Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

Carl Sagan reminded us science and truth are based on openness (to new ideas) and skepticism (to keep only those supported by evidence).

Accurate self appraisal is something leaders are seldom able to accomplish.

When leadership changes, it is wise to prepare for a job search. What was a good fit can change quickly.

Simple and effective technology solutions are not always welcomed. Many leaders want fancy and expensive solutions even if they are unused or used in a manner similar to the simple one.

When does self-delusion constitute fraud?

Most of your data just reinforces what you already think. Don’t deceive yourself into believing otherwise.

Numbers do not guarantee truth. - Stephen Jay Gould

Every instructor can be regarded with a "presumption of competence;" we assume you can to perform the duties. The best instructors recognize the "presumption of ignorance." They assume each class is filled with unique learners who make this group unlike any they have taught before.

Streaming media is great... you actually get to listen to 3-5 minutes of content between the advertisements.

A blog post suggesting a more sophiosticated view of knoweldge than we generally have.
https://www.hackscience.education/defining-knowledge/

Technology isn’t liking me today… the feeling is mutual.

Anyone who claims serendipity is not scientific has not studied the history of science.

Schools are social institutions and decisions are made for political reasons alone. Those who claim to be data-driven are putting up a great smoke screen.

In my career, I worked in the “good schools” and the “bad schools” in the region. There was no difference, except the “good schools” had more toxic cultures for adults.

I’m always hesitant to participate until I figure out if a new leader has validation or critique in mind when they say, “I value your input.”

Education “has to meet the problems of today, and the future, not of the past.” -John Dewey

Don’t confuse “better than other options” with “a good solution.”

In the real world, solutions to math problems are rarely numbers.

Yeah... they have been playing futbol for generations without hydration breaks. They need them now. Or maybe they just need another commercial break part way through weak half.

I encountered "flatting of expertise" for the firts time today (the term, not the phenomenon). AI has caused it, but so has the rejection of science.