If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results. – Jack Dixon
Let me preface this post with a simple statement, “I believe public education needs to change.” 
First, we need to change our culture. We need to stop allowing outside forces to define us. We have permitted politicians and career bureaucrats to overshadow educators and futurists. We must take back the definition of success in our schools. Culture drives results . . . we need to take back our culture.
Secondly, we must start with the end in mind for each student. We use single assessments to measure success . . . it’s insanity. Each student must be pushed to his or her edge . . . each student must be judged against his or her performance. We have tried for decades to simplify a complex system of measuring success. Let’s face it . . . it’s complex, difficult, and challenging. From poverty to home life, from gifted to special needs . . . there is nothing simple about what we do. Let’s truly create a personalized approach that serves students and empowers teachers.
Finally, when we focus on educating the whole child. When we focus on skill development, student interests, and shared values, all aspects of the educational experience improves. When we stop focusing outside definitions of success, we will achieve greater success in all areas. When we empower educators in a collaborative approach, when we look to the future to determine needs rather than the past, and when we embrace change as a path to improvement we will truly prepare every student to be Ready for Tomorrow.

It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. – Roy Disney
Life is a journey filled with choices and decisions. The events we encounter each day require us to act. Our experiences, and more importantly the experiences of those we serve, are shaped by the decisions we make throughout the day.
How do you make decisions? On what basis do you respond to the events you face each day?
Making decisions is much easier when our values serve as our guide. When we are grounded in values and faith, we have confidence in our decisions – even the difficult decisions. When our inner-core is in alignment with our direction, we have assurance.  
Don’t let those with conflicting values influence your decision. Don’t give way to the popular or politically expedient. Build skill around clarifying your values and then live them each and every day. Getting your mind right requires first understanding the foundation on which you stand.

I see life almost like one long university education that I never had – every day I am learning something new. – Richard Branson
The best teacher is experience. When our eyes and ears are open . . . when we are reflective in our lives . . . every day is an education.  
Classical education, book learning, and teachers provide the foundation. We can only learn so much from others . . . we learn life’s lesson by living. We learn – we adapt and adjust – through experiential learning.
Life is a daily education. Are you reflective? Are you willing to see the world as your classroom?  
What did you learn yesterday? How can you take that lesson and be better today? Take the time today to view each experience as an opportunity to build your own skill set.