From Novice to Expert | Frank Barnes | TEDxCharlotte

Research shows resoundingly that in education, people matter. As you peel this artichoke and get to the heart of it, it isn’t the people per se, but our individual and organizational knowing or knowledge. If schools and school systems, or any type of organization, can generate, tap and spread knowledge effectively, we have a greater chance of achieving the results we so eagerly pursue. The key to sharing and developing knowledge lies within “the expert,” and unearthing what she or he knows. Being an active, engaged learner, both expert and novice, is essential in gaining access to that often hidden expertise. Frank Barnes has acted boldly on behalf of children and families for over 25 years as an educator, researcher, and organizer. Currently, Dr. Barnes is the Chief Accountability Officer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, a former Broad Prize for Urban Education winner and the 17th largest school district in the United States. He is co-author of the district report Breaking the Link.

Dr. Barnes came to Charlotte-Mecklenburg from the Boston Public Schools, another Broad Prize winner, where he also held the position of Chief Accountability Officer. In Boston he led the design and rollout of the district’s school turnaround strategy for its lowest performing schools. That work resulted in more than of half of the district’s “turnaround schools” (6 of 11) exiting low performing status within three years, with two earning the highest school performance level possible in the state, and two schools receiving the School on the Move prize for outstanding school achievement.

Prior to Boston, he was a Senior Associate at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. While at the Institute he worked with urban school districts across the country helping them to examine and improve the conditions of schools. He authored the technical assistance guide, Inquiry and Action, and wrote multiple articles and reports on school improvement. His research has focused on knowledge management and adult learning in organizations.