This week the team at IEE and the Center for the 4th and 5th Rs hosted educators from across the United States and two foreign countries and provided an opportunity to dive into the many aspects of character development strategies and competencies. The experience exceeded expectations as only they know how to do.
The unique blend of people and backgrounds created an environment for synergistic sharing, teaching and learning. As the week unfolded someone in the group dubbed it a “think tank.” This descriptor was right on track as we explored so many interesting topics that are relevant to not only character and culture but also the authentic alignment of this work to education reform, 21st Century Skills, RTI, PBIS and so much more.
The IEE team’s passion and commitment to evolve the Power2Achieve programs to a new level of excellence was very evident. Through the field research process, the team has incorporated feedback and data from students, teachers, administrators and partner organizations to strengthen the innovative programming, assessment tools and online resources.
What I think is most exciting about the entire week is that I see applications of this work on many levels including K-12 education, athletics and the workplace. To extend the reach of applications one step further, consider that the participants who attended are connecting these concepts and programs to their work from Iowa to Bronx, NY, from Kansas to Costa Rica, and from Texas to Japan and numerous other cities and states in between.
Now that is true innovation. 
