“The way we see the problem is the problem.” Stephen Covey
Covey goes on the introduction to his his bestseller, 7 Habits . . ., to explain that we need "a new deeper level of thinking, a paradigm based on an accurate map of what it means to be a human being today and what it means to interact with others to address deep concerns". This is what ASaP moving forward is trying to accomplish - we want to help solve “chronic underlying problems and focus on the principles that bring long-term results”. We need to do the real work, not platitudes and band-aids or quick fixes that is so often found in schools and districts today. The transformational work ahead for impassioned educators is not easy. In the end, it will be worth it. “ I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” Henry David Thoreau In case if you were wondering if Duckworth or Dweck or Sinek had "invented" grit, mindset, and "follow your passion",rest assured, they have helped the cause of many and we owe a debt a gratitude to them and others that provide spark to our ideas. They have modernized, repackaged and popularized these core fundamentals. There is indeed a history of entrepreneurial thinking and an evolution of theory from which we can learn. Our young people should be taught the entrepreneurial mindsets of Bezos, Branson, Musk, or Zuckerburg. They should also be enlightened that others came before the great thinkers and doers of today; that these modern entrepreneurial and philosophical legends are following a formula for success that has been around for generations. Here are a few examples from which we can all learn, especially those who may not have been exposed yet to the roots of modern thought. "I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature." John D. Rockefeller "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Henry Ford “I didn't fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.” Benjamin Franklin “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity” Sun Tzu, Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be. Joseph Campbell. Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done.
Frederick Douglas Here’s a question that has been asked for generations, “What is wrong with the youth of today?” Another question, popular in education, but not as prevalent outside the circle is “What is wrong with our education system today?” The answers to both of these questions may be inextricably tied.
The answer isn’t a Wake County thing, nor a North Carolina thing, we are actually doing fairly well, especially in CTE. It isn’t even a national thing. We are looking for answers in the wrong direction. The answers might be found at the deepest point of origin, at the touch points; the answer lies in the instructor, in the classroom, in the school buildings themselves. Those of us at Apex Friendship High School were greeted with a breathe of fresh air our first day two and half years ago when principal Matt Wight had on the screen a Cecil Beaton quote, “Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.” He went on to ask all of us the question, “what do we want to be known for?” One of his challenges was to be known for the “growth mindset.” Additionally, Matt brought the community together to view Tony Wagner’s film, “Most Likely to Succeed.” I took all of this to mean, go be innovative, help our student’s stretch and to challenge them to think. There are those teachers that truly make learning fun by engaging with and motivating the students through innovative curriculum delivery. And then there are those that are fun because they spend class time on tangents and are not “on topic”. And then there are those that are, seemingly, no fun at all. Interestingly enough, many, if not most of us seem to “meet the grade” as measured by “test scores”. But really, is that why we became teachers, so we could develop proficient test-takers? Or, do we wish to help grow outstanding thinkers, doers, innovators? I want the focus to be on the latter; I want the focus to be on fun - learning in an engaging, motivating environment. My vision is for all students to look forward to going school and learning. My vision is for classrooms of all ages to focus on fostering creative confidence and developing self-directed, reflective, lifelong learners." Focus on making learning fun, not test scores. |
Author: Dan Jackson
Experienced Reflective Learner and Strategic Thinker with an ongoing track record of of innovative, adaptive leadership in education and business management. Archives
December 2019
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