A Reader Submits... The Fun 5

“SC,

Loved the Fun 5 training series! These reminders and improvements to my practice are absolutely imperative to my students’ success. Making the Fun 5 the expectation for our entire campus is the unified focus and vision that we need to reach Exemplary.

Thanks to you and the LYS Crew!”

SC Response
What can I say but, “WOW!” Our goal is to provide educators with practical tools, training and support that can be used immediately. As we told you at the end of the training, you have the tools, brains and passion – now go do something great.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Writes... (Teach to the Test)

In response to the post, “Teach to the Test,” a reader writes:

“I remember when President Bush was asked about the issue of teaching to the test. His reply was along the line of, ‘If teaching to the test means teaching kids how to read, then what's wrong with teaching to the test?’

Or, to paraphrase the leading experts in our field, ‘If teaching to the test means teaching to standards, what's wrong with that?’

There is no "academic freedom" in public education. If that is what we seek and desire, then we all need to get our doctorates and find jobs in universities. Until that time, we must focus on teaching the standards using artful, effective instruction.

SC Response
I’ll paraphrase our leading expert, E.Don Brown. "Teachers have to be experts; experts in the how of instruction. It is the responsibility of leadership to provide the what and the when."

And I’ll remind every teacher to remember the immortal words of the great educational philosopher, Frank Sinatra. He said, “I don’t move pianos.”

Frank's point being that his job was to show up and perform; that was his expertise. To perform at his genius level required his singular focus. He understood that the other tasks that lead up to his performance had to be the responsibility of others. Embrace your inner Frank.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

The Bizarre Meeting

I was recently talking to one of the old school LYS guys. He shared with me that he had just walked out of one of the strangest meetings of his career. He started the meeting with his principals and within 10 minutes he was immaterial to the proceedings. For the first time since he was in the district, he wasn’t the critical catalyst. He wondered if it was time to move on.

To which I said “No. It’s a time to celebrate.”

Finally, after almost two years of hard fought change, his principal core has the capacity to seek out answers instead of sitting back waiting for the next round of Central Office directives to tell them what to do.

The long term viability of school districts has everything to do with the proactive solutions that are developed on campuses. That requires an aggressive, reflective and intelligent principal cadre.

So, as I told my friend, now his job gets exciting. His new role is to keep his principals moving in the right direction, get them the resources they need to be successful, and then get out of their way.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

Teach to the Test?

I was recently presenting to the staff of a large secondary school. There were over 100 teachers in the room and we were discussing common assessments. As I was explaining the power of the practice, a teacher in the back of the room said the following, “Sounds like you want us to teach to the test.”

To which I replied,

“Yes, I want you to teach to the test. And here are the reasons why.

1. This school is accountable to student performance on the test. Until all students are performing at high levels on the test, the test remains a significant priority.

2. Teaching to the test is not a bad thing. The test sets the standard. I for one hope my attorney has been taught to the standards of the Bar Exam. I hope my Doctor has been taught to the standards of the AMA exam. I hope my accountant has been taught to the standards of the CPA exam. And since I am in the air an average of three times a week, I pray that my pilot has been taught to the standards required by the FAA.”

The test is the proof that we taught what we were hired to teach. Remember, we weren’t hired to decide what to teach. We were hired for our ability to teach. We get paid for the “how” of the instruction. The “how” is where we add value. If we lose sight of the importance of the “how,” then we can quickly become replaceable.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn....

A Reader Writes... (They Say)

In response to the post, “They Say,” a reader writes:

“Perfect! That pretty much sums up how I am feeling right now.”

SC Response
There were more than a couple of LYS readers that had a tough time last week. It seems that there are scared managers hiding all over the country, pulling at the coattails of those who step up and do the right thing.

Remember, managers fear the uncomfortable; leaders thrive on adversity.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

A Reader Writes... An Open Letter

In response to the post, “An Open Letter from One Student to Another,” a reader writes:

“I happen to know the LYS reader who made the post involving students. This particular LYS reader is an absolute genius, rivaled only by the great Sean Cain. We should probably heed his advice! Just having fun!”

SC Response
Definitely more fun than saying, “I told you so.” You know it doesn’t hurt my feelings. I subscribe to two basic theories of action.

1. Run full speed, adjust on the fly; and

2. Frequently wrong, never in doubt.

Both theories require flexibility and timely changes based on the availability of improved information.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

Sunday Advice: They Say...

The following has been cribbed and adapted from a chapter of “The Big Moo,” edited by Seth Godin.

They say I demand too much. I say they accept mediocrity.

They say we can’t handle this much change. I say we can’t afford to continue to leave students behind.

They say we aren’t bad. I say we aren’t great.

They say plan. I say do.

They say we need good people. I say we need great educators.

They say fast follower. I say bruised and battered leader.

They say happy balance. I say creative tension.

They say we need a team that works and lives in harmony. I say we need a creative brawl.

They say relationships are key. I say we need the unvarnished truth.

They say think about it. I say try it.

They say change takes time. I say change takes a minute.

They say be patient. I say our students are running out of time.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...