Before it closes up shop completely, I want to be sure and thank our great Head of School Search Committee members. They are:
Shawn Evenhaim, President, KHA
Mark Teitelbaum, Executive Vice-President, KHA
Brett Grauman, Vice-President, Finance, KHA
Natalie Spiewak, President, KHA PTO
Rabbi Richard Camras, Shomrei Torah Synagogue
Rabbi Stewart Vogel, Temple Aliyah
Howard Wang, Founding Director, Sierra Canyon School
Elana Zimmerman, former President, New Community Jewish High School, and parent of KHA alumnae
Leora Raikin, parent of KHA student
Mari Siegel, Member of Faculty, KHA
Each of these individuals gave of their selves--in time, energy, and commitment--with the goal of finding the best Head of School candidate for Kadima.
I honor their commitment, their opinions, their honesty, and their wisdom.
The school's debt to them is enormous.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Whither the Blog?
Lots of entries, today.
Now that we've hired a new Head of School, it would appear that we don't need this blog anymore. But that's not true. The next several months--before Bill takes over in July--will be a time of transition, and there will be a variety of issues we can talk about on this blog. So for now, I intend on continuing to blog about matters related to the transition, and other related issues.
So keep checking for updates.
Now that we've hired a new Head of School, it would appear that we don't need this blog anymore. But that's not true. The next several months--before Bill takes over in July--will be a time of transition, and there will be a variety of issues we can talk about on this blog. So for now, I intend on continuing to blog about matters related to the transition, and other related issues.
So keep checking for updates.
What happens now?
With the announcement that Bill Cohen is Head of School-Elect, the Search Committee is now out of business, but the Transition Committee is forming, and it will spend the next several months working with Bill on, unsurprisingly, transition issues. Bill doesn't take over as Head of School until July 1, but we want him to hit the ground running when he arrives.
Our new principal, Yuri Hronsky, is actively working on planning for next year. Yuri is meeting with parents--and especially parents of the elementary school-- to discuss his new role as principal of the entire school.
It is an exciting time. With a new leader on deck, and a new principal taking over the entire school, it is a time of change, of planning, of innovation, and most of all, of immense hope and potential.
Hazak, hazak, ve-nithazek!
Our new principal, Yuri Hronsky, is actively working on planning for next year. Yuri is meeting with parents--and especially parents of the elementary school-- to discuss his new role as principal of the entire school.
It is an exciting time. With a new leader on deck, and a new principal taking over the entire school, it is a time of change, of planning, of innovation, and most of all, of immense hope and potential.
Hazak, hazak, ve-nithazek!
About Bill Cohen.
Kadima today also, in addition to the announcement below, issued the following biography about its new Head of School:
MEET BILL COHEN
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Bill Cohen struck a chord with the Search Committee when,
quoting the words of Ahavah Rabah, as he wrote: “Lilmod, u’lilamed, lishmor, v’laasot. (To learn, to teach, to guard and to do….). These inspiring words, from the shacharit service, inform my vision of the appropriate role of a Jewish Day School’s Head of School.” Bill then discussed how learning, teaching, guarding and doing are all critical in serving a school as a successful Head of School. Bill’s vision for Jewish day school education—a program that completely integrates general and Judaic studies in an environment that is also recognizes and nurtures the spiritual, immediately revealed to the Committee that Bill would be a special candidate for Kadima’s Head of School position.
Through all of our interviews and discussions, Bill demonstrated that he is more than just statements of educational theory. He is a doer; he understands the realities of educational
administration—for many years teaching a year-long graduate school course revolving around
Educational Administration at the American Jewish University—and he understands that a
school can only realize its true potential when the various parts of the school community—
students, teachers, administrators and parents—work together to realize their shared hopes and
dreams for the school and its students.
Bill brings a record of educational excellence to Kadima. He led Los Angeles Hebrew High
School for nine years. During that time, student enrollment dramatically increased, as did
community support for the school. The school was rebuilt into a jewel of the community: a self
sustaining, educationally excellent, and professionally led educational institution. Through sheer
hard work, Bill’s team developed an invigorated educational program, and motivated all of the
key constituencies of the organization—administrators, teachers, students, parents and Board—
such that when it was time for Bill to join the independent day school world, the school
continued to be energized, successful and effective.
Bill has spent the last eight months serving as an Assistant Head of School and Director of Judaic
and Hebrew Studies at the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School in Northridge.
Bill earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Politics from Brandeis University. For nearly ten years after college, Bill worked successfully, on the East Coast, in the real estate and marketing
world, where he learned critical management and business skills that have served him well in the
Jewish educational world. Ultimately, however, Bill decided to pursue a calling in Jewish Education, and earned a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Literature
in Hebrew Letters at the University of Judaism (now the AJU). In addition, Bill has served for many years on the national Executive Board of the Jewish Educators Assembly, currently serving as its Treasurer.
Bill is married to Cheryl, the proud parents of three children, Jonah (10), Ari (6) and Cayla (3), each of whom plan to attend Kadima in the fall of 2009.
MEET BILL COHEN
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Bill Cohen struck a chord with the Search Committee when,
quoting the words of Ahavah Rabah, as he wrote: “Lilmod, u’lilamed, lishmor, v’laasot. (To learn, to teach, to guard and to do….). These inspiring words, from the shacharit service, inform my vision of the appropriate role of a Jewish Day School’s Head of School.” Bill then discussed how learning, teaching, guarding and doing are all critical in serving a school as a successful Head of School. Bill’s vision for Jewish day school education—a program that completely integrates general and Judaic studies in an environment that is also recognizes and nurtures the spiritual, immediately revealed to the Committee that Bill would be a special candidate for Kadima’s Head of School position.
Through all of our interviews and discussions, Bill demonstrated that he is more than just statements of educational theory. He is a doer; he understands the realities of educational
administration—for many years teaching a year-long graduate school course revolving around
Educational Administration at the American Jewish University—and he understands that a
school can only realize its true potential when the various parts of the school community—
students, teachers, administrators and parents—work together to realize their shared hopes and
dreams for the school and its students.
Bill brings a record of educational excellence to Kadima. He led Los Angeles Hebrew High
School for nine years. During that time, student enrollment dramatically increased, as did
community support for the school. The school was rebuilt into a jewel of the community: a self
sustaining, educationally excellent, and professionally led educational institution. Through sheer
hard work, Bill’s team developed an invigorated educational program, and motivated all of the
key constituencies of the organization—administrators, teachers, students, parents and Board—
such that when it was time for Bill to join the independent day school world, the school
continued to be energized, successful and effective.
Bill has spent the last eight months serving as an Assistant Head of School and Director of Judaic
and Hebrew Studies at the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School in Northridge.
Bill earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Politics from Brandeis University. For nearly ten years after college, Bill worked successfully, on the East Coast, in the real estate and marketing
world, where he learned critical management and business skills that have served him well in the
Jewish educational world. Ultimately, however, Bill decided to pursue a calling in Jewish Education, and earned a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Literature
in Hebrew Letters at the University of Judaism (now the AJU). In addition, Bill has served for many years on the national Executive Board of the Jewish Educators Assembly, currently serving as its Treasurer.
Bill is married to Cheryl, the proud parents of three children, Jonah (10), Ari (6) and Cayla (3), each of whom plan to attend Kadima in the fall of 2009.
Bill Cohen, Head of School-Elect
The school issued the following letter today:
February 24, 2009
30 Shevat 5769
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is our pleasure to announce that Kadima Hebrew
Academy has selected William B. Cohen as our new Head of School, beginning July 1,
2009. The Board’s decision was unanimous. It was based upon its own interview of Mr.
Cohen and the enthusiastic and equally unanimous decision of the Head of School Search
Committee. The Committee recognized that Bill’s demonstrated leadership success,
sophisticated educational philosophy, positive energy, deep managerial acumen, strong
character, and compelling vision will provide Kadima with the leadership it needs to
continue to establish itself as a locus for educational and academic excellence in the West
San Fernando Valley.
Bill comes to us with an impressive record of successfully leading, creating, and
developing educational programs and institutions. For nine years, Bill served as the Head
of School/Principal for Los Angeles Hebrew High School and transformed the institution
with remarkable results. During his tenure, Bill improved the school’s academic program
and image which led to renewed enthusiasm for the institution . The school experienced
an unprecedented surge in student population growth, with an increased student body of
approximately 70 percent. Moreover, Bill led the school to improve dramatically its
fundraising and financial prowess and success.
During the past year, Bill has served as an Assistant Head of School and Director of
Hebrew and Judaic Studies of the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, working closely
with the Rabbi, Hebrew Studies coordinators, and faculty. Bill chose to leave Heschel
solely because he views Kadima’s position as a unique opportunity to fulfill his dream of
serving as the Head of an independent Jewish Day School in Los Angeles. Finally, Bill
has, for seven years, served as a Lecturer in Education at the American Jewish University,
where he teaches graduate level courses in Educational Administration. With this
background, it is not surprising that the Committee heard Bill described by leaders and
educators in the Jewish community as “phenomenal”, a “mensch”, a “true leader”, “a
great motivator who gets things done,” and by a former President of Kadima who knew
well of Bill's work at Hebrew High, "perfect for the job."
Possessing remarkable energy, analytical skills, and most of all, menschlekeit, Bill
recognizes Jewish Day Schools succeed most when they successfully integrate Judaic and
General Studies. He is passionate in his belief that teachers are the “frontline” in
forwarding the school’s educational mission. Bill also understands that the Head of
School is the “guardian” for each of the school’s stakeholders, and is ultimately responsible for the school’s success. Perhaps most importantly, Bill recognizes that, in the end,
developing a community—of students, parents, and teachers--committed to active learning is
essential in the creation of a dynamic, effective, and successful Jewish Day School.
Bill joins us along with his wife, Cheryl, who is a teacher of Jewish Law at Milken Community
High School, as well as his children, Jonah (10), Ari (6), and Cayla (4), each of whom plans to
attend Kadima next year.
Upon accepting his appointment, Bill said, “It is an incredible honor and privilege to have been
selected as Kadima’s incoming Head of School. I have been highly impressed with both the
knowledge and character of the students, faculty, families and administration of Kadima
throughout my years in Los Angeles, and greatly look forward to joining the entire Kadima
community along with my family. This position is one which fulfills a dream, and I am both
humbled and exhilarated by the opportunity of leading Kadima to a bright and vibrant future.”
The Search Committee, consisting of Trustees, community and Rabbinic leaders, faculty, and
parent representatives, engaged in a national search for a new Head of School, seeking the best candidate to lead Kadima. The Committee received numerous resumes and applications, spoke to several Search Consultants and advisors, and conducted a variety of interviews. The
Committee also solicited and considered the input of parents, faculty members, and
administrators. Through this process the Committee, and the Board, concluded that Bill is the
best candidate to lead Kadima into the future.
Please join us in welcoming Bill, Cheryl, Jonah, Ari and Cayla to the Kadima community.
So now it's official. Bill Cohen will be our next "Great Leader" for Kadima Hebrew Academy. Let's all be sure to give Bill and his family an incredible welcome to Kadima.
February 24, 2009
30 Shevat 5769
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is our pleasure to announce that Kadima Hebrew
Academy has selected William B. Cohen as our new Head of School, beginning July 1,
2009. The Board’s decision was unanimous. It was based upon its own interview of Mr.
Cohen and the enthusiastic and equally unanimous decision of the Head of School Search
Committee. The Committee recognized that Bill’s demonstrated leadership success,
sophisticated educational philosophy, positive energy, deep managerial acumen, strong
character, and compelling vision will provide Kadima with the leadership it needs to
continue to establish itself as a locus for educational and academic excellence in the West
San Fernando Valley.
Bill comes to us with an impressive record of successfully leading, creating, and
developing educational programs and institutions. For nine years, Bill served as the Head
of School/Principal for Los Angeles Hebrew High School and transformed the institution
with remarkable results. During his tenure, Bill improved the school’s academic program
and image which led to renewed enthusiasm for the institution . The school experienced
an unprecedented surge in student population growth, with an increased student body of
approximately 70 percent. Moreover, Bill led the school to improve dramatically its
fundraising and financial prowess and success.
During the past year, Bill has served as an Assistant Head of School and Director of
Hebrew and Judaic Studies of the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, working closely
with the Rabbi, Hebrew Studies coordinators, and faculty. Bill chose to leave Heschel
solely because he views Kadima’s position as a unique opportunity to fulfill his dream of
serving as the Head of an independent Jewish Day School in Los Angeles. Finally, Bill
has, for seven years, served as a Lecturer in Education at the American Jewish University,
where he teaches graduate level courses in Educational Administration. With this
background, it is not surprising that the Committee heard Bill described by leaders and
educators in the Jewish community as “phenomenal”, a “mensch”, a “true leader”, “a
great motivator who gets things done,” and by a former President of Kadima who knew
well of Bill's work at Hebrew High, "perfect for the job."
Possessing remarkable energy, analytical skills, and most of all, menschlekeit, Bill
recognizes Jewish Day Schools succeed most when they successfully integrate Judaic and
General Studies. He is passionate in his belief that teachers are the “frontline” in
forwarding the school’s educational mission. Bill also understands that the Head of
School is the “guardian” for each of the school’s stakeholders, and is ultimately responsible for the school’s success. Perhaps most importantly, Bill recognizes that, in the end,
developing a community—of students, parents, and teachers--committed to active learning is
essential in the creation of a dynamic, effective, and successful Jewish Day School.
Bill joins us along with his wife, Cheryl, who is a teacher of Jewish Law at Milken Community
High School, as well as his children, Jonah (10), Ari (6), and Cayla (4), each of whom plans to
attend Kadima next year.
Upon accepting his appointment, Bill said, “It is an incredible honor and privilege to have been
selected as Kadima’s incoming Head of School. I have been highly impressed with both the
knowledge and character of the students, faculty, families and administration of Kadima
throughout my years in Los Angeles, and greatly look forward to joining the entire Kadima
community along with my family. This position is one which fulfills a dream, and I am both
humbled and exhilarated by the opportunity of leading Kadima to a bright and vibrant future.”
The Search Committee, consisting of Trustees, community and Rabbinic leaders, faculty, and
parent representatives, engaged in a national search for a new Head of School, seeking the best candidate to lead Kadima. The Committee received numerous resumes and applications, spoke to several Search Consultants and advisors, and conducted a variety of interviews. The
Committee also solicited and considered the input of parents, faculty members, and
administrators. Through this process the Committee, and the Board, concluded that Bill is the
best candidate to lead Kadima into the future.
Please join us in welcoming Bill, Cheryl, Jonah, Ari and Cayla to the Kadima community.
So now it's official. Bill Cohen will be our next "Great Leader" for Kadima Hebrew Academy. Let's all be sure to give Bill and his family an incredible welcome to Kadima.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Get Those Admissions Contracts In!
This Friday is February 27, which means that enrollment contracts are due. The school has wisely created an incentive for people to get their contracts back on time: a significant discount in tuition. This will be a firm deadline, folks, so if you want to save the $700, return your contracts.
We're doing this for a reason: we need to plan for next year, and we can't do it very well unless we know what our enrollment looks like. So please...return your enrollment renewals (and deposit) by Friday.
And yes, we'll have some exciting Head of School news very soon...check back tomorrow!
We're doing this for a reason: we need to plan for next year, and we can't do it very well unless we know what our enrollment looks like. So please...return your enrollment renewals (and deposit) by Friday.
And yes, we'll have some exciting Head of School news very soon...check back tomorrow!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Silence.
What happened?
All this blogging, a Finalist candidate comes and visits, and then nothing? Not a morsel? Not an off topic comment about the kids or some educational theory?
Stay tuned.
We'll have lots of news very soon.
In the words of J.K Rowling, "...all will be revealed."
All this blogging, a Finalist candidate comes and visits, and then nothing? Not a morsel? Not an off topic comment about the kids or some educational theory?
Stay tuned.
We'll have lots of news very soon.
In the words of J.K Rowling, "...all will be revealed."
Monday, February 16, 2009
Erev Finalist Day.
Tomorrow both Bill Cohen and Kadima Hebrew Academy will have a long day. Bill will be meeting with parents, Head of School, faculty, administration, Finance Committee, Board, and the Search Committee.
It's going to be a long day for everyone.
But it may just be beginning of the future for Kadima Hebrew Academy.
It's going to be a long day for everyone.
But it may just be beginning of the future for Kadima Hebrew Academy.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Getting Ready for Tuesday.
The Staff and Committee are preparing for Tuesday's big event. It will be a long day, as there are many meetings, and we are all anticipating an eventful and exciting day.
We've already received a variety of excellent questions from our parents, and we are looking forward to receiving more. Please feel free to send your questions to kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com over the weekend.
Tuesday's meetings will follow a general process, namely there will be an introduction, a summary of the process thus far, and then a statement from Mr. Cohen. After that, there will be time for questions and answers and if time permits, some meeting and greeting. Parents will then have the chance to fill out a short survey form that will be given to the Search Committee for its review.
We hope our parents can attend; this is their chance to weigh in on the selection of the Next Great Leader of Kadima Hebrew Academy.
Shabbat Shalom.
We've already received a variety of excellent questions from our parents, and we are looking forward to receiving more. Please feel free to send your questions to kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com over the weekend.
Tuesday's meetings will follow a general process, namely there will be an introduction, a summary of the process thus far, and then a statement from Mr. Cohen. After that, there will be time for questions and answers and if time permits, some meeting and greeting. Parents will then have the chance to fill out a short survey form that will be given to the Search Committee for its review.
We hope our parents can attend; this is their chance to weigh in on the selection of the Next Great Leader of Kadima Hebrew Academy.
Shabbat Shalom.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
We Hear You.
As we have contacted parents about the morning meeting with Mr. Cohen, we've heard some concerns about the need for child care. We hear you. As a result, we will be providing child care from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for ECC age kids. But again, please RSVP so we know that you're coming and will need child care.
Excitement.
Yesterday, with the announcement that Bill Cohen was a Finalist for the position, the traffic on this blog hit a record, with more than 100 page visits and more than 50 visitors to it. While that's a microscopic number in the blog world, where hits number in the hundreds of thousands, it does reflect that when people want to get some news about the Search, they are beginning to know to look in this space. This was the purpose of the blog, so we're happy it's beginning to work the way we had hoped.
The fact that we now have a name to the Finalist is generating excitement in our community. This is great, and everyone who wants to will have a chance to meet Bill on Tuesday. To our parents, if you have questions for Bill, please try to send them to us in advance, at kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com. Also, be sure RSVP that you are coming to the event by notifying Sera at the Kadima office at 818.346.0849 or sending her a note at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
But with any impending change, there is always some apprehension, and when you have apprehension, you can get rumors. Ignore them. They almost always are not true. And if there is information that is important, you will read about it here.
More later.
The fact that we now have a name to the Finalist is generating excitement in our community. This is great, and everyone who wants to will have a chance to meet Bill on Tuesday. To our parents, if you have questions for Bill, please try to send them to us in advance, at kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com. Also, be sure RSVP that you are coming to the event by notifying Sera at the Kadima office at 818.346.0849 or sending her a note at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
But with any impending change, there is always some apprehension, and when you have apprehension, you can get rumors. Ignore them. They almost always are not true. And if there is information that is important, you will read about it here.
More later.
Finalist Day Schedule
We've got an aggressive schedule planned for Bill Cohen's visit this coming Tuesday.
It will include:
It will include:
- Meeting with Parents
- Meeting with Administration
- Meeting with Finance Committee
- Meeting with Board
- Meeting with Faculty
- Meeting with Search Committee
While this schedule will be exhausting for everyone--especially Bill--both Bill and the Committee want him to have the opportunity to meet all of our stakeholders and to get to know the school--and for the school to get to know him.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bill Cohen's Educational Philosophy
As part of the application process, Bill, like our other applicants, submitted a statement of educational philosophy to the Committee for its review. Bill's focused upon the role of the Head of School of Jewish Day School. It follows:
ללמוד וללמד לשמור ולעשות (from Ahavah Rabbah)
Lilmod, u’lilamed, lishmor, v’laasot
(To learn, to teach, to guard and to do….)
These inspiring words, from the shacharit service, inform my vision of the appropriate role of a Jewish Day School’s Head of School.
“Lilmod” the learning of the students, is the action and activity which all of the constituencies of the school must work in concert to achieve. The best type of learning, be it General or Judaic Studies, is authentic, active, and relevant. Students respond best when they are introduced to text, concepts, and curriculum to which they understand some type of connection. In a Jewish day school, there are opportunities for integration in learning between Judaic and General studies. When this type of integration occurs, students are able to make connections between “secular” and Judaic subjects in a meaningful way, allowing them to deepen their knowledge on multiple levels. “Active learning” means that teachers provide students with activities for learning. The amount of frontal lecture, along with questions to be answered by one student, should be limited to absolute necessity. Cooperative learning (chevruta, in Judaic studies) should be encouraged. The highest form of learning happens when a student is given an opportunity to teach what they have learned. According to Mel Silberman’s “Active Learning Credo”:
What I hear, I forget.
What I hear and see, I remember a little.
What I hear, see and ask questions about or discuss, I begin to understand.
What I hear, see, discuss, and do, I acquire knowledge and skill.
What I teach to another, I master.
Authentic assessment is crucial in a day school, in order to ensure that the school’s learning goals are being met. The best learning occurs when Howard Gardner’s “multiple intelligences” are taken into consideration. When it comes to the study of classical Jewish texts (Bible, Mishnah/Talmud) a three level approach will be encouraged:
First Level: Pshat—What does the text say in Hebrew (key words and phrases) and
English?
Second Level: Midrash—How have the sages, beginning with the Talmud and ending with today’s “wise” men and women, interpreted the text? What questions have they had regarding the text? Has the meaning of the “pshat” changed over time?
Third Level: Personal Midrash—How does the study of the pshat (level one) and midrash (level two) inform my life? How do these studies change and inform my decision making today? What is the relevance of this study to my life?
Utilizing this three level approach, students, beginning in elementary school are able to engage in the classic Jewish conversation of the last two thousand years. The ultimate learning goal is to engage students so that they will become “life-long” learners.
U’lilamed: To teach. The school faculty is the “front line” in our first mission, to learn. Faculty must be given every possible opportunity to create viable learning experiences. We should ensure that our faculty are given appropriate professional development opportunities. We should, in all subject areas, understand that our curriculum is dynamic and therefore, we will continually seek programs that are “best practice” and most appropriate for our student body. Faculty deserve continual support, supervision and feedback. Faculty should work in partnership with department heads to continually hone their skills, and advance their practices as times, and learning technologies, progress. The buy-in of the faculty, into the mission of the school, is essential for the type of learning discussed above to become a reality.
L’shmor: To guard. The role of the Head of school is to be the “guardian” of each of the school’s key constituencies: students, parents, faculty, support staff, and Board of Trustees. While the relationship is unique to each of the constituencies, the Head of School must balance vision and leadership with communications and management. By “guardian” I would suggest that the Head of School will be the ultimate “decision-maker” when it comes to each of these constituencies, in their relationship to the school, except for the Board of Trustees. The Head of School is the guardian: managing, leading, inspiring, and holding each of the school’s leadership/management team members accountable for their responsibilities.
La’asot: To do. A Head of school must be aware that they are a role model to the entire school community. Each action which is taken can have impact, either constructive or destructive. At the foundation of any healthy school, is a governance team consisting of the Board of Trustees and the Head of School. Working as partners, collaboratively, with shared purpose and mutual respect, the Board of Trustees and the School Head must develop long and short term plans for creating excellence within the school community. Through the adoption of appropriate school policies and strategic plans (The Board) and the implementation of those policies (the School Head), the vision of the governance team can be realized.
Incredible things are possible when the right “match” is made between a school community, a Board of Trustees, and a Head of School.
ללמוד וללמד לשמור ולעשות (from Ahavah Rabbah)
Lilmod, u’lilamed, lishmor, v’laasot
(To learn, to teach, to guard and to do….)
These inspiring words, from the shacharit service, inform my vision of the appropriate role of a Jewish Day School’s Head of School.
“Lilmod” the learning of the students, is the action and activity which all of the constituencies of the school must work in concert to achieve. The best type of learning, be it General or Judaic Studies, is authentic, active, and relevant. Students respond best when they are introduced to text, concepts, and curriculum to which they understand some type of connection. In a Jewish day school, there are opportunities for integration in learning between Judaic and General studies. When this type of integration occurs, students are able to make connections between “secular” and Judaic subjects in a meaningful way, allowing them to deepen their knowledge on multiple levels. “Active learning” means that teachers provide students with activities for learning. The amount of frontal lecture, along with questions to be answered by one student, should be limited to absolute necessity. Cooperative learning (chevruta, in Judaic studies) should be encouraged. The highest form of learning happens when a student is given an opportunity to teach what they have learned. According to Mel Silberman’s “Active Learning Credo”:
What I hear, I forget.
What I hear and see, I remember a little.
What I hear, see and ask questions about or discuss, I begin to understand.
What I hear, see, discuss, and do, I acquire knowledge and skill.
What I teach to another, I master.
Authentic assessment is crucial in a day school, in order to ensure that the school’s learning goals are being met. The best learning occurs when Howard Gardner’s “multiple intelligences” are taken into consideration. When it comes to the study of classical Jewish texts (Bible, Mishnah/Talmud) a three level approach will be encouraged:
First Level: Pshat—What does the text say in Hebrew (key words and phrases) and
English?
Second Level: Midrash—How have the sages, beginning with the Talmud and ending with today’s “wise” men and women, interpreted the text? What questions have they had regarding the text? Has the meaning of the “pshat” changed over time?
Third Level: Personal Midrash—How does the study of the pshat (level one) and midrash (level two) inform my life? How do these studies change and inform my decision making today? What is the relevance of this study to my life?
Utilizing this three level approach, students, beginning in elementary school are able to engage in the classic Jewish conversation of the last two thousand years. The ultimate learning goal is to engage students so that they will become “life-long” learners.
U’lilamed: To teach. The school faculty is the “front line” in our first mission, to learn. Faculty must be given every possible opportunity to create viable learning experiences. We should ensure that our faculty are given appropriate professional development opportunities. We should, in all subject areas, understand that our curriculum is dynamic and therefore, we will continually seek programs that are “best practice” and most appropriate for our student body. Faculty deserve continual support, supervision and feedback. Faculty should work in partnership with department heads to continually hone their skills, and advance their practices as times, and learning technologies, progress. The buy-in of the faculty, into the mission of the school, is essential for the type of learning discussed above to become a reality.
L’shmor: To guard. The role of the Head of school is to be the “guardian” of each of the school’s key constituencies: students, parents, faculty, support staff, and Board of Trustees. While the relationship is unique to each of the constituencies, the Head of School must balance vision and leadership with communications and management. By “guardian” I would suggest that the Head of School will be the ultimate “decision-maker” when it comes to each of these constituencies, in their relationship to the school, except for the Board of Trustees. The Head of School is the guardian: managing, leading, inspiring, and holding each of the school’s leadership/management team members accountable for their responsibilities.
La’asot: To do. A Head of school must be aware that they are a role model to the entire school community. Each action which is taken can have impact, either constructive or destructive. At the foundation of any healthy school, is a governance team consisting of the Board of Trustees and the Head of School. Working as partners, collaboratively, with shared purpose and mutual respect, the Board of Trustees and the School Head must develop long and short term plans for creating excellence within the school community. Through the adoption of appropriate school policies and strategic plans (The Board) and the implementation of those policies (the School Head), the vision of the governance team can be realized.
Incredible things are possible when the right “match” is made between a school community, a Board of Trustees, and a Head of School.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
And the Candidate is...
We promised we'd give the information as soon as we could, and here it is:
We are pleased to announce that the Search Committee has unanimously selected Bill Cohen to be a Finalist for the position of Head of School of Kadima. As we have already announced, Bill will be visiting Kadima all day on February 17, 2009.
Bill is presently an Assistant Head of School/Director of Judaic and Hebrew Studies at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, in Northridge, California. A native of Boston, Bill graduated from Brandeis University in 1986 with a major in Politics, and received his Master of Arts Degree in Education from the Fingerhut School of Education of the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University). Bill served as the principal/head of school of Los Angeles Hebrew High School for nine years, during which time he improved the enrollment of the school by more than 70 percent. In addition to serving as the Assistant Head at Heschel, Bill also teaches Educational Administration at the American Jewish University.
We are very excited about Bill being a Finalist for the Head of School position. He's excited, too. We believe that Bill offers the combination of educational insight, management skill, and leadership acumen that will take Kadima to even greater levels of success.
Take the opportunity on Tuesday, February 17, to come meet Bill. The program for parents starts at 7:45 a.m. Be sure to RSVP to Sera at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
Stay tuned for more information.
We are pleased to announce that the Search Committee has unanimously selected Bill Cohen to be a Finalist for the position of Head of School of Kadima. As we have already announced, Bill will be visiting Kadima all day on February 17, 2009.
Bill is presently an Assistant Head of School/Director of Judaic and Hebrew Studies at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, in Northridge, California. A native of Boston, Bill graduated from Brandeis University in 1986 with a major in Politics, and received his Master of Arts Degree in Education from the Fingerhut School of Education of the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University). Bill served as the principal/head of school of Los Angeles Hebrew High School for nine years, during which time he improved the enrollment of the school by more than 70 percent. In addition to serving as the Assistant Head at Heschel, Bill also teaches Educational Administration at the American Jewish University.
We are very excited about Bill being a Finalist for the Head of School position. He's excited, too. We believe that Bill offers the combination of educational insight, management skill, and leadership acumen that will take Kadima to even greater levels of success.
Take the opportunity on Tuesday, February 17, to come meet Bill. The program for parents starts at 7:45 a.m. Be sure to RSVP to Sera at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
Stay tuned for more information.
Monday, February 9, 2009
What Are We Supposed To Ask?
As part of the Finalist process, we are hoping that our stakeholders will ask a variety of questions of our candidate. We have already met with the candidate several times, but having outside perspectives is extremely important. For our parents, we hope that you will submit your questions in advance to kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com. For those who have not submitted their questions in advance, we will have paper and pencils to submit your questions in writing. We will the read the questions to the candidate. It is important to remember that this meeting is not a full-fledged interview. It is chance for you to listen to the candidate's thoughts about Kadima and its future, and for you to ask questions of the candidates. By having the questions in advance, and by only permitting written questions, we can best control the flow of the meeting and ensure that the candidate and our parents can spend their time together productively.
But what should you ask? As an employment lawyer during the day, I usually talk what should you not ask. In this case, you should ask what you feel is important to you as parents of our students. It is not helpful to ask questions such as "why is it so expensive?" or "Will you change the math book that we are using?" Instead, you may want to ask questions in the following areas:
But what should you ask? As an employment lawyer during the day, I usually talk what should you not ask. In this case, you should ask what you feel is important to you as parents of our students. It is not helpful to ask questions such as "why is it so expensive?" or "Will you change the math book that we are using?" Instead, you may want to ask questions in the following areas:
- Leadership Issues (What is your style of leadership? What has been your greatest professional challenge? Tell us about an unpopular decision you made and how you gained acceptance for it?).
- The Role of a Head of School (What is your philosophy regarding integrating Jewish and general studies? Why should a family send their kids to Jewish Day School? How do you build trust and good relationships in the school? How would handle a problem student?).
- Educational Leadership (How would you ensure that our general studies program remains competitive with the best schools in the area? What do you believe are the hallmarks of an effective Judaic Studies curriculum?).
- Community Relationships (How would you go about strengthening Kadima's image in the community?).
- Other Topics (Why do you want this job? What are your goals for Kadima? In the next 18 months? In the next three years?).
More Information On Finalist Day.
With emails sent out about February 17 and excitement starting to starting build, we want to provide you with some more background regarding the events of February 17 and how the process will proceed.
The candidate will be arriving early to meet with a variety of Kadima stakeholders, from the Head of School to the faculty to the administration to the parents. This is a two way street; both our stakeholders will be looking at the candidate, and the candidate will be looking at Kadima. As NAIS puts it:
"Finalist visits are intended to benefit both the Search Committee and the candidate. Beyond their mutual need for the candidate to see and be seen by key constituencies, both have important questions that deserve answers and both are in the decisionmaking mode."
In view of this, we are seeking to have the candidate meet as many people as possible in a one day period. This means lots of meetings and not a lot of flexibility as to timing.
We've already received some indication that parents are frustrated that we're not having an evening session. We just couldn't set up an evening meeting and still complete everything in one day. I know that this is frustrating for people, but there was no other way to set up the schedule. We hoped by ending the parents' session at 9:00 a.m., we could meet most people's schedules.
For those that cannot attend, you should know that once the Head is hired, there will be ample times for meeting and greeting the new head.
The candidate will be arriving early to meet with a variety of Kadima stakeholders, from the Head of School to the faculty to the administration to the parents. This is a two way street; both our stakeholders will be looking at the candidate, and the candidate will be looking at Kadima. As NAIS puts it:
"Finalist visits are intended to benefit both the Search Committee and the candidate. Beyond their mutual need for the candidate to see and be seen by key constituencies, both have important questions that deserve answers and both are in the decisionmaking mode."
In view of this, we are seeking to have the candidate meet as many people as possible in a one day period. This means lots of meetings and not a lot of flexibility as to timing.
We've already received some indication that parents are frustrated that we're not having an evening session. We just couldn't set up an evening meeting and still complete everything in one day. I know that this is frustrating for people, but there was no other way to set up the schedule. We hoped by ending the parents' session at 9:00 a.m., we could meet most people's schedules.
For those that cannot attend, you should know that once the Head is hired, there will be ample times for meeting and greeting the new head.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Finally, a Finalist!
The blog has been silent for nearly a week--great way to lose all of the readership--but this was because there were a variety of discussions and meetings going involving the search process. We simply had to keep them confidential.
This is really an important day for the school, for the candidate, and for everyone associated with the process.
We'll provide further details about the candidate, soon.
For now, enjoy Shabbat.
But now we have some very big news:
On February 17, 2009,
As we have stated from the beginning of the search process, we want our parents to have an opportunity to participate in the search process. To that end, from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on February 17, parents will have the opportunity to meet the Finalist candidate, learn about the candidate, and ask the candidate questions. In addition, at the conclusion of the meeting, parents will be given the opportunity to complete a survey form to provide your opinion and comments to the Search Committee.
We will be providing parents with additional information about the meeting and about the candidate as we get closer to February 17. In order to participate in the meeting, however, parents need to RSVP to the Kadima office at 818.346.0849 or email sera@kadimaacademy.org and indicate that they will be attending.
This is really an important day for the school, for the candidate, and for everyone associated with the process.
We'll provide further details about the candidate, soon.
For now, enjoy Shabbat.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)