Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

It seems educators cannot make any decision without some test scores to support it, and we can take no action unless it is going to result in some change that can be measured on a test.

Education is a technology that is built upon the natural phenomena of the human brain. Unfortunately, many who affect schools no nothings of how brains really work.

Hey users… when IT changes things, follow their directions on using the new system.

Hey IT… when you change things, make sure to update users on how to use it

Sure, that philanthropist or business leader advising educators may have been an economic success. Let's not conflate that with understanding teaching and learning and schools.

"Teach the facts" is advocated by folks who misunderstand the ephemeral nature of facts.

You are a much more credible “data driven” leader if you can recognize regression to the mean.

Can we filter out applicants who are “not technology people” for positions whose work is dependent on the ability to use technology?

“This will fix it” rarely does. Well in IT it often does… in education it never does.

Some of the longest explanations lead listeners to ask “so what?”

The nature of our work changes when the tools change.

“Human cognition is not just influenced by culture and society, but it is in a very fundamental sense a cultural and social process.” -Edwin Hutchins

In education, tests are the culmination. In the real world, tests are gateways.

It seems that “using data” should be interpreted as “these are the few numbers that support our plans all others were disregarded.”

Folks seem to forget the technologies they see as “essential for students to master” were once vilified.

Content creation is to writing as delivery is to teaching.

“We’ve got to get through the curriculum.” 🤦‍♂️

Sometimes I make up acronyms and use them in meetings. Try it sometimes, it’s fun.

“Brainstorming sessions” often stop when the leader hears the answer they want.

“Teach students to think critically” is often espoused by those who hold some pretty wacky ideas.

Conspiracies exist. That is not proof every conspiracy theory is true.