To account for this I am active on www.plantedtank.net/forums for the aquarium side of things and DECA for business. Sophomore year I won my state DECA entrepreneurship competition and went on to compete at the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta that year, surrounding myself with like minded students who are business focused, I was able to freely talk about business and hold conversations with others of my peer group on the topics that interested us both. This would be rare at home if existent. It is just like anyone who goes to any conference be it Dream Deferred last week in atlanta or SXSW or whatever your interests lie in, you're able to talk with other people as crazy about the topic as you, network with them, and form lasting relationships that carry on in life. With technology like Skype and Facebook's chat and others like Brazen you can talk to them afterwards about those topics and this group of friends that may be spread nationally or globally can be essential for helping to keep one going. For me, the most essential group I've been on is the national student panel the APSC through the college board it is a pretty compedative process and there are 4 or 5 kids per year selected from across the nation and it is a three year term from junior year to first semester of sophomore year in College. Being with these kids at the first meeting I Attended we talked about Prop 8 (it had just been voted on) and all kinds of politics and economic issues and just interesting engaging conversations where back home if I bring up something of that matter there is no sustainable conversation. It is hard to describe exactly, especially since my experience is very unique, but it has been the most important experience of my high school years. Interestingly, being with these fellow highly motivated students has helped with my grades in school and I have the highest grades when I miss a few days in a quarter to attend our meetings. You would also be surprised at how much the "big wigs" enjoy spending time with highly motivated engaged students and how willing they are to speak with them and give their time with them. I had a discussion with Gaston Caperton about the book Outliers and have met Bud Seilig, Last Friday I met the new president of the Siemens Foundation and the Past President. At the end of the day people are people and there isn't much difference between the man on the subway you might meet and get directions from to the big cats in industry.

6) Education is something I'm highly interested in, I hate teachers unions with a passion (nothing personal to you, have you seen RI in the news lately? lol) and will never become a substitute teacher and work my way up the totem pole because it just doesn't work effectively enough in my opinion. I would much rather donate my time and run an after school class at the local public high school in an area the local they are lacking for free and have it open to anyone. Then take policy up at a level where I can make a change at a much larger scale, national level perhaps. I find it false that high school teachers teach kids who do not want to learn, in reality high school teachers need to learn how to get to their students, to inspire them, and to have them enjoy learning. I'm not saying it is easy, but in my experience people would rather complain about the unjust statistics than fix the problems, but the few who just teach and try and teach well their results are staggering. My physics teacher this year came in mid year after a bit of a scandal (half the kids dropped out etc etc etc) and now people are getting passes from other teachers to let them come to our class to learn, my friend who hates math, absolutely hates math, is getting out of gym to sit in a physics class. So please, focus on content not why one's job is challenging. If one wants an easy vocation don't go into high school education. There are plenty of GREAT teachers that are looking for jobs right now, I know that as a fact because with the whole physics debacle in the beginning of the year I've had three new ones one ended up leaving two days later to work for the FBI or something, the second one now teaches just half the physics classes and mine teaches my physics class and the other Senior level physics class.

With that said, please don't take anything I said too personal especially the latter stuff, I have very strong opinions on the matter and probably should be sleeping and not posting them... lol

Keep up the good work, Vanderbilt to High School Education, You are no doubt a great teacher and I'm sure your students feel lucky to have you, even if they don't exactly show it.
91 weeks ago

Andrew Hill: Middle school, I meant, even a more important age for education... Especially getting kids into good math and science courses. Great stuff.
91 weeks ago

Danver Chandler: @Andrew:

1) Thank you for the suggestions! In regards to grading systems I'll say this of public schools (at least in TN): a child must be ...More@Andrew:

1) Thank you for the suggestions! In regards to grading systems I'll say this of public schools (at least in TN): a child must be passed on to his next grade level if he has previously failed and been retained (one or two years of retention, can't remember at the moment), even if the child IS failing. As a teacher, the LOWEST grade I can give a child is a 60 (so there is already a free boost of 60 points for every child...this occurred in Texas as well, and it is perhaps nation wide). Maybe you're on to something here, there needs to be a tool that assesses learning accurately and takes the "hard" and "easy" grading teachers' scoring out of the equation. Perhaps the 'grading tool' is the issue. Also, it is wonderful to hear of the opportunities your friend is experiencing. It was not until after high-school I realized all of the opportunities available that would be and already were available to me.

5) I must say that although I lived in one of the poorest areas of Arlington, Texas and attended a school with the lowest income average I was afforded the opportunity to 'get out' of the regular classes and join with the honors classes. I was separate academically but not socially - It became beneficial to learn how folks thought here and there. But, you said you'd speak on it later.

6) In Texas there are not teachers Unions (at least from what I remember). When I moved to Nashville I began to experience teacher unions. I have personal experience of some negative things they do, therefore I am not affiliated. Beyond my personal experience I've not investigated further I've just drawn my conclusions and judgments and refuse to be affiliated.

I find your comment rounding us back the intent of Cameron's message. However, first allow me to clarify that teachers do teach students who don't want to learn certain subjects (i.e. I never wanted to learn Chemistry, although I found it interesting, I did not want to learn it). You suggested the curriculum be changed (the idea of entrepreneurship etc.. 1st-12th grade). Perhaps this is the issue - the same curriculum is being taught that was taught 50 years ago with mere updates to data. I have a student who would benefit to learn how to market herself in the business of the music industry. At 13 she's produced her own CD and begun touring. There are limits in the classroom with what she can do to further her interest. Personally, statistics and records do not stop those I've observed teaching from really making an effort to teach. But honestly there are some real-life situations in the public schools where you have kids doing phenomenally well under circumstances and then you have kids that just aren't able to effectively use coping skills to move through life. Even if you didn't substitute, I still recommend getting into a classroom. I feel I was judgmental to many teachers until I felt what it's like to deal with murders, rapes, pregnancies, separation...and then you see the kids really trying, they get out their pencils and sheets of paper and look up at you and want to know what are we doing today that's going to benefit me...and you say, "We are learning about .... today" It would be SO great to start a lesson off that had more of a long-term benefit. Focusing on economics, investments, health, nutrition (at my school age level).

To close, nothing you stated has been taken personally.
91 weeks ago

: At the risk of derailing the convo into a discussion of privilege, elitism and inequality of access to opportunity, I will say that I don't agree ...MoreAt the risk of derailing the convo into a discussion of privilege, elitism and inequality of access to opportunity, I will say that I don't agree that aiming at the already engaged/motivated/high-achieving/well-resourced students is the way to go, at least not if anyone conceives of this idea as having an altruistic slant. The opportunities for these folks already exist and they are the most likely to seek them out and capitalize on them, build connections, proactively identify their own mentors, etc. They need much less hand-holding and guidance. Catering to them might ensure bigger "wins," but it really does nothing to address the plight of the students who are equally deserving of finding their way in the world (um...that would be all of them), but haven't connected with HS curriculum, aren't naturally self-reflective, don't have access to the resources and opportunities that would open doors for them or have simply never been told or believed that they can have/deserve a successful future. These folks would be *my* focus, but your mileage may vary.
91 weeks ago

Danver Chandler: @J. Maureen: I think the students you describe are who Cameron wants to connect with. Good looks.
91 weeks ago

Andrew Hill: @Danver
1)Danver, in my school system if you fail you fail, there is no social promotion. So this has it's pros and cons as well. I think, at the ...More@Danver
1)Danver, in my school system if you fail you fail, there is no social promotion. So this has it's pros and cons as well. I think, at the end of the day, it is all about expectations. If one is content with their economic status, their social status, and how they are living they do not have the drive (generally I am stressing this is a general statement) to get out and do these things and regardless of the system that group will do poorly.

5)(@Maureen as well) It is great to hear you broke out of the norm. I would have to disagree with Maureen and say that there is much opprotunity for low income students especially if they wish to go on to college and work as hard as they can in school. Deans of Admission understand their circumstances and want them for all kinds of reasons. There is always money there. I was at the Dream Deferred conference two weeks ago and found out that there is a program at Cornell or Columbia or some top school that is a summer program for any minorities looking to go into the STEM fields. All they must do is have the interest in going and they're accepted and everything is paid for. So there are definitely opportunities there. Access to them has gotten easier I would say, with the advent of the web and social media and twitter and everything. Yet, the effort to take advantage of the opportunities lies at the end of the day with the student no matter how much encouragement councilors, teachers, and friends give. On my way back from the conference I had a long conversation with a older gentleman in the airport. He happened to have grown up a very poor area of the US and he ended up going to GWU and then Oxford for his Phd in English. He then worked for the government building schools in the ghettos and on indian reserves for 28 years and was the principal at one for four years. He said something at the time I disagreed with strongly but now agree with strongly. I'm paraphrasing but in simple terms he said "give me a poor student when he gets out of high school I can only give you a poor student, give me a good prisoner and at the end of his sentence I can only give you the good prisoner back, give me a great student and after high school I will send you a great student. Schools don't change people's attitudes, it has to be at the family level." Or something like that he said. There is opportunity out there but the student/person/whomever must decide they want it you can't force it on them. The resources are available for those who want it. As Peter (one of the senior VPs of the college board) said at the conference "THERE CAN BE NO EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EQUITY" I agree completely, but the individual must want the excellence because opportunity to equity is there and people are willing to help.

6) It doesn't surprise me you aren't unionized all they have done is cause problems here, it is depressing really because many of them are good even great teachers.

I understand that certain subjects certain people don't really care about learning, at the same time if someone gets a teacher who is extremely passionate about the subject and does an amazing job teaching it and teaches it well, I guarantee he/she can make the students enjoy learning about it even if they didn't want to initially. My physics teacher brought in a bed of nails one day and a hammer... he then lit the bed of nails on fire with rubbing alcohol to "sterilize it" he then blew the fire out, laid down on the bricks and had a student place a pile of books on him then hit him as hard as he could with the hammer to show newton's laws. Everyone in the whole school was talking about it standard kids to the teachers. While it may not be easy, it can be done. I do plan on always having some part with teching young people for two years I voulenteered as a leader in a cub scout pack but as time went on I just couldn't commit the time and keep up with everything. In college I plan to find the local scout troop and be as active as I can while in college and running a business.

The education revolution is coming for sure, it is an exciting time because of just what you said, we've changed as a society and education hasn't changed too much with society. (Specifically K-12)

Back at 5) I can't exactly remember what I would go further on could you ask me specifically? Sorry about that.
-Andrew

91 weeks ago

Carmille: Great, great idea, Cameron. However, I'm not sure if setting up another "school" is the right approach. With the state/fed institution of ...MoreGreat, great idea, Cameron. However, I'm not sure if setting up another "school" is the right approach. With the state/fed institution of education, and the legality behind it (lots of paperwork-- think charter/homeschool), I'd probably stay away from this option.

Something you can consider is developing some sort of curriculum and pitching it to the DOE as part of an elective class or afterschool program. Or, as some type of business where parents can send their children too after school.
91 weeks ago

writeforhr: Can u Please Digg and Comment on "Thoughts on an HRevolution"http://digg.com/d31QcTR Thank you.
91 weeks ago

Danver Chandler: @Andrew:

#5 - You said you'd elaborate on "getting away" (i.e. separating to converse with those who are 'on your level'). I think you've made ...More@Andrew:

#5 - You said you'd elaborate on "getting away" (i.e. separating to converse with those who are 'on your level'). I think you've made your point clearer, but since you stated that I assumed you'd elaborate.
91 weeks ago

Andrew Hill: Oh yeah for sure, I'm going to actually sleep tonight but tomorrow I'll elaborate I think it is key to keep on going at a crazy goal or to just ...MoreOh yeah for sure, I'm going to actually sleep tonight but tomorrow I'll elaborate I think it is key to keep on going at a crazy goal or to just enjoy what you have at whatever school you're at more.
91 weeks ago

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