Define Excellence

I love reading texts that begin by deconstructing a common, everyday word, one that may drop from the sky for Groucho. Thomas Armstrong explored the word "genius" in his Awakening Genius. That has become a unit I teach titled, "I am." Today I stumbled upon another text that deconstructs a common everyday word in Educational Leadership. "Excellence for All" by Robert J. Sternberg caught my eye for two reasons. The title intrigued me and then the author. I know Sternberg's work well. I have been a long time fan of his work. I have used it when I have taught teachers. I am very mindful of his work when I prepare my own classes. The triarchic theory of intelligence morphed into successful intelligence and was followed by Assessing What Matters. Sternberg has informed my practice for many years, so when I saw this new one I was as excited as when a new novel from TC Boyle emerges.


Immediately I was drawn in as I read the questions that challenged us to define "excellence." It is important, he suggests so that we know how to achieve excellence. It is important because we are about to embark upon a journey. Four scenarios are provided that give context to help us define excellence. Accepting the 3 R's, reading 'riting, and 'rithmatic; Sternberg adds three new companions: reasoning, resilience, and responsibility. He wants to change schools from being test preparation centers by concentrating on how we define excellence in our school so we can draw the excellence out of our scholars. Teaching excellence. First we must define excellence, then we can achieve excellence in our classes and schools.Second we must have the resources available to achieve this excellence. Finally we must have the pedagogical wherewithall to walk the talk.

These three neophytes, reasoning, resilience, and responsibility, are naturals. Each scholar must justify and explain whats/he is doing on hir webpage. What is the reason for its existence? Resiliency is perfect. Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back in the game. No excuses! Take responsibility for yourself and the results of your actions.