Enemies to Instruction

We just wrapped up the two-day TASSP/LYS Leadership Academy, a fantastic experience with almost 250 campus-based school leaders participating and networking. One of the presenters was the Maverick Superintendent of Wyoming and LYSer, Fletcher Turcato.  In his presentation he talked about Enemies of Instruction. His premise, which I agree with, is that we allow too many infringements to teaching and learning because we don’t assign enough value to the infringement.  My example is that we ignore the mosquito, because it is just a small irritant, something to work around or through.  But the mosquito is not a small thing; it represents malaria, zika and a host of other diseases that will kill you.

So what are the Enemies to Instruction? It depends on the campus.  For example, it could be the 5-Minute Passing Period when 3 minutes will suffice. It could be the Open Campus Lunch Policy where 5% of students are late getting back to school every day.  It could be the Weekly In-School Pep Rally. It could be the Annual Charity Can Drive. The point being, if teaching and learning are being negatively impacted, identify the enemy and eliminate it. That is leadership. Or ignore the enemy, avoid the conflict, and leave student performance on the table. Which is leadership failure.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
• Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook