Aspire High: Imagining Tomorrow's School Today

The ideal school is closer than you think.

This high school of your dreams  is a dynamic place that promotes aspirations and meaningful learning—and each aspect of its success exists in a school today, drawn from research, observations, focus groups, and interviews. Whether you’re a policymaker or district leader  who can build from the ground up or an educator aiming for incremental change, you’ll find your next steps, including:

• A whole new way to work with all stakeholders                         
• Research and action for best practices, from physical layout to curriculum
• Principles for designing practices that encourage student aspirations
• Messages from thought leaders inside and outside the field of education

Dr. Russell J. Quaglia is a globally recognized pioneer in the field of education, known for his unwavering dedication to student voice and aspirations.  Dr. Quaglia has been described by news media as America′s foremost authority on the development and achievement of student voice and aspirations.  His innovative work is evidenced by an extensive library of research-based publications, prominent international speaking appearances, and a successfully growing list of aspirations ventures.

Among these ventures, Dr. Quaglia authored the School Voice suite of surveys, including Student Voice, Teacher Voice, Parent Voice, and iKnow My Class.  His recent book, Student Voice: The Instrument of Change published by Corwin is already receiving international acclaim. 

In addition to founding and leading the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations, Dr. Quaglia also founded and currently chairs the Aspirations Academies Trust, a sponsor of primary and secondary academies in England built upon his aspirations research.  Most recently he has founded the Teacher Voice and Aspirations International Center, dedicated to amplifying the voice of teachers in order for them to realize their aspirations and reach their fullest potential.

Dr. Quaglia earned his bachelor′s degree at Assumption College, a masters degree in economics from Boston College, and master of education and doctorate degrees from Columbia University, specializing in the area of organizational theory and behavior. He has been awarded numerous honorary doctorates in humanitarian services for his dedication to students. Dr. Quaglia′s work has also led him to serve on several national and international committees, reflecting his passion for ensuring that students′ and teacehers’ voices are always heard, honored, and acted upon.

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See Russell′s Presenter Profile

Listen to Russ Quaglia′s Interactive EdChat on Student Voice

Michael J. Corso, Ph.D., former high school teacher turned adjunct professor of education and administrator, has been the Chief Academic Officer for the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations (QISA) for 15 years. In that role he provided professional development and training in Aspirations and Student Voice theories and frameworks to thousands of educators and students in hundreds of schools. Out of those experiences he co-authored numerous books and articles on the subject of School Voice, including Student Voice: The Instrument of Change (Corwin 2014) and Aspire High: Imagining Tomorrow′s School Today (Corwin 2016). While he is still connected to QISA as a special consultant, he has decided to return full-time to the high school classroom. While many in education move from practice to theory or policy, Mickey has chosen to move from consulting back to the classroom. This blog is a weekly window into his journey of trying to practice himself what he has preached to others for over two decades as a researcher and PD provider.

Dr. Kristine Fox is a Senior Field Specialist/Research Associate for the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations. Dr. Fox received her doctorate from The University of Maine in Educational Leader, Ed.M from Harvard University and B.A. from The University of Michigan. She co-authored with Dr. Quaglia 8 Conditions that Make a Difference and has been published Educational Leadership, American School Board Journal, ASCD Express and Principal Magazine. For over a decade she has worked diligently with students, teachers, and administrators to incorporate student voice as a fundamental necessity in school improvement efforts. Dr. Fox has worked directly with all types of school districts including Toronto, Canada, urban districts in Ohio, rural districts in Alabama, Monterrey, Mexico, and several schools throughout England. As a qualitative researcher, she continually conducts focus groups with students and teachers to better understand the current status of voice in schools. Dr. Fox has a passion for working with teachers and administrators to improve the teaching and learning environment for all learners. Dr. Fox previously was a K-8 administrator and 6-12 teacher.  

Gavin Dykes began working life as a civil engineer before changing his focus and moving to teach in colleges and universities, then working to develop education with governments, international agencies and commercial companies. From the early stages he focused on innovation in policy and practice and the development of the use of technology to support learning, and the parts that students and teachers can play in co-designing their work.

He gained his international experience and reputation through working with education’s stakeholders from students and teachers to ministers and policy makers. Gavin now holds a range of long term roles including as the Program Director for the Education World Forum which began in 2004 and each year brings senior education leaders together to debate policy challenges, practice and to learn from each other. In the January 2016 event, 97 countries were represented.  As Program Director, Gavin negotiates and sets the agenda. He is also Program Director for the Asian Summit on Education and Skills which takes place annually in India.

He is Co-founder and Chair of Education Fast Forward, a charity focused on sharing and improving understanding of key education issues.  Education Fast Forward convenes global discussions and debates using an innovative blend of new technologies and social media to bring participation within the reach of the widest possible range of stakeholders.

Gavin also supports teaching, learning and innovation in education through a range of consulting roles. He has worked with the OECD, the World Bank, UNESCO, governments and commercial corporations conducting research, moderating discussion and writing reports on a range of education issues.