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

Setting Goals

We are about to embark on the start of a new year. One that will hold a lot of promises and opportunities to practice our craft. If we are to maximize on these opportunities we must first have a plan. 

When planning to take a trip we are cognizant of each minute detail so as ensure that there is no confusion or unwanted stress. The same is true if we are traveling to an unknown territory. We are armed with maps and other paraphernalia to guarantee that we reach our destination safely.

Similarly, let us use this time to carefully plan by setting goals that will help us to continue make a difference in the lives of the students with whom we are entrusted. 

May you have a year filled with an overflow of love, peace, and most of all personal and professional growth.

                                   
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

How Can We Foster Genuine Parental Involvement?

It is often said that the parent is often a child's first teacher. If this is the case, how do we effectively engage them in the teaching/learning process that takes place within the confines of the classroom? Is it enough just to contact parents when their child is being "bad"? Or should it be standard protocol to always involve parents in all aspects of schooling? How can we truly nurture a genuine relationship with parents?

The level of parental involvement varies from school to school as well as at the elementary and high school levels. Parents eager to see their children succeed will take on active roles whether at the elementary or high school level.  How can the schools capitalize on this to promote parental involvement? What about those parents who are perceived as not being interested in their child's welfare?

Does the answer lie in the manner in which the school communicates with its parents? Further, do the parents feel welcomed and are confident that there will be someone available to listen and address their concerns? Are schools really honest about genuinely fostering parental involvement?

It is interesting to note that parent teachers' conferences are often stressful for teachers. Why is this often the case? Is it possible that if there is consistent and timely communication with the home the added stress of meeting with parents can be eliminated? 

In my estimation, we have to work together as a school community to create an atmosphere that truly welcomes parental involvement. Talking about and creating the necessary conditions for parent engagement will be a challenge but is imperative for academic success.

How does your school engage parents? Please share.

Have a Great Week!

Petreno

Where Are We Now?

Wasn't it just yesterday we were preparing for the beginning of the new school year? Now we are in the final days before the end of this year. Where did the time go? Are we achieving our goals? How are we doing?

A new year is fast approaching. At this time it is typical for us to reflect then begin to plan for the new year. On Friday, our "students at risk" team met to evaluate a recently implemented program. It was interesting to note how sometimes we get caught up in paperwork, routines, and procedures that we fail to see and address the real issues. As I sat in the meeting it became apparent that if we are to move these students it will require more than "business as usual". 

Prior to this meeting there was a student conference for this target group. During the conference there was a common consensus that the adults in the building were uncaring. For me this spoke volumes. It explained why there were more students attending particular classes than others as well as the warm and inviting atmosphere that is encountered on entering these classrooms. To further emphasize the necessity of a strong psychosocial environment, one student who is notorious for skipping school and cutting classes expressed his gratitude to a supervising assistant principal (who had taken the time to assist him) for caring enough to help him. This brought tears to our eyes.

It is therefore imperative that we get to know our students and their circumstances, provide opportunities for building trust, and to be willing to work with them through their situations without being judgmental. It requires us to win the hearts and minds of the students. In nurturing a caring and supportive environment built on trust miracles can happen.

Where are you now and what are your next steps?

Have a Fabulous Week!

Petreno