I’ve learned a lot over the past five months (more than I ever expected and more than most would ever believe).  And my editorial pursuits have been inspired by two important lessons.  The first is from Thomas Edison, the Wizard of Menlo Park.  “I have not failed.  I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”  There are few phrases that adequately define the creative writing process, at least for me, like that one.

The second is a long-time favorite of mine from Nelson Mandela.  “It always seems impossible until it is done.”  That quote was an inspiration for me in 2012, and it continues to serve me well as I push on to the next phase of my professional life.

For those who have asked, there are actually two books in the works.  The first is Reforming Education Reform, which I hope will serve as a platform for reframing and refocusing communications in the school improvement debate.

The second is actually a new edition of a book I was honored to be a contributing author many years ago.  In 2006, Roman Littlefield Education published a great volume called Why Kids Can’t Read: Challenging the Status Quo in Education.  Why Kids Can’t Read provides an in-depth look at the scientifically based reading movement from multiple perspectives, with a chapter from me focused on effective communications.  I’m now working with the book’s original editors on a second edition, where I am leading efforts to spotlight Race to the Top, Common Core, and related issues and their impact on proven effective literacy instruction.

While both of these remain works in progress, it is time to pick up the Eduflack pen once again.  So I’m back.  While it may take me a little bit to get back into the full swing of editorializing, opining, reflecting, and criticizing, I’m back in the on-deck circle ready to take my hacks.

Game on!