A Reader Writes...

In response to the post, "Our Own Worst Enemy," a reader writes:

"Well, at least the teacher said "my students", so maybe there is hope. The old paradigm is that we focus on students for the shortcomings in a classroom. Can't pass TAKS? Students are too low. Students won't act right? Students don't come with social skills.

Today I witnessed a district level administrator reassure a teacher that the discipline problems in her classroom were because of the kids in the class. There are 5 kids in the class. The problem is the teacher does not engage kids, has a take it or leave it attitude, and is indifferent to accountability. The teacher found an ally in a central office figure who adheres to this old paradigm. We are our own worst enemy."

I have found in my dealings with schools across the country that it is where the staff places blame that is the critical variable in achieving greatness. When a great campus faces any adversity, the staff looks at what they do first and then they change their practice. At all other campuses, at some level, the staff blames some external factor(s) for their failures and then continues to do what they have always done.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...