I Believe..........

Do you believe all students can be successful despite their challenges? How important are their successes to you? Does their success depend on your actions? Are students fearful that you do not have their best interest at heart?

While sitting down with a group of colleagues to discuss students' performance and grades, I could not help but to wonder if we all shared the same goals of helping students to succeed. Why is it so difficult to look beyond personal agendas to do what is right? Where does integrity, professionalism, and the need to see students succeed become top priority?

Should students be prevented from getting the credit they need because of our preconceived ideas of the students' attitudes and behavior towards us? Does excellent classroom management equate to "learning"? If a student manages to complete all the tasks that are assigned by a teacher but failed to do them correctly get a higher grade than a student who may have done far less and have managed to demonstrate superior quality of work? Or should the ability to apply concepts to novel situations appropriately aligned to standards be indicators of learning? 

According to Rick Wormeli (2006) a grade is supposed to be accurate, undiluted indicator of a student's mastery of learning standards. That's it. It is not meant to be a part of a reward, motivation, or behavioral contract system. If the grade is distorted by weaving in a student's personal misbehavior, character, and work habit, it cannot be used to successfully provide feedback, document progress, or inform instructional decisions regarding that student- the primary reasons we grade. Interesting isn't it? 

On further reflection, I thought about the facilitation of the learning process. Were students given all the help they needed to successfully complete assigned work? How were they encouraged when they found these tasks to be too challenging? Did the facilitators just turned their backs because students told them "they were fine"? Or did they persist in offering help? Thereby, sending the message that "This matters and your success is important to me!" Thus helping students to see that "someone really cares". 

How can we really make student success a real priority?

Several years ago a research was done about "Changing the Odds for Student Success: What Matters Most. It was interesting that though the findings were nothing new it helps us to really hone in on how we can help our students succeed.

I believe that although students will push us to our limits, we must always remember our real purpose for choosing our profession. Once we adhere to our core values we will do whatever to takes to secure students' success in a fair and ethical manner.

What do you believe?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

How Committed Are You?

Are you always at work on time? Do you know your job well enough? Are you dependable and trustworthy? Do you volunteer for challenging assignments? When do you leave? How committed are you?

Over the years I have watched myself change and grow as a result of my experiences. The lessons I have learnt were harsh at times but nevertheless they have helped me to see things differently and make better decisions.

One such lesson is about commitment. It would often seem that the people who are less committed are the ones who tend to get the promotions and accolades whereas those who are truly committed get kicked to the curb. In one such experience I overheard several leaders referring to the students in their schools in condescending terms. I was deeply appalled and disappointed! In most of these cases these people know how to play the "game". They are at work on time, know what to say, exceptional pretenders (they pretend to know what to do and how to do it when in fact they know nothing) and often volunteer for assignments for the record. This is where it gets messy! 

A lack of true commitment ultimately impact student success and achievement. It may also lead to low morale, poor self esteem, and hopelessness among both faculty and students. These can eventually cause those who are more highly motivated and committed to either move on or just accept the status quo.

How do you remain committed? Please do share!

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

The Journey Begins Today!

It's the start of a new year and for some there are hopes of new dreams and challenges. For others it is a matter of survival trying to navigate all the pressure and stress to get the job done. Here we are faced with choices. Do we give in to the stress and pressure or do we choose how we will respond that will benefit not just us but others around us? 

A few years ago while doing my post graduate studies, we were introduced to FISH! a managerial/leadership book authored by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen. I remembered getting so engrossed in reading that it took me only a few hours to complete. My favorite part was when Mary Jane who had recently gotten a managerial promotion on the infamous third floor department known for being a toxic energy dump lost her husband and found herself being a single mom. After a thorough self introspection she discovered that ".... she had lost faith in her ability to survive in the world." It was then she also affirmed..."I'm a survivor, I've proven that. I will be alright, whatever happens. It's time to clean up the toxic energy dump." p 45 

Similarly, we can choose the path we intend to take. Mary Jane discovered four key principles on her journey which were learnt during visits to Pike Place Fish (a real fish market in Seattle). These are:-

1. Choose your attitude there is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself.
2. Play. Play makes the job more pleasant, fun, and enjoyable.
3. Make their day. Celebrate both small and big accomplishments. Go out of your way to do something special.
4. Be present. It is important to be alert and perceptive when interacting with others. Ensure that you are 100% attentive.

How will your journey begin today? Will you allow your circumstances to dictate the outcome?

Go Fish!

Petreno