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//A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future// by [|Daniel Pink] is an excellent companion volume to Ted McCain's //Teaching for Tomorrow.// Pink spends several chapters creating his argument that as a result of our changing technological environment, right-brain tendencies will be more valuable in the workplace than the traditional left-brain qualities of the industrial and early information ages. Then the fun begins. He then identifies and discusses six new abilites that will count in the future: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning. At the end of each of these chapters, he has a secition called "portfolio" where he offers resources and activities for the reader related to learning about or practicing that ability. I think teachers in particular will enjoy this book 1.) because by his criteria, teaching is NOT one of the jobs that will be outsourced in the future, even if teachers do need to adapt to the new technology; 2.) because many teachers will recognize many aspects of "good teaching" in those abilities he describes, and 3.) because of the inclusion of the "hands-on" portfolio sections.

This year we will all read two selections for our faculty summer reading. The purpose of reading the same selections will be to provide a common language and understanding of the material and how it directly applies to our work as educators. In addition to the reading, below is a guide leading to an exercise for everyone to complete in preparation for the new school year and our faculty development meetings in August. Additionally, we will send an email over summer to share how you can link to a wiki, blog, or voice thread on each of the books. Happy Reading!


 * On the navigation bar to the left you will find links to the other summer reading book and the summer reading assignments.**

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Reading McCain led me to a stronger appreciation for a liberal arts education, as distinct from his capitalistic market-driven model. With regard to problem-solving, a liberal arts education works toward empowering students to be problem-framers as well as problem-solvers. A liberal arts education goes beyond preparing students to solve the problems others put on their plates. A liberal arts education is less about accommodating the world as it is and is more about enabling students to envision and shape a different world. I think McCain over-rates the //real world//. --- Lisa G.