More than 10 years ago, I wrote my first version of  The Power of One” for JSD. I described my personal journey of discovering how one person could make a huge difference in the face of what appeared as insurmountable challenges. I described ways in which I had made such a difference and told, through the lens of a school board member, the ways I saw community and education leaders make differences as well.

People told me that the article inspired them to take actions they had never before considered. Many shared their personal success stories. Yet I am concerned that there are still too many people offering excuses rather than solutions for transforming professional learning to improve student success. Perhaps you have heard these problems before:

• The legislature won’t fund it.
• The state board won’t consider it.
• The school board doesn’t care about it.
• The superintendent doesn’t believe it.
• Central office wants to control it.
• Principals don’t have time for it.
• Parents fight it.

Fortunately, I continue to find compelling examples to contradict thesebeliefs. As with my examples years ago, in each case, I trace the outcomesback to one person or a small group of people.