A network of allies for change
If you have the Internet - the biggest 'ideavirus' environment of all, you will find plenty of ideas to support you and to share with you colleagues in your own school and more importantly with other schools. Only if we work together can we replace the faulty thinking that is imposed on us by centralised bureaucracies.

There are models all around the world in keeping with a new vision of education. Great minds are thinking alike, sharing similar instincts to encourage creativity, individuality, diversity, responsibility, high expectations and consideration of the need to preserve democratic values.

They are all driven by energy and imagination - by daring to go back to basic principles. They all dare to ask some basic questions: What is learning all about? What is the larger purpose of education? What kind of a school do we need to create? How can we work in partnership with students, teachers, parents and the wider community?

So - explore the 'idea world' of cyberspace!
To succeed you have to think 'outside the box' - you just can't wait for someone to do it for you. But with the 'with the power of the mouse' there is at least no shortage of ideas. We have listed some great sites for you to explore and to gain inspiration. You will soon see you are not alone - similar liberating ideas are spreading everywhere. After all this is now the 21stC - past the ' knowledge or information age' into the 'age of ideas'.

Get the picture!
All you need is the time. Why not ask individual staff members to explore and report back on some of the sites listed. Be careful though, 'ideas' are infectious! All sites listed are potentially 'mind-altering' Each site will lead you to endless possibilities. This is not the world for the timid!

Note: sites open in new windows - close window to return here.

The Coalition of Essential Schools
www.essentialschools.org
This is a model we could easily duplicate in NZ. Small schools in particular need to work with each other for their mutual benefit. Scan the site and you will see the Coalitions basic principles will be in line with your core values. They match our own Teaching Framework. Their recent Forum has some interesting keynote speeches.

21stC Learning Initiative
www.21learn.org
Created by John Abbot. You will find some really thought provoking 'ideas' on this UK site. Aims to promote new approaches to learning. Light years away from the Ministry. Great articles to read. Join up.

Harvard Project Zero
www.pzweb.harvard.edu
All about stimulating creativity In education. This is where you will find David Perkins (read his book Smart Schools') and Howard Gardner of multiple intelligence fame!

From Now On
www.fno.org
A fantastic site by Jamie McKenzie. A future edge thinker in information technology Great articles. Make certain you join his fee e-zine. This is a fantastic site based on one persons vision.

Teaching Thinking - Intelligent Behaviours
www.habits-of-mind.net
A must for all the schools working to implement the idea introduced to then by Art Costa. A very exciting new site that all schools should visit. One of our favourite sights. Practical ideas to transform your school

National Centre on the Gifted and Talented
www.gifted.uconn.edu
The best site for those interested in gifted education. Based on the writings of Joseph Renzulli. Renzulli's 'Schools for Talent Development' concept is an ideal model for Intermediate or Secondary schools, keeping as it does a core of traditional teaching in the a.m. and talent development in the p.m. Scan the 'idea' on the site. Book available from Hawker- Brownlow.

Developmental Teaching - Kelvin Smythe
www.networkonnet.co.nz
Kelvin Smythe is respected throughout NZ for his independent voice in defence of student centred teaching and learning. Visit his new site to see what he is up to.

Centre for Leadership in School Reform
www.clsr.org
Based on organising schools around student needs - and how communities and parents can support learning. Utilises the ideas of Senge, Deming, Peters, and John Dewey (all heroes of ours!). Another site light years ahead of the Ministry.

Phi Delta Kappa
www.pdkintl.org
Another excellent US magazine to explore with fantastic 'ideas' to enthuse you. Their mission is promote quality education and to preserve a democratic way of life. You can access their magazines.

Times Education Supplement
www.tes.co.uk
Well worth a regular viewing

Global Learning Communities
www.vision.net.au
Building sustainable learning communities - well worth a look. Aust Site. Some great resource available.

Paideia Organisation
www.paideia.org
Based on similar principles to our own. A manifesto for change. Ideas of Mortimer Adler - importance of teaching and learning. Some great inspirational reading.

Fast Company Magazine - something a little different.
www.fastcompany.com
A site for futurists. Cutting edge material. Revolutionary and fun. All about disregarding the old rules. Definitely not Ministry territory! Join their e-zine to keep up to date with what is happening at the edge of innovation thinking in all spheres of life. You can discover some exciting material at this site.

Tom Peters - something really different!
www.tompeters.com
Love him or hate him he is an ideas man par excellence! Reinventing the world of work. Wow! How to thrive on Chaos! Be prepared to be challenged!

Kevin Roberts - mote creativity from the edge!
www.saatchikevin.com
No one believes in creativity, passion and ideas more than Kevin Roberts (of 'All Black' fame!). His speeches are magic! Lives in NZ & NY. Read his speeches to educationalists. In love with ideas.

NZ International Thinking Conference
www.breakthrough.co.nz
Held Auckland 15-19 Jan. Attended by an exciting range of national and international speakers from the educational, business world