An Inspiring Education Story's Social Side

60 Minutes continues to bring us stories that matter. Although the other two features Nov. 13 were significant, the one on the University of Maryland Baltimore County and its President, Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, was truly inspiring.

To quote the lead-in:
"Freeman Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, has an unusual name - and an even more unusual approach to education. His "Meyerhoff Scholars," for instance, are expected to adhere to a rigorous schedule and strict rules designed to instill discipline and build community. As Byron Pitts reports, what was once a little known commuter school is now graduating outstanding scientists and engineers, many of whom are minorities."

The students are not only expected to work hard and set high expectations, but they learn to become each others' teachers. The form the best possible social networks right from the start, FTF.

Here is the link to read the transcript or watch the video. I think that you will be as impressed as I was. It's a model for success in America, and not just for the brilliant students.

Sci Am Special Issue on Cities

As always the September issue of Scientific American is a treat. The dynamism and innovation of cities, including or especially shanty towns, is a marvel. The size of the informal, off the books economy was a surprise to me. Can we capture that spirit of survival and entrepreneurship to improve health and education?
The sale of phone cards is a significant component of the informal economy. To what extent have mobile phone enabled the 'underground' economy? In the past, the TV antennas in the shanty towns were striking. Today it's everybody on a cell/smart phone regardless of the economic status of the neighborhood.

David Brooks' Haimish Line

Seek out David Brooks' recent column on the Haimish line. 'South of the Haimish line' we are more connected to those around us as in the neighborhood pub or coffee shop compared to the fancy hotel. Reminds me of the time I was "thrown out" of first class on an airline (it was an alleged pass travel issue, not bad behavior) and went to the back where the other passengers told me to take of my tie and enjoy the journey. I did and it was a pleasant, relaxed trip with everybody having a non-rowdy good time.

Nisbett's Intelligence and How to Get It

What an inspiring book! It provides convincing evidence that great things are possible for students of all ages who work hard and for whom high, realistic expectations are set. Contrary to the hereditarians, genetics, while important, are not the determining factor for those of us in the normal range of intelligence. Supportive parents, teachers and culture dominate.
Intelligence and How to Get It presents a lot of research in a very readable manner. In addition to reviews of effective school programs, the reference to the US Dept. of Education's What Works Clearinghouse provides links to new findings.

Just Received The Social Animal

My wife gets to read David Brooks' The Social Animal first. With the end of the semester looming, just as well. I see that, like Daniel Pink's Drive, it cites a lot of important social science research. Hey, it's affirmation of the significance of the science to which we contribute.
(Brooks and Krugman alone may be worth the NYTimes' new fees.)
Another science-based business is that of Glen Furuya and his Leadership Works company. (Can't get away with presenting at a university with just made-up ideas.)

Support the Honolulu Diabetes Walk March 19, 2011

It's a 7:30 a.m. walk at Kapiolani Park with the great view of Diamond Head.

My team is Poprae Tonal.  Tonal  (pronounced tongal) is the Marshallese word for diabetes.

Poprae means prevent.

See www.tinyurl.com/popraetonal   that links to the American Diabetes Association site.

Walk or not, donations are welcome.

Aloha,

  Dan