When we've talked about change in the past couple of years, we've talked about the possibilities, our dreams, and how we might make the learning experience different for kids.
And then we reach a point when we become fearful.
Fearful of how that might change our role (I don't see myself in this), change what we do (What wrong with what we do now), or fearful because we just don't know what lies ahead (Just tell me what to do).
I actually believe this is a natural progression in any change process involving people. We've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. It's a good time (Really, what time isn't?) to reflect on where we are personally with changes we are trying to implement ourselves. What is it that I am fearful of the most? What is holding me back?
For many of us, we just don't want to fail. Educators tend to go into an endless spiral of reflection and self-doubt when a lesson blows up in our face when we really know that it's all a part of the process of teaching and getting better.
We need to be reminded often that FAIL = First Attempt In Learning.
And there are more layers to failure to consider.
As Seth Godin reminds us (p. 63), when we become fearful of failing, we automatically become fearful of freedom. We've longed for freedom from testing, high-stakes accountability, and other top-down initiatives. While we still have a ways to go, there are less restraints on us as learners and educators than in recent years.
Let's continue to reflect on the change process and how we are reacting and responding to it. Let's strike while the iron's hot!
Have a GREAT week!
-Herb
Godin, S. (2015). What to do when it's your turn (and it's always your turn).
Articles Worth Reading
Gravitational Waves Detected, Confirming Einstein’s Theory http://nyti.ms/20qIaCA
--A great read about not giving up on an idea! It is very well written!
Solving Interesting Problems http://pairadimes.davidtruss.com/solving-interesting-problems/ via @datruss
A Symphony's Big Challenge: Lift A Tough School Through Music http://n.pr/1nWDcRF
APP Worth Checking Out!
I had so much fun with this app! It's free at the App Store now (Pay attention to content, though...I haven't vetted it for school yet)
Upcoming Events --
Feb 16 -- SPIRIT NIGHT AT FLYERS PIZZA! (Roberts Rd. location) -- Mention ADE when ordering!
Feb 18 -- PD Series with Dr. Donna: "Academic Choice Across the Curriculum", 3:30pm
Feb 18 -- Admin Mtg (Herb)
Feb 19 -- R-Factor Training (Herb)
Feb 20 -- Family Fun Day, 9:00am -12:00pm
Feb 24 -- ADDC Staff Meeting, 3:40 at ADE
Feb 26 -- End of K-5 Grading Period
Mar 1 -- BIT Meeting, 8am
Mar 1 -- Team Connection Team w/ Herb -- Schedule is wide open! Stop by for a chat!
Mar 1 -- Steering Committee Meeting, 3:45 at DCR
Mar 2 -- ADE Staff Meeting
Mar 7 -- ADE PTO Meeting, 7pm
Mar 7-11 -- OLSAT (Gifted), Grades 1 to 5 by recommendation
Mar 9 -- Spring Concert, 7pm, Bradley HS
Mar 10 -- PD Series w/ Dr. Donna: "Discovery Approach", 3:45 at DCR
Mar 15 -- Professional Development Day -- No SCHOOL (Students)
Mar 18 -- Elementary Student Transfer Request Forms Due
Mar 18-24 -- Spring Break -- NO SCHOOL
Mar 25 -- Holiday -- NO SCHOOL
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