Top LYS Tweets From the Week of October 18, 2015

If you are not following @LYSNation on Twitter, then you missed the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of October 18, 2015 when they were first posted.  And if you are on Twitter, you might want to check out the Tweeters who made this week’s list.

1. How do you KNOW what's happening in your school? Get out and watch it happen! (By @MsSmith221)

2. How leaders spend their time is the clearest example to others of what is important to them. What signal do you send? (By @TroyMooney)

3. ... In the absence of feedback people create their own... (By @KAKellner)

4. "Awareness is not action. Action is not expertise." (By @kendall218)

5. Good intervention cannot replace poor instruction! (By @AP_Emery)

6. People long for leaders who do what they say they will do.  It is really that simple to build credibility. (By @TroyMooney)

7. Don't mistake routine for commitment. Just showing up isn't enough... everyone does that. Have the courage to do more than everyone else. (By @RobertShipley2)

8. "If there isn't push back, it isn't happening." (By @joyinteaching)

9. Why do we keep allowing crazy people to have guns? (By @dallasnews)

10. Thanks to the LYS Nation, The Fundamental 5 (Cain & Laird) has now officially sold over 77,000 copies! (By @LYSNation)

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) 
• Upcoming Presentations: The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Multiple Presentations); American Association of School Administrators Conference; National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

Top LYS Tweets From the Week of September 6, 2015

If you are not following @LYSNation on Twitter, then you missed the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of September 6, 2015 when they were first posted.  And if you are on Twitter, you might want to check out the Tweeters who made this week’s list.

1. Congratulations to LYSer, Dr. Randy Brown! He is the new Superintendent in Alvord ISD!! Who will be next? (By @LYSNation)

2. Congratulations to LYSer, Lee Crews! He is a new Assistant Superintendent in Katy ISD!! Who will be next? (By @LYSNation)

3. It's not the program; it's the conversation about the practice. (By @lauriekey)

4. The mood of adults in our schools directly impacts the mood of our students... So check yourself! (By @justintarte)

5. Everything rises and falls on leadership. (By @blitzkrieg)

6. Free market principles aren't always the best thing for kids. (By @RatliffT)

7. Observation: Those outside of the classroom tend to claim what is "right/wrong" quicker than those in the classroom. (By @stumpteacher)

8. Learning and fun don't have to be separate entities. (By BluntEducator)

9. "In 11 states with waiting periods, the longer the waiting period, the lower the gun suicide rate." (By @FareedZakaria)

10. Excited to announce that I will again present at the AASA National Conference in February!!! (By @LYSNation)

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) 
• Upcoming Presentations: Illinois ASCD Fall Conference (Multiple Presentations), Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Fall AP Conference, The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Multiple Presentations); American Association of School Administrators Conference; National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

Readers Write... So When is Enough, Enough - Part 3

In response to the 9/1/2015 post, “So When is Enough, Enough,” more LYSers write:

Yep, it is a sad state of affairs in our country when there is extreme outrage over the death of a Lion across the globe and zero outrage over the assassination of a law enforcement officer in Texas filling his car up with gas.  

Good post.

And:

Here’s why I read the LYS Blog. I don’t agree with everything you and the other LYSers write, but what is written makes me think and challenges me to back up my beliefs with a logical argument. Keep being fearless and keep having a point of view worth debating. Proud of being part of the LYS Nation.

And:

Another great post on an on-going tough subject.  Finance and firearms are the biggest immediate threats to our campuses, and the policies of both need more guidance from those of us in the middle. 

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) 
• Upcoming Presentations: Illinois ASCD Fall Conference (Multiple Presentations), Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Fall AP Conference, The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Multiple Presentations); American Association of School Administrators Conference; National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

A Reader Writes... So When is Enough, Enough - Part 2

In response to the 9/1/2015 post, “So When is Enough, Enough,” a LYSer writes:

SC,

Your number 1 on Plan B is pretty broad.   Number 2 and 3 seem very reasonable, but reformers really don’t speak about those types of steps or safety measures.  I only hear about extreme measures that could fall under your #1.  Plans to limit ownership or limit the type of guns etc…Our country is very divided on so many topics these days there doesn’t seem to be a lot of middle ground.  This is unfortunate that our leaders are so far to the left or the right; both always thinking their position is the best when both sides could compromise.  When it comes to the 2nd amendment I think those on the left need to start a lot more toward the middle and less extreme.

SC Response

You touch on one of the main reasons why I write on this topic (and other’s like it). Those of us who believe in a middle ground (the pragmatists) have ceded discussion and political power to the fringes of the parties.  People who believe that there is no compromise.  It is their way or scorched Earth. 

With firearms, I am neither proposing nor believe in taking away guns from those who legally possess them.  I also do not believe that the only requirement to own a gun should be that you want one.  There is a pragmatic middle ground.     

Either we talk about important issues and engage in the political process or we keep getting what we get.  

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) 
• Upcoming Presentations: Illinois ASCD Fall Conference (Multiple Presentations), Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Fall AP Conference, The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Multiple Presentations); American Association of School Administrators Conference; National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

A Reader Writes... So When is Enough, Enough - Part 1

In response to the 9/1/2015 post, “So When is Enough, Enough,” a LYSer writes:

Wayne LaPierre (NRA Executive Vice President) surely misspoke, no doubt.  In his quote the word "only" is an absolute qualifier, and the World seldom works in absolutes.

What is true is that in virtually every active shooter situation, the event stops once someone who is armed confronts the shooter. One of three things usually happens: the shooter retreats, surrenders, or commits suicide.  I know of no exception, although I will not fall into the absolute territory.  In fact, because of the above very probable outcomes, police training has changed regarding active shooters.

What is also true is that virtually all active shooters choose "gun free zones" in order to carry out their evil.  I don't recall ever seeing a police department chosen for an active shooter location.

In the past we saw shootings from those who appeared to have mental problems: Columbine, Sandy Hook, and the like.

Now we see shooting related to terrorism: Ft. Hood

And shootings related to twisted political agendas: Deputy in Houston

Obviously your Plan C is sarcasm, so lets look at your Plan B.

Point one, just because one heavily arms oneself does not make that person a danger.  Whether we like it or not, the 2nd Amendment protects buying guns.

Point two, better firearms safety requirements?  Not sure what you mean, but if you mean smart technology so that only the rightful owner can shoot the gun, OK.  But it should be noted that in many, many of the shootings we have experienced the firearms were legally obtained.

Point three is very valid. Carter attempted this during his Presidency. But as it is on many issues the government was both well intended and misguided. But yes, doing a better job with mental health care will almost certainly help reduce violence committed by the mentally ill.

As to terrorists, people with political agendas, and people seeking revenge, nothing will stop them.  That's where having a firearm and a good sense of situation awareness gives you an edge, but not a guarantee.  

Disclosure: I was an active police officer, I maintain a police officer license, and I am a veteran.  I have been through the experience of having fellow brothers shot and killed, a horrible event.  I truly hate what I see too.  As a Law Enforcement Officer I dealt with the mentally ill a lot, and that is an issue that really does need to be addressed. 

I don't believe your first two points have any possible way of making a difference.

SC Response

I would argue that based on words, actions, and advocacy, LaPierre believes exactly what he said, or else he is the absolute worst kind of hypocrite and opportunist.

I will also argue that there is a huge difference between a trained soldier or law enforcement officer and a typical civilian when it comes to handling a firearm in a crisis situation.

My sarcastic Plan C is not that outlandish of a response to Plan A at scale. And once armed, untrained civilians begin to engage “Barney Fife” vigilante style with criminals, a Kevlar vest under my shirt becomes a very real possibility.

I agree that being heavily armed does not automatically make one dangerous.  I’m just pointing out that becoming heavily armed does not have to be an easy process.  There are reasonable hoops to jump through to vote, there are reasonable limits to free speech, and a vetting process to purchase a firearm is not unreasonable.

I just don’t believe that, "Arm everyone and pray for the best," is a reasonable or rational policy/practice.

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) 
• Upcoming Presentations: Illinois ASCD Fall Conference (Multiple Presentations), Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Fall AP Conference, The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Multiple Presentations); American Association of School Administrators Conference; National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

So When is Enough, Enough?

“The only defense against a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy with a gun” – Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President

9 Dead, Innocent Victims (Civilians)

6/7/2015, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, South Carolina

4 Dead, Innocent Victims (Professional Soldiers)

7/16/2015, Military Facility, Tennessee

2 Dead, Innocent Victims (Civilians)

7/24/2015, Movie Theater, Louisiana

2 Dead, Innocent Victims (Civilians)

8/26/2015, Live News Report, Virginia

1 Dead, Innocent Victim (Sheriff Deputy)

8/28/2015, Gas Station, Texas

At this point it can be objectively argued that The Good Guy with a Gun Theory is an abject failure. A good guy with a gun can stop neither the surprise attack nor the ambush. 

When Plan A isn’t working, at some point it has to be time to consider Plan B.

I would suggest that Plan B would be at minimum to: 

1. Make it more difficult for any yahoo to arm himself for some delusional Armageddon. 

2.  Mandate better firearms safety requirements. 

3. Provide significantly improved mental health services.

Or we can go straight to Plan C... Kevlar vests and advanced combat helmets issued at birth.

Plan B or Plan C, pick one. But I am sickened by the fact that we are perfectly OK with gunning down our own... Then shedding a tear, wringing our hands, shrugging our shoulders and then waiting for the inevitable less shocking mass killing or ambush no later than next month. 

This is not our national embarrassment; it’s our national shame.

And here’s the disclaimer to make it more difficult for the close-minded to paint me with a liberal, Yankee, Democrat, city slicker, etc., brush.

I write this as a lifetime gun owning, hunting, southern male raised and taught gun safety by my infantry soldier Father, USAF Colonel (ret.) Grandfather and USAF Senior Master Sergeant (ret.) Grandfather.

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) 
• Upcoming Presentations: Illinois ASCD Fall Conference (Multiple Presentations), Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Fall AP Conference, The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Multiple Presentations); American Association of School Administrators Conference; National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

Top LYS Tweets From the Week of December 23, 2012

Though the blog went on hiatus for the Christmas Holidays, the LYS Nation Twitter Feed just kept on going.  So for the next couple of days, we’ll catch up on the highlights.  Here are the Top Ten LYS Tweets from the week of December 23, 2012.

1. The critic is a prisoner to his own experiences and perspectives, erroneously believing his limited experiences are the sum of all truth. (By @BishopJakes)

2. Is gun control the answer? Nope. Is arming teachers and principals? Nope. We'll never improve as a country if agendas keep driving the bus. (By @cheadhorn)

3. Maybe "Pre-school" should be renamed to "1st Grade." Lets change people's concept of the importance of early childhood education. (By @DrJerryRBurkett)

4. Does anyone really believe that suspensions are good for the student?

5. We have to go beyond modeling behavior. Because most adults operate in a fog, a good leader must also advertise the behavior.

6. Does anyone remember when we were taught that we were teachers and school leaders 24/7? This also applies to social media. Be a role model.

7. Do the best you can until you know better. Then do better. (By @coachwrong)

8. Just so we're clear: You think it's prudent to arm the same staff that won't plan for instruction and can't keep their rooms clean and organized?

9. Leaving all your work to the last possible second gets you fired from McDonalds but elected to Congress. (By @BorowitzReport)

10. The Fundamental 5 (Cain & Laird) just roared past 25,000 copies sold. Thank you, LYS Nation!

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 
• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “Look at Me: A Cautionary School Leadership Tale” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/lookatmebook 
• Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Plans (Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan Tool); PW Lite (Basic PowerWalks Tool); PW Pro (Mid-level PowerWalks Tool) 
• Upcoming Presentations: North Dakota Principals Association Conference (Keynote Speaker), TASSP Assistant Principals’ Workshop (Featured Speaker), American Association of School Administrators Conference (Multiple Presentations), National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations), Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation