A FAILURE TO CONNECT

As an educator it is difficult to hear or be a witness when students are not having a good experience at school. You just want to reach out and make everything right..............

How can you help to bring about change if those at the top are convinced that "all is well"?

Students feel disenfranchised, disconnected, and worst do not trust those who should have their best interest at heart. 

This failure to connect has produced a rather negative school climate where interactions are purely punitive, unsafe, and cold. Can one assume that learning is taking place? 

Does a school exist? 

Research has shown repeatedly that students learn from teachers who they trust and whom they believe genuinely care about them. Further, it is imperative that their psychosocial emotional needs be met. Learning takes place when people feel connected and there is structure. 

Did Linda Cliatt-Wayman get it right? What are the lessons to be learnt here? How do we move forward?

Have a Productive Week!

Petreno

It's All About Giving!

We live in a fast paced world which thrives on immediate results. Information can be transmitted in mere seconds and results are expected in a similar manner. In most cases the needs of people who are involved in the process are often forgotten!

It is indeed a harsh realization. The people who are instrumental in making things happen despite hardships and challenges are overlooked and the focus becomes increased productivity, accountability, and results. 

This is no different in the schools! Teachers are demanded to give more time and effort to their craft without the proper supports. They may also work in situations where their creativity is stifled and there is no hope for true professional development. However, they are and will be held accountable! Ultimately this leads to frustration, anger, teacher burnout, and low morale which will significantly impact success.

How can we strive to change this?

The answer lies in the way we treat and value people. It is imperative that people's needs are considered when decisions are made that will affect the work that they are expected to do. It's all about GIVING!

In creating an atmosphere of giving and relationships based on trust and respect we will realize the magically powers we possess in transforming our circumstances and realizing not only our common goals but those personal as well. It is in the giving that we receive.

As we prepare for this holiday season let us remember that It's All About Giving!

Petreno

Great Things Happen When We Work Together

Last year I coordinated a program for our at risk junior and senior student population. Our focus was mainly on those seniors who needed courses to satisfy their graduation requirement. We had several cases including students who had passed all required examinations but needed elective credits, those who failed their given courses as well as those who were doing courses and needed to pass the corresponding state exam.

Needless to say we truly had a challenge on our hands! As the program was being implemented we realized that there were some unanticipated problems that could jeopardize the program if not addressed. One such was incomplete work due to a lack of online student activity since the courses were offered online. The team discovered that most of the students were having difficulty comprehending the  given material in their respective courses. In response, we changed the structure of the program, created personalized schedules based on students' lives outside of school, gave up prep time, lunch some days, weekends with family, and even our spring break!

We made a lot of sacrifices, we cried, fought ........ we had no choice but to work hard to achieve our goals. In some cases we used encouragement, threats, and bribes, to get especially the reluctant students kicking and screaming to complete their course requirement. IT WAS TOUGH!!!

A few weeks before graduation one of our student's dwelling was destroyed by fire. A few days later the student was involved in an accident and had to be hospitalized. This student had formed a bond with one of the teachers in the program who then informed the rest of the team. Through encouragement from both teacher and team this student was able to complete all the courses needed to graduate.

As the student whose arm was in a sling walked across the stage to collect the diploma I could not restrain myself. The tears started flowing. The hugs and being hoisted in the air by some of the most reluctant students you could ever find ........ I could not help but think.....GREAT THINGS HAPPEN WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER.....even if we are kicking and screaming in the beginning.

GREAT THINGS HAPPEN when a team works together. More is achieved when students and teachers forge a bond based on TRUST. Further, students will rise above the challenge when they have the support of adults who truly care. 

I will try to keep these in mind as we move forward with this year's program.

What's your challenge and how did you resolve?

Have a Great Week!

Petreno