Unlocking Inspiration: Reflections on Education and Youth Development from My Office Window

I work from home, and out of the window of my office, I look onto a wide, expansive park. It's usually pretty empty (not counting the occasional exercise zealot who is running up and down hills for an hour), and a beautiful bit of nature to gaze upon as I join zoom calls. But, it's been a bit more lively this summer. For the past month, I have watched the kids in our town's summer camp playing sports, making art, performing dances and singing songs in that park.  And this week, I didn't just see the camp, I heard it.  I heard the joy and excitement that the camp counselors were creating with the kids.  All week, I heard them rehearsing for what I saw today was a joyous, enthusiastic showcase performed on a stage, all right outside my window.  When I say it looked fun, I mean, what an understatement. Families gathered all around, music played, kids and adults cheered.  And I was inspired.  

I've worked in education and youth development research for a long time and I have visited a lot of schools, as well as afterschool and summer programs over the years and I have to tell you, I'm still inspired by the amazing things I have seen along the way. It can be easy to get lost in the numbers, the scores, the day to day tasks when you're at a desk all day.  Hey, I'm a data geek and have spent countless hours getting bleary eyed while analyzing data, and trying to make sense of it. But that can't happen in isolation. We need to get out from behind the desk, behind the screen, and really see the incredible opportunities that are out there. 

I recently read an article about the importance of project-based evidence alongside evidence-based practice in classroom-based contexts. Basically, we can't just look at our highly controlled studies to understand what works for schools and students. We need to see evidence in authentic settings, where students learn and teachers teach naturally to truly see what's going to work after a study is over. I am working on a project where I get to visit to some truly inspiring schools and talk to school leaders, teachers and families about how they make a difference for students. I am ready to bring this perspective to each of those visits, and am truly looking forward to feeling inspired like I was watching the joy on display at camp today.