Maybe It's Time...

After seeing the new movie, "A Star Is Born", my husband has been constantly playing and replaying the soundtrack... in his truck, in our house, everywhere. This isn't a surprise if you know him. (Lady Gaga's acoustic version of "Edge of Glory" is one of his favorite songs.) The song that keeps getting stuck in my head is "Maybe It's Time" by Bradley Cooper. I keep feeling it tug at my heart and relate itself so well to the current state of education. "Maybe it's time to let the old ways die."​

This song has such a sweet melody, but it holds a strong message.​

Maybe it's time to let the old ways die
It takes a lot to change your plans
Hella drain to change your mind
​Maybe it's time to let the old ways die

Why is change so difficult? Why does it seem so hard to embrace the idea of something new? 

Because it means we have to grow. Growth is challenging.

Over the past few months, I have met with quite a few different educators from around the state. They have reached out to me to come tour our school and discuss our philosophy. Each discussion included talk about growth and how our own minds have shifted and grown with the idea of doing school differently.

Participating on the Innovative Education Task Force with our governor, Doug Burgum, I have been to quite a few schools and heard their local administration talk about their journey towards change. It never fails... someone shares that they "didn't really get it at first" but perhaps they took a study trip or spoke to a colleague who was able to assuage their fears.

When we have been steeped in traditional education our entire lives, it can be hard to see outside the box. Educators that live inside the box can see students that are struggling to fit in. Being willing to let go of the box (or smash it completely, which is more our style at The Innovation School) requires a willingness to embrace personal growth and discomfort. It truly does take a lot to change your plans. It really is a huge drain to change your mind. But even though this personal growth is uncomfortable sometimes, our children need us to be strong and brave and bold. And they need it now. 120 years ago our education system was innovative, cutting edge, and preparing students for that time and place. In 100 years from now, I truly believe we will be shocked at what school looked like in 2018. Why doesn't it fit with the modern world we live in? Why is there such resistance to systemic change in most of our traditional schools? (But not all... if you haven't heard of Dr. Cory Steiner, check him out... he's boldly leading a new path at Northern Cass Public School District.)

Maybe it's time to let the old ways die? At The Innovation School, it's not a "maybe". The old ways are dead. Our teachers are alive, creative, and energized. Our students are excited about school and growing socially, emotionally, and academically. We are challenging the traditional system, the traditional fixed-mindset, and bringing flexibility and freedom to our students and teachers by incorporating our values... projects, passions, peers, and play. #TISValues THIS is the new cutting edge education that fits into our modern world.

Are you interested in learning more about our school for your child? (We take transfers throughout the school year.) Are you an educator looking to learn more about our philosophy and process? Please reach out for more information. We know that change is hard. But let's get out of the early 20th century and bring our kids into the present. Join the movement of shifting the paradigm of education!