From: Mati Palm-Leis (mpalm@merr.com)
Date: Fri Aug 26 2005 - 21:09:41 BST
Ham and folks,
You observed:
In other words, you represent what is commonly called "mainstream" America.
This maximizes the probability that you will be accepted by the community at
large, while minimizing the the probability that your ideas will impact on
the future of that community. You realize, of course, that in MoQ terms
that makes you an "SQ type" person.
Mati: I see your point and it seem quite rational but one thing people
don't realize that education is exists for the most part on a political
reality of one sort or another. I can't afford extremist type of views even
if I had them. To suggest that the middle of the road is a fairly static
reality is far from reality. Side line extremist types of view seldom
impact the middle of the road. You have to make good decisions that
positively impact the educational process that can be functional implemented
(Ok I know that might sound too much like an administrator.) Every decision
that I make and there are several hundred of them per week, impact so many
things that impacts a students education. I have my superintendent's
license that I got over a year ago. My proud father wanted to know when I
was going to make the next career step. I suggested that I might do it 10-12
years from now when I am closer to retirement. My father was a bit
disappointed but I pointed out this fact. The average career of a
superintendent in a single district is less than five years. Why? Well
because the number of decisions a superintendent make over that course of
time manage to piss off enough people that there is a political constituency
that grows that politically won't support you and hinder your ability to
make changes. And you would be amazed at what ticks people off. Here is a
fun challenge. Ask folks whether they support the current superintendent of
your local district, why or why not. You want a dynamic leader in education,
that politically is an oxymoron. The most dynamic leaders tend to be the
ones that seem static but yet good things happen.
Ham asked,
That is certainly commendable but, practically speaking, is "doing it all"
feasible, considering that the quality of education in the U.S. has dropped
from the top ranks by international standards and is currently, as I recall,
somewhere in the bottom quarter?
Mati: International comparisons are not very informative and never compare
apples to apples. Go to those countries with higher "educational standards"
and ask yourself is this were I what to live and send my kids. Or even
better yet, would I want to go to these schools if I was a student? "Doing
it all" might not seem practical, but maybe I should have stated "We need to
do all we can to make every student make it." Again is that practical, well
what is the alternative?
Ham:
So I accept your challenge, and expect to be back later with more "relevant"
questions.
Mati: Excellent!!!! I look forward toward you questions.
Ham:
On the other hand, don't you think improving the quality of our education is
a practical step in this direction?
Mati: Bingo! But there is a lot of work not getting done to make MOQ a tool
that potentially in 30 or 40 years change how we do business. Anthony's
work was a hallmark accomplishment for MOQ, more so than many may realize.
I try to do something with MOQ in my doctorate and failed. Actually I was
trying to practically apply MOQ in my research and discovered a mountain of
work that needs to be done. Here is a practical suggestion for MD. FIND A
WAY TO BUILD CONSENSUES, IN OUR UNDERSTANDING AND WISDOM ABOUT MOQ. Ok it
might take 50 to 80 years to move the next step. :-)
Take care,
Mati
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