DR. LINDA OROZCO

BRAZIL TEAM NEWS - OCTOBER 6, 2011

2011-10-06T18:35:00.001-07:00

BRAZIL PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL LEADERS

From the ‘virtual’ desk of Dr. Orozco

http://leadership-innovation.org

Brazil Team 2012,

Oi! from Brazil. I was in Uberlandia, Brazil for an international education conference presentation, and will spend a few days in Rio de Janeiro before I return to Los Angeles. I'd like to welcome our newest team members- Wadean Van Ruler (Turlock USD) & Karen Green (LAUSD)! A full list of members (awaiting your bios/pics) is online at: http://leadership-innovation.org/alumni2012BR.html

And please encourage others interested in the program to contact me. Space is getting limited.

PROGRAM SYLLABUS AND KEY WORKING DOCUMENTS
All candidates (with paid deposit) will be sent the syllabus and key documents THIS MONTH to begin preparation of your Professional Portfolio. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have on the ground to enjoy Rio. So if you've paid your deposit, thanks. If not, please do so soon... We will be discussing aspects of the work in Rio during our next conference call.

SUBMIT CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHY & PHOTO

PLEASE submit your bio and pic. Candidate Biography Paragraph - Write a biography paragraph about yourself. These will be posted as part of our website exactly as YOU write it. Also email a picture with your bio. It should be typed and perfect (free of errors) Follow last year’s example below- and more examples are online:

http://leadership-innovation.org/alumni2011BR.html

Format to Follow:
[line 1] Name, email address
[line 2] Job Title, Organization/District
[paragraph] (125 words maximum- USE word count for this paragraph only): Brief highlights of formal education, professional experience & interest, and something fun &/or personal.

[example]
Linda Orozco, Ph.D. Lorozco14@yahoo.com
Founder & President, Leadership Innovation
Dr. Orozco received her Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Minnesota; her M.A. from Calif. State University, Long Beach; and her B.A. from Whittier College. She is Past Director of the Professional Administration Credential Program and Professor of Educational Leadership at California State University , Fullerton . Her experience includes 26 years in educational leadership including both public and private educational settings, district and county offices of education, and higher education administration. Major research and publication endeavors include technology in education and administration, educating diverse populations, as well as effective interagency collaboration. She continues to conduct research internationally including Brazil, Thailand and Vietnam. She is an avid surfer and runner.

CONFERENCE CALL PLAYBACK

This our team's Sept. conference call is available for your 'listening pleasure'. If you missed any portion of the conf call, OR wish to review it again, simply follow these directions:

Call: (218) 339-4699

Access Code: 993754#

NO Reference code, just press # again for recording to begin. :)

NEXT CONFERENCE CALL
Our next conference call is set for Sunday, Oct. 16th at 9am.. Mark your calendars...

I welcome your questions and comments ANYTIME. Even when I am in Brazil you can easily reach me via email, Skype or the 562 telephone number below.

Warm regards!

Linda

Dr. Linda Orozco

Leadership Innovation

Telephone: 562-368-4844

ICON OF RIO

2011-04-22T02:14:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY, April 17, 2011
This began as an early morning for us. We left at 7:15 and hopped on a bus
to Corcovado. The heavens aligned and the bus was on time, so we arrived at
8:00, purchased our cog train ticket for the first ascent of the day. We
traveled upward through beautiful forest to the 704.6m-2310ft summit. We
arrived in a cloud - literally. As we watched, the mist burned away
gradually and we were treated to the etherial emergence of Cristo Redentor
(Christ the Redeemer). Slowly the clouds lifted on Ipanema, then the rest
of Cidade Maravilhosa was revealed below us. We enjoyed refreshments and
had a work session in this inspiring setting. As we began our return to
home base, we saw many residents carrying palm fronds and remembered that
it was Palm Sunday.

Back at Rene's and Janine's, most of us had another work session and
interesting discussion while a few of us headed to a soccer stadium to
enjoy an afternoon game.

In the evening, we walked to Garota de Ipanema (or Veloso Cafe), where the famous song "The Girl
from Ipanema" was written. A Wikipedia article describes the famous story:
The song was inspired by Heloísa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto (now Helô
Pinheiro), a fifteen-year-old girl living on Montenegro Street in the
fashionable Ipanema district in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Daily she would
stroll past the popular Veloso bar-café, not just to the beach ("each day
when she walks to the sea"), but in the everyday course of her life. She
would sometimes enter the bar to buy cigarettes for her mother and leave to
the sound of wolf-whistles. In the winter of 1962 the composers watched the
girl pass by the bar, and it is easy to imagine why they noticed her — Helô
was a 173-cm (five-foot eight-inch) brunette, and she attracted the
attention of many of the bar patrons. Since the song became popular, she
has become a celebrity.

The last hold-outs walked across the street and listened to Bossa Nova
music at Vinicius Show Bar.

Another great day!

- Paula

The Whole Cohort Combines!

2011-04-19T01:49:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY SUMMARY
The Whole Cohort Combines!

Tier II Brazil had a great Saturday. The early arriving group (who started on Tuesday) had the morning off to see the city or work on portfolios while the later arriving group kicked off the program with an orientation from Linda, including a walking tour of our immediate neighborhood in Ipanema. And then or the first time, the whole group came together for a tasty “por kilo” lunch at Broth. Beverly, principal at Far West High School in Oakland, had her ticket drawn from the hat and won a free lunch. The early group taught the later arrivals the lyrics to “Cidade Maravilhosa” over our desserts, and we belted it out as best we could to an appreciative lunch crowd. The group reassembled about 45 minutes later near Posto 8 on Praia de Ipanema, where Fatima found space for us in the teaming Saturday beach crowd and set us up with beach chairs, umbrellas, and coconuts.

After pairs reviewed few of each other’s portfolio documents, Linda led us in a discussion of where each of us is on the continuum from ethnocentrism to ethnorelativism, couching the concept of intercultural development within the larger context of global leadership. Then we took a swim.

We capped off the class with another halting performance of Cidade Maravilhosa. Linda saved us by recruiting a couple of cariocas (Rio locals) to model the melody and pace, and the group responded with a rousing effort that brought applause from the surrounding thongs.

After dinner on our own, we traveled by Metro to the Lapa district (home of the famous white arches), where Paolo met us for the walk to the local music scene. We ate, sampled the local drinks and beer, and listened to samba music under the waxing moon.

-by Nancy & Leo

VIN DIESEL SIGHTING IN RIO

2011-04-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

Bom dia de Ipanema!

This morning started off with 5 'Californian Cariocas' taking a run along Ipanema from Posto 8 to Posto 12 in Leblon and back. After failing to do any pushups or pullups, the ocean cooled us off before getting to 'General Orozco's' SHARPLY at 8:30where we sang 'Cidade Maravilhosa' as a group in preparation for our ensemble for the children in the favela on Monday. After harmonization, we escaped for a change of venue to Dilma's apartment where we enhaled her air conditioning while everyone focused intently on their documents... while humming 'See-dah-gee mar-a-veal-oh-zaw'... In the afternoon, we decided to divide and conquer, with some going to the Urca - SugarLoaf area to work and some of us riding the wave in Ipanema to get the two biggest portfolio docs complete. A fine middle eastern feast 'Rio style' was a well earned reward!

PS: Kim is still blushing from our encounter with Vin Diesel and 'the Rock' on top of Sugar Loaf in preparation for their movie premier of 'The Fast and the Furious 3' set in Rio...

-Kim and Corbett

ENJOYING RIO HISTORY BETWEEN WORK SESSIONS

2011-04-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Today, Corbett, Jesus, Kim and Leo started the day off bright and early with a run on Ipanema Beach while the others enjoyed a couple more hours of sleep. It’s amazing to start the day at 6:30 in the morning seeing the beach and streets bustling with people and energy.

We all met at Linda’s apartment at 8:30 am (sharp!... Linda likes us to be punctual) and got to work. We started reviewing our CAPSEL’s principal analysis assignment and that evolved into an enticing conversation about teacher and administrative credentialing programs, job descriptions vs. evaluation processes, the economic state of California today, the magnitude of the current jobs of school leaders, tenure systems etc. Linda had to finally refocus the group of burgeoning philosophers and critics in the room. After our morning work session, we hopped on the metro, guided by the expertise and experience of Linda and Amira, to our afternoon destination in the area of Flamengo. We went to an amazing “by the kilo” restaurant called Oklahoma. This is perhaps the 4th per kilo restaurant Linda has introduced to the group because she realizes they are our favorite!!! Chicken, shrimp, risotto, fresh fruits and veggies, sushi and… don’t forget the amazing dessert bar! David got to have his favorite… gelato!

As Rio can’t be all food and fun, we continued with our work over lunch, reviewing several self-reflections, providing and receiving feedback from members of our team. Next, we ventured on foot to the Museu da Republica (Presidential Palace). The architecture was amazing! Can anyone create those hardwood floors for our homes back in the States? The historical tour of the palace was impressive, yet somewhat daunting due to our lack of knowledge of the Portuguese language. Good thing we knew “meh-t-row” (metro) and found our way safely back home… Most of the gang is currently enjoying some sun and sand on Ipanema Beach, while Kim and David “blog”. Your turn tomorrow team… “too-doo bone”… everything’s good!

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS 'HIT THE BOOKS' ON IPANEMA BEACH!

2011-04-14T02:51:00.000-07:00

The first wave of California school administrators arrived in Rio de Janeiro yesterday for the international professional development program & Tier II, too! They will be visiting the 'marvelous city' and working on their California Professional Administrative Credential.

The first day included an orientation and walking tour of their 'new classroom' - IPANEMA! The walking tour included locations of restaurants, post office, music, metro, markets, pharmacies, office supplies, beach kiosks and even ice cream! The team lunched at Broth Restaurant, a 'por quilo' place that allows you to load up with a wide variety of food, you pay by the weight of the plate. Amira even won a free lunch lottery for our team, courtesy of the owner, Andrea.

Their afternoon work session was conducted 'on the sand' at Ipanema Beach at Fatima's barraca, of course! Several even took a swim during a 10min. classbreak- ah, learning is sweet. Did they work? You bet, until 5pm! They have a 25-document portfolio to complete while in Rio- so their noses are to the grindstone, even in swimwear! Then the school bell rang and they were FREE to return to their various apartments in the surrounding area of Ipanema for rest, homework, or evening play.

NON EDUCATORS CONTINUE TO BE SELECTED TO LEAD HIGH PROFILE SCHOOL DISTRICTS

2010-11-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

Hot off the press. The largest school district in the country changes leadership. From one non-educator to another, the city of New York continues to select NYC School Chancelors from the ranks of business instead of professionally trained educators. Good or bad: This is indeed a sign of the times.

Outgoing NYC Chancelor Speaks:
November 10, 2010 NPR's Melissa Block talks to New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, who announced this week that he will be stepping down from his post. ... Please listen to the podcast. Copy and paste into your web brower:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131223278
[Click on the arrow to listen to the podcast]

Learn More about NYC New Chancelor
Copy and paste into your web brower:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131194772

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our blog: http://drorozco.blogspot.com/
1. Do you believe districts, or even schools, can/should be led by others not professionally trained in education?
2. What are the advantages/disadvantages?
3. At your current worksite, do you believe a non-educational leader do a good job? Why?

PROGRESSIVE QUESTIONS/ANSWERS ON SCHOOL LAW & HUMAN RESOURCES

2010-11-18T04:45:00.000-08:00

The readings for the classes are an important foundation of knowledge in the areas of School Law and Human Resources. This blog will provide for a social sharing of possible quiz questions related to the remaining book chapters of the classes, and require candidates to coordinate their submissions with others that have posted earlier. NO QUIZ QUESTIONS MAY BE THE SAME, SO YOU WILL NEED TO REVIEW ALREADY POSTED QUESTIONS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.

1. Read School Law Text Chapters 10, 8 & 4. Read Human Resources Text chapters 4, 8, 11, 13.
2. GO to the blog and review carefully all questions already posted there- as you may not post a quiz question that is similar or duplicates one already posted.
3. Develop only ONE quiz question with answer PER Chapter. AGAIN, YOUR QUIZ QUESTIONS MAY NOT DUPLICATE ANY QUESTIONS ALREADY POSTED.

PUT YOUR NAME IN ALL CAPS AT THE TOP OF YOUR COMMENT BEFORE POSTING- If you'd like to use an alias, that's fine, just let me know. [below the comment box, you’ll be asked to ‘Comment as’- just select ‘anonymous’. As you name is in ALL CAPS at the top of your comment, right?]
4. POST your work in the following format:
YOUR NAME
School Law ch. 10: Question. Answer.
School Law ch. 8: Question. Answer.
School Law ch. 4: Question. Answer.
Human Resources ch 4: Question. Answer.
Human Resources ch 8: Question. Answer.
Human Resources ch 11: Question. Answer.
Human Resources ch 13: Question. Answer.

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

2010-10-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

Positive Psychology has three central concerns: positive emotions, positive individual traits, and positive institutions. Understanding positive emotions entails the study of contentment with the past, happiness in the present, and hope for the future. Understanding positive individual traits consists of the study of the strengths and virtues, such as the capacity for love and work, courage, compassion, resilience, creativity, curiosity, integrity, self-knowledge, moderation, self-control, and wisdom. Understanding positive institutions entails the study of the strengths that foster better communities, such as justice, responsibility, civility, parenting, nurturance, work ethic, leadership, teamwork, purpose, and tolerance.

AFTER COMPLETING ALL OF THE ASSIGNMENTS, PLEASE COMMENT AND SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE STATEMENT, "Positive psychology holds great potential for creating environments where children learn, employees thrive, and communities flourish." Please be clear, well organized and BRIEF in your comments (maximum of 300 words). PUT YOUR NAME IN ALL CAPS AT THE TOP OF YOUR COMMENT BEFORE POSTING- If you'd like to use an alias, that's fine, just let me know. [below the comment box, you’ll be asked to ‘Comment as’- just select ‘anonymous’. As you name is in ALL CAPS at the top of your comment, right?]

VISITATION PRINCIPAL STEFAN BEAN, ASPIRE GATEWAY SCHOOL

2010-10-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

What are your thoughts/ideas/reflections regarding the visit? Please frame your comments by selecting ONE of the following:

1. Describe the impact meeting and watching Principal Bean ‘in action’ had on you related to working with, hiring &/or accommodating staff/teachers with disabilities &/OR educating & creating legally inclusive learning opportunities for students with disabilities?

2. Describe the impact meeting and watching Principal Bean ‘in action’ had on you related to ‘immigrants’ as students under your legal leadership &/OR ‘immigrants’ on your staff/teachers or in hiring?

3. Describe the impact this visitation had on you related to the increasing number of charters schools in education, their legal status outside the confines of collective bargaining and district regulations, &/OR issues of human resources including charter school principals/staff/teachers.

Please be clear, well organized and BRIEF in your comments (maximum of 300 words). PUT YOUR NAME IN ALL CAPS AT THE TOP OF YOUR COMMENT BEFORE POSTING.
[below the comment box, you’ll be asked to ‘Comment as’- just select ‘anonymous’. As your name is in ALL CAPS at the top of your comment, right?]

ANNOUNCING TIER II FOR SCHOOL LEADERS IN BRAZIL & THAILAND - 2011

2010-09-15T05:21:00.000-07:00

TIER II in BRAZIL or THAILAND

Complete CA Professional Admin. Credential by April or July, 2011!
In collaboration with University of CA, Irvine (UCI)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: April 13-20 or April 16-23, 2011
Chiang Mai, Thailand: July 18-27, 2011
Cost: $3,500 (includes inter'l program, Tier II tuition, flight & hotel- approx.)

WEBSITE: http://leadership-innovation.org

Join a select group of school administrators (and over 100 alumni) for the highly rated and well-respected program! The program will support completion of ALL Tier II requirements. Picture YOURSELF here:
Brazil: http://leadership-innovation.org/ataglancebr10.html
Thailand: http://leadership-innovation.org/ataglanceth10.html

Where will you be in 2011?

We’ll be in RIO & CHIANG MAI… Join us!

THAILAND PROGRAM FOR SCHOOLS LEADERS

2009-08-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Thailand Program 2009 for school leaders wrapped up in July. THANKS to the 9 California administrators working in Chiang Mai. Best wishes for the future! Program highlights including pictures online at:

http://leadership-innovation.org/ataglanceth09.html

For more information about this exciting program visit:

http://leadership-innovation.org/

BRAZIL PROGRAMS WRAPS UP IN RIO

2009-03-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Brazil Program 2009 for school leaders wrapped up April 12th. THANKS to the 17 California administrators working in Rio de Janeiro. Best wishes for the future!

Program highlights and pictures online at:

http://leadership-innovation.org/br09ataglance.html

For more information about this exciting program visit:
http://leadership-innovation.org/