Words are powerful.  Using the correct words to communicate a message can make all the difference between mere reception and actual understanding.  I've been thinking about this a bunch as I travel around on Education Ride 365 speaking with folks about education and the purpose of my trip.

EdClick is the company making my travels possible.  I consult with EdClick on software development aimed at bringing operational aspects of schools into the 21st century.  I consider myself to be a systems thinker and, from its inception, I have consulted with EdClick on systems development for improving school operations.

For years my only payment for doing so was use of these tailor-made software tools we developed in the schools I was working to improve.  Recently it has occurred to me that, over the years, I have been incorrectly applying terms to this process that may be resulting in (primarily) mere reception of my message than in actual understanding of the principles, processes, and vision I have attempted to communicate.


Specifically, over the years I have used the words tool, implementation, system, and program almost interchangeably and certainly too loosely.  In particular, I have made this mistake when talking about discipline and the extremely powerful tool EdClick has developed for implementing a discipline system to solidify the very foundation of a healthy school---> an appropriate discipline climate.  Accordingly, I have decided to write a series of posts aimed at clarifying the distinction I am suggesting between these words and the implications for a school's discipline climate promoted by its discipline program.


This is blog entry #1 of an unknown number of coming blog posts that will better articulate what I have thus far only communicated in a manner more fit for reception than actual understanding.  Presented properly, this information can dramatically improve a school's efforts to promote appropriate student discipline.