Common Core

Jason Griffiths

 
 
Jason Griffiths, SECRETARY OF COMMON CORE and HEADMASTER OF THE BROOKLYN LATIN SCHOOL. Brooklyn Latin is a public school in the East Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, that offers an academically rigorous curriculum combined with a strong emphasis on the classics.

Jason is on a first name basis with a number of Manhattan Starbucks baristas. He will often walk in and find his favorite drink waiting for him at the register.

Previously, he worked for a multi-national law firm in Philadelphia. His interest in teaching, however, drew him to Delaware Valley High School in Milford, Pennsylvania, where he taught American history, American government, and economics for five years. During that time, he developed curriculum, led professional development sessions, and participated in the Middle States Accreditation process. He also coached the football team, bringing them from bottom ranking to three-time league champions.

In 2004, Mr. Griffiths moved to New York City and enrolled at Teachers College, Columbia University. There he joined New Leaders for New Schools, a non-profit organization that prepares urban school leaders to become principals. During residencies at Village Academies Charter School network in East Harlem, New York, and Boston Latin in Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Griffiths learned about plans for The Brooklyn Latin School, where he became headmaster when it opened in the fall of 2006.

Mr. Griffiths earned a bachelor’s in history from Princeton University and a master’s in educational administration from Temple University. He is in the final stages of completing his doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

 
 
Truant from School: History, Science, and Art

February 20 • In this Education Week webinar Lynne Munson talks about how the arts can play a powerful role in CCSS implementation. To register for the archived webinar, sign in here. Or view Lynne’s PowerPoint where she unveils high school-level TDQs comparing two works of art.

February 11 • This morning on Rick Hess’s Straight Up blog is a “thoughtful conversation” he had with Student Achievement Partners Founding Member Jason Zimba on CCSS, math in particular. Lynne Munson commented on the interview, and her views also can be read in today’s Common Core blog