Most students still learn using a method that has existed in our schools for over 100 years. In a typical classroom setting, students sit at desks in rows and the teacher “teaches” from the front of the room. The typical student has been trained since childhood for someone to give them information and take notes or listen.

While the traditional classroom is adept at preparing students for industrial and knowledge-based jobs, it has not kept pace with preparing students for today’s economy that employs a greater share of workers in service and innovation-based economies.

Today, new learning methods are available to give students an expanded skillset needed for their future. Many schools today are utilizing Project Based Learning (PBL) and computer-based instruction in the form of online and blended learning to fill the gaps left by traditional instruction. These initiatives are expected to grow as research studies indicate that families want more technology-based instruction and less use of teacher-driven instruction ...

Have you ever flown in a 1967 Piper Comanche? Until recently, I had not. Here’s the story… We were scheduled on a flight from Atlanta to Birmingham. We boarded the plane; they shut the door and about three minutes later, the pilot said, “This plane is not flying today.” What would you do in that situation?

My traveling companion said, “Follow me.” We left the airport and drove about 20 minutes south. We pulled into a driveway and a just a minute later a plane was pulled out of a garage behind the house!

Moments after the plane’s appearance, we were taxiing down a grass runway in front of this guy’s house. He told me his plan was to get us airborne before we hit the trees at the end of the runway (pasture). We made it. The rest of the trip was uneventful compared to the takeoff.

During this adventure, I was reminded of a trait I admire in other leaders and have always tried to cultivate myself. Certainly, we all know there’s not always a way. But that’s one reason I love hanging around leaders, they always think there is.

In a few weeks Christians will join millions of other Americans in electing a President. Seldom have American Christians faced such unsavory options in presidential candidates. Christians of good faith and good conscience disagree on whom to support: Secretary Clinton, Mr. Trump, an independent, or “none of the above.”

As the election approaches it is helpful to pull back from the frenetic frenzy of 24 hour cable news, talking heads, social media angst, and the hysterical hyperbole dominating this election season to reflect prayerfully and thoughtfully on how Christians should approach any election and its final outcome. By God’s grace I will walk into the voting booth with deliberate calmness and will react to the outcome of the election, regardless of who wins, with dignity and confidence in God’s sovereignty over the affairs of state and of men. 

The following biblical principles and practical advice help guide my thoughts, vote, and reaction to the outcome of this year’s election. I have divided my thoughts into two parts: Principles and Practical Application. Perhaps these will be of help to you as well. 

Though bullying, the superior use of power that intends to harm another student repeatedly and for no justifiable reason, is a cultural problem, not a “school problem,” schools across the country are expected to combat it on their own.

It's unfair, but like other unfair situations, it's also an opportunity to differentiate your school from other educational options within your community. To do so, school leaders must overcome a common but overblown fear.

You and I have experienced the pain of being falsely accused and treated unfairly--perhaps even viciously. How should we respond? 

R.C. Sprout offers extremely helpful insight when dealing with the pain and anger associated with such mistreatment. The following is R.C. Sproul's article, A Charitable Reaction ... 

Years ago, I received a letter from a friend who is a pastor at a church in California. In it, the pastor included a copy of an article that had appeared in the Los Angeles Times. Although the article included a photo of him standing in his church and holding his Bible, it was basically a vicious personal attack against him.

“But it can’t be all that difficult to be a ventriloquist, on the radio,” I replied somewhat sarcastically. “I mean you’d have to turn the volume way up to see your lips move.”

In an outdoor restaurant overlooking Port au Prince Bay, the enigmatic Dr. Cooper was absent-mindedly entertaining our Haiti mission team with an artifact from his trunkload of stranger-than-fiction memories. This one was about a stint as a puppeteer on his own radio show. But he wasn’t really paying attention to us, his mind was too busy being enslaved by a game on his new smart phone.

I tried to bring him back to into the real world.