In our latest episode of Quality Matters, two leaders from very different industries challenge conventional wisdom about what makes education truly effective and whether we are measuring what’s most important.
Baylor University’s Erik Ellefsen, a veteran of school network development, brings a perspective that might surprise traditional educators. Through years of observing and building successful school communities, he's discovered that the secret sauce isn't found in perfect test scores or flawless curricula. Instead, it's in the invisible threads of relationships that bind a school community together – the trust between teachers and students, the engagement that sparks genuine learning, and the sense of empowerment that transforms passive students into active learners.
Erik’s friend Ben Bajarin, a business and technology strategist, helps us find parallels between high-performing educational environments and successful corporate teams. His insights from Silicon Valley's most successful companies reveal a fascinating truth: whether you're building a breakthrough product or nurturing young minds, the fundamental principles of organizational culture, human development, and collaboration remain constant.
Our conversation weaves together two worlds and what emerges is a vision of educational quality that goes beyond a simple, flash-in-the-pan test. It's a vision that recognizes schools as complex systems where relationships and meaningful professional development ought to be prioritized.
This episode of Quality Matters is also a reminder that when we seek the best outcomes for students, we must also consider the adults who are in room because if they aren’t growing and innovating, children will ultimately suffer.
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