We typically think of genius as being applied to people who are really smart. Those that are different from the rest of us normal people.
The premise of this understanding is a mono-dimensional understanding of intelligence. This concept that there is a linear scale by which we could all be judge has been deeply embedded in our culture and psyche.
The only problem is, that this understanding is a complete falsehood. We now know that there are not only a single dimension of intelligence, but, in fact, an infinite dimensions of intelligence. Indeed, intelligence is omni-dimensional.
To understand the meaning of Creative Genius, it is helpful to go back to Frederick Law Olmsted, the great landscape architect, for some context. Olmsted designed Central Park in New York and the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, laying the framework for public parks throughout the country. He is said to be the first landscape architect, but that honor actual resides with Andrew Jackson Downing.
When designing these public parks, Olmsted believed that landscape architects must deeply understand and co-create with the "genius of a place".
He was not using the term "genius" in the way we typically think of it, but rather he drew from the original Latin definition. In Latin, "genius" means the "attendant spirit present from one's birth, innate ability or inclination"
Our conviction is that, much like the landscape around us, everyone has creative genius, that is, creativity that springs from their innate spirit. The wonder is that everyones creative genius is different. By working collaboratively, we can weave that genius together to create more valuable solutions faster.
This conviction lies as the core of Agile and has been demonstrated innumerable times. We believe that by brining this conviction, along with the mindsets, skillsets and tools sets of Agile to the educational experience, we can unleash the creative genius of teachers and students in amazing new ways.