By Christine Mason, CEI Executive Director As I watched Pope Francis, not only was I awed, I was transported from our world of can’ts to a world of possibilities. I was lifted up from the mundane, bureaucratic world of politics, to a kingdom of kindness, connection, and caring. Today, as I turn my attention again to the realm of education, I am  motivated to ask how Pope Francis message could be translated to schools and the educational systems here in the U.S. Here are some

In Donald Kim’s last blog entry, he covered the education interests of possible presidential candidates. But what do we (CEI) advocate? In short, we envision five objectives, all related to our vision for 21st Century Learning: Adding meaning and rigor to classrooms Using neuroscience research to accelerate learning Leading schools to excellence in STEM Promoting ‘Heart Centered Education’ Focusing on Principal Preparation and Leadership Of course, no candidate has a platform

The 2016 presidential election is not far off. And with the primaries and caucuses approaching within a matter of months, now is a good time to think about the candidates and their stances on education. Education reform has been away from the spotlight in previous years and elections. But for 2016, education reform proves to be a pressing issue. Most candidates agree that education needs to change in one way or another, but how to do this is up for debate: common core/ nation

By Christine Mason, CEI Executive Director The horrific images of immigrants traveling by boat, foot, truck, and train these past few weeks bring a new sense of urgency to the vision of heart centeredness we have had at CEI.  Walking to survive. Camping in the open without food or shelter in hopes of boarding a train to arrive in a welcoming land. The bravery and the desperation. Some surviving against unbearable odds. For what seems like a lifetime I have railed privately ag

Last night, at about 8:30 pm I found myself at a nearby Staples store.  This store was as busy as I had ever seen it. Parents and children with basket after basket of back-to-school supplies. Preparing to return.  As I mentioned to my grandchildren this past week, something significant will happen in their lives within the next few days.  Returning to school. Such an auspicious occasion. We all know that The Teacher makes the all the difference in the world. If only each chil