Schools of the Future: Time to Develop Your Metaphor: Jack McManus at TEDxManhattanBeach

Changing the way schools operate is a necessary, but foreboding, task. The reality is this: schools are so large and so entrenched that it may not be possible to change them in any significant way. What to do? Tim Magner suggests a critical first step is for leaders to change the way they look at their schools and develop a new operational metaphor for each school or each set of district schools. The ideas, language, and implications of this new metaphor can serve as an inspiration for schools to be transformed. Possible metaphors for schools include: shopping mall, hospital, space ship and technology research center.
Jack McManus has been involved in education at the high school and university level for the majority of his life since 1961. He is currently professor of education at Pepperdine University, where he has worked since 1979. After more than 50 years in education, Jack feels that he is finally "getting the hang of it" in teaching. If you want to learn research, you do research; if you want to learn public policy, you do public policy. Why is the obvious so hard to discover? More information: gsep.pepperdine.edu/
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

[@patrickhuff-HuffUniversity]

Dr. McManus (Jack) passed away this month. This presentation is a good representation of the man, his passion, and the inspiration he passed on to his students and the greater education community. He will be greatly missed!

[@h.teague-edd2109]

Always missed. My Dissertation Chair and Mentor!

[@MargaretRiel]

Loved your unopening! Creating new metaphors for schools is the way to change them. Suggestions- THINK TANKS where knowledge building is taking place. COMMUNITY CARE where kids are stewards of their communities. IDEA GENERATORS where kids suggest new inventions. I would still argue for schools as gathering places-- but special purpose schools with students moving through them each session. My metaphor for schools is the EPCOT center. Thanks Jack for helping us think about new metaphors.

[@chrisnajera5914]

Transformative presentation! I loved the idea that we all take one school and work with that one organization! Great insights about the use of metaphors and schools! Brilliant!

[@jusrockinout]

A phenomenal presentation. I only hope that the ideas shared herein will reach the schools ASAP!

[@DrMichaelGamble]

Hey Jack, Terrific presentation! My mind felt like a sponge (cliche?), but it was a fine change from obsessing over my spongy-feeling duff-- Where were prof's like you when I was trudging through university? Congratulations on your insight and humanity. Best, Mick

[@mjoanner]

BRILLIANT!!