While discussing some things with a third grader recently, I had an "AH HA" moment. This third grader if G/T in math and has been reading since about 3 and 1/2 to 4 years old. She has owned oral language since very early in her life. Yet, this brilliant, gifted child began to tell me how she was not as good in math and reading as she used to be.
When I asked what made her think that was true, she began by describing how SuccessMaker has convinced her of this fact in math. She is working above grade level (not sure how far) and she shared that she only gets about 50% of her questions right in SuccessMaker. Then it dawned on me - she has lost confidence because she can't do math that we haven't taught her. When we assess her, she keeps getting items until she gets things that she can't do. Her vision of math after computer lab and after MAP testing is of math that she CAN'T DO, not on all the math she CAN DO.
When the conversation turned to reading, it was the same story. When I asked what she was reading, she told me it was the wonderful book Sounder. Although she likes the book, she struggles because she does not understand the book. She knows, or can figure out, all the words and knows the story. This slows her down and reduces her pleasure in reading. The pleasure is why she reads. She is struggling with understanding the meaning of the book. Does her reading ability allow her to read this book and comprehend the story? Absolutely, yes. Is she mature enough to fully understand and enjoy the book? Probably not. She is perceptive enough to know that she is struggling with the conceptual basis of this great book. Intrinsically, she does not want to read books that are below her ability, but the little girl in her wants to read books that other third grade girls read and enjoy. Somehow, she's gotten the message that reading an easy book that you like is a bad thing. Worse, when she's older and can fully enjoy the book, she probably won't read it again based on this experience.
By now, you might be asking , so what? As I reflected on her situation, I got to thinking, how many of our most able students here at Kellett are feeling this same way? Are our practices causing our best students to lose confidence in themselves as learners? Sadly, there is some evidence from Successmaker and from MAP to suggest that they are. Right now, I don't have answers, but I know for sure that we need to find them. We need our best students to perform at their peak levels if we are to reach our goals for Kellett this year. Let the conversation begin!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Quality 3
Quality 3 – Committed
My favorite quote, “Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.” George Halas
Dr. Jonas Salk completed medical school in 1939. Eight years later he was at the University of Pittsburgh, taking on polio, the scourge of that era. In 1952 he was ready to test his new polio vaccine, so he inoculated himself and his entire family. His commitment was for real and changed history, eliminating one of the most devastating illnesses of his time. Without his total commitment, who’s to say when, or if, the vaccine for polio would have been available for use?
What do teams have to understand about commitment?
1. Adversity fosters commitment.
2. Gifts and abilities are not determinants of commitment.
3. Commitment is a choice. It does not depend on conditions.
4. When commitment is based on values, it endures.
Becoming more committed
1. Connect your commitments to your values – Identify your commitment and determine your core values.
2. Risk – Being committed involves risk. You may fail, or the team may fail, but there is honor in giving your best, even if things don’t work out like you planned.
3. Evaluate the team’s commitment – “You cannot make a commitment to uncommitted people.”
Please share any observations you may have about the book. My hope is to initiate conversation about improving our team by improving ourselves as team members.
Next week, Quality 4 - Communicative
My favorite quote, “Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.” George Halas
Dr. Jonas Salk completed medical school in 1939. Eight years later he was at the University of Pittsburgh, taking on polio, the scourge of that era. In 1952 he was ready to test his new polio vaccine, so he inoculated himself and his entire family. His commitment was for real and changed history, eliminating one of the most devastating illnesses of his time. Without his total commitment, who’s to say when, or if, the vaccine for polio would have been available for use?
What do teams have to understand about commitment?
1. Adversity fosters commitment.
2. Gifts and abilities are not determinants of commitment.
3. Commitment is a choice. It does not depend on conditions.
4. When commitment is based on values, it endures.
Becoming more committed
1. Connect your commitments to your values – Identify your commitment and determine your core values.
2. Risk – Being committed involves risk. You may fail, or the team may fail, but there is honor in giving your best, even if things don’t work out like you planned.
3. Evaluate the team’s commitment – “You cannot make a commitment to uncommitted people.”
Please share any observations you may have about the book. My hope is to initiate conversation about improving our team by improving ourselves as team members.
Next week, Quality 4 - Communicative
Monday, February 2, 2009
Essential Qualities of Teamwork
Quality 2 – Collaborative
My favorite quote, “All of your strength is in union, all your danger is in discord.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Great Escape from Stalag Luft III occurred during World War II on March 24, 1944. An elaborate plan of escape, involving hundreds of prisoners, logistical demands for everything from bed slats to electrical wire, pinpoint timing, and detailed planning was devised. They had hoped to get 250 prisoners out of the prison. Despite all of the planning only 3 prisoners escaped, but they proved that it was possible to escape German POW camps.
Collaboration requires change in focus in four areas.
1. Perception – Think completion, not competition. Competiveness must not be allowed to hurt the team.
2. Attitude – Support teammates. “Assume that the motives of teammates are good until proven otherwise.”
3. Focus – Put your focus on the team effort, rather than on yourself.
4. Results – Collaboration multiplies the results of the work of the group.
Becoming more collaborative
1. Think win-win-win – Figure out ways for you, your teammates, and the team to prosper.
2. Complement others – Use your strengths to complement the weaknesses of others and allow others to do the same for you.
3. Take your needs out of the picture – Always ask, “What is best for the team?”
Please share any observations you may have about the book. My hope is to initiate conversation about improving our team by improving ourselves a team members.
Later this week, Quality 3 - Committed
My favorite quote, “All of your strength is in union, all your danger is in discord.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Great Escape from Stalag Luft III occurred during World War II on March 24, 1944. An elaborate plan of escape, involving hundreds of prisoners, logistical demands for everything from bed slats to electrical wire, pinpoint timing, and detailed planning was devised. They had hoped to get 250 prisoners out of the prison. Despite all of the planning only 3 prisoners escaped, but they proved that it was possible to escape German POW camps.
Collaboration requires change in focus in four areas.
1. Perception – Think completion, not competition. Competiveness must not be allowed to hurt the team.
2. Attitude – Support teammates. “Assume that the motives of teammates are good until proven otherwise.”
3. Focus – Put your focus on the team effort, rather than on yourself.
4. Results – Collaboration multiplies the results of the work of the group.
Becoming more collaborative
1. Think win-win-win – Figure out ways for you, your teammates, and the team to prosper.
2. Complement others – Use your strengths to complement the weaknesses of others and allow others to do the same for you.
3. Take your needs out of the picture – Always ask, “What is best for the team?”
Please share any observations you may have about the book. My hope is to initiate conversation about improving our team by improving ourselves a team members.
Later this week, Quality 3 - Committed
Monday, January 26, 2009
Quality 1 - Adaptable
My favorite quote, “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.” Michael McGriff
As referenced in the book, Quincy Jones personifies adaptability. As a youth, he discovered his passion for music, trying several different instruments, finally settling on the trumpet. He was accomplished as a musician, so he soon got into arranging and composing. Later he became an executive in the music business, achieving fame and fortune as a producer. Quincy Jones has composed for television, movies and Broadway plays. Challenges and new ideas are no problem for Quincy Jones.
Characteristics of adaptable people
1. Teachable – Always open to new learning
2. Emotionally secure – Stable when challenged
3. Creative – Able to see new opportunities
4. Service-minded – Focused on others
Becoming more adaptable
1. Make a habit of learning – never to assume that you know all you need to know about anything.
2. Re-evaluate your role – make sure that you are bringing to the table what the team needs from you.
3. Think outside the lines – “How can this work?” not “This can’t work.” Seek “unconventional solutions” for problems you encounter.
Later this week, Quality 2 - Collaborative
As referenced in the book, Quincy Jones personifies adaptability. As a youth, he discovered his passion for music, trying several different instruments, finally settling on the trumpet. He was accomplished as a musician, so he soon got into arranging and composing. Later he became an executive in the music business, achieving fame and fortune as a producer. Quincy Jones has composed for television, movies and Broadway plays. Challenges and new ideas are no problem for Quincy Jones.
Characteristics of adaptable people
1. Teachable – Always open to new learning
2. Emotionally secure – Stable when challenged
3. Creative – Able to see new opportunities
4. Service-minded – Focused on others
Becoming more adaptable
1. Make a habit of learning – never to assume that you know all you need to know about anything.
2. Re-evaluate your role – make sure that you are bringing to the table what the team needs from you.
3. Think outside the lines – “How can this work?” not “This can’t work.” Seek “unconventional solutions” for problems you encounter.
Later this week, Quality 2 - Collaborative
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The 17 Essential Qualities of Team Players by John C. Maxwell
The word teamwork is becoming more and more important to business and schools all over the world. At the same time, the word is overused to the point of being trite by well-meaning people in all fields. Dr. Maxwell’s book gives meaning and structure to the term, and helps all who seek a better understanding of the true meaning of teamwork and its application to the world. This book will help any serious seeker to become a better team player, thereby improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the whole team. Better players make better teams. In subsequent weeks, we will explore The 17 Essential Qualities of Team Players together. In the end, we will be better prepared for the transitions to come.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Today is Inauguration Day - the day we swear in our new President, Barack Obama. Regardless of our political persuasion, today's events are historic by any standard. As the first African-American President, Barack Obama's election is inspirational to many. We have no problem believing that a wealthy white man can become President. History has shown us that white men from humble beginnings can become President. Those two facts have allowed many to dream of becoming President of the United States, arguably the most difficult and important job on the planet. Now, our African-American children have proof positive that they, too can aspire to that, or any high calling. Perhaps one day, our little girls will see that day when a woman is sworn in as President, inspiring them to believe that, in America, all things are possible. Today is a day that can literally change lives in profound and positive ways. So, today, let us all celebrate this latest reminder of the vibrancy of our democracy and the goodness and promise of this great country and its great people.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Now is the Time
As we enter January and are about to begin our last semester here at Kellett, now is the time to re-focus on our goals for this year. In short, we wanted this year to be the best year ever at Kellett. We wanted better behavior and better teaching and learning for our students. We wanted better leadership. We wanted to work together to make English/language arts, math, science, and social studies better and more engaging than ever. We wanted better parent support and particpation. All of the elements are in place and functioning well: the after school program, Reading Recovery, math and ELA remediation, classroom instruction and assessment, the Parent Center, and programs too numerous to name. It's time to put it all together to accomplish Kellet's goals for the year. This is crunch time - time to really hone in on individual students and what each needs to succeed; time to prepare each student to do their best when test time comes; time to cooperate better than we ever have in the best interests of children; time to plan better, teach better, lead better, and assess better than we ever have; time to remember and honor Kellett Elementary; and time to look ahead to Blue Ridge or Northside Elementary. When June comes there will be no regrets. We will be secure in the knowledge that we kept nothing back. We did all we could do to honor Kellett and its family with our very best efforts and prepare everyone for the transition to new beginnings.
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