Newsletter of the Business Education Resource Consortium
Volume 6: Winter, 1999

IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial-page 1

Calendar of Events-page2

Leadership Institute-page3

Business Education Standards Updates: Progress Report-page 3

Leadership Opportunities-page 3

The California Career Pathways Consortia-page 3

Groundhog Day-page 3

CCPC Conference announcement from State Center-page 3

Anne Lee

Leadership for the New Millennium

"Millennium Anxiety" appears to be a phenomenon that is effecting individuals and organizations world - wide. The education community is not immune to this phenomenon; however Y2K compliance is not the only issue. The "Millennium Anxiety" many teachers' experience is associated with the push toward implementing school-wide changes to improve student’s success.

It is often assumed that change comes about through a legislative mandate or administrative decision. In reality, change is a lengthy process that takes place in stages over time, and has teachers at the core of the change effort in a leadership role.

Strong leadership is critical to any successful reform effort. Peter Senge in his book The Dance of Change suggests that we need to replace the "hero leader" with "leadership communities." He defines leaders as "people who 'walk ahead,' people genuinely committed to deep changes in themselves and in their organizations. They naturally influence others through their credibility, capability, and commitment."

Teacher leaders apply standards-based education in their classroom, focus on student learning, and create an effective learning environment for both teacher and student. Students are challenged and involved in rigorous and relevant learning.

The New Millennium is a time for renewal and commitment to success for all students. I am optimistic that we have teachers who can develop leadership communities. Together the community has the capacity to generate energy and continually adapt to change.