I think that many of our schools or at least elements of society have fallen into the Measuring of Success Solely Though Test Scores trap as the result of No Child Left Behind. Many great schools and great teachers were pasted with the unfair "Failure" label as a result. In my opinion, the law was the product of simple minds who wanted simplistic solutions to complex problems and who had a simplistic understanding of education and its promise. Perhaps Common Core will be better. At least it contains an application feature and is less simplistic in thought.
We would have been and will continue to be better served by a growth model that acknowledges that not all students are equal and that their level of poverty, their degree of unfamiliarity with English, or the degree of their struggle with learning are obstacles not easily overcome. Looking back at what we've just read in Teaching with Poverty in Mind combined with the understanding that it was suggested in the state of Kansas last year that "At Risk" factors be discontinued in providing school funding, I realize that some of our state leaders need to read the book as well.
I am happy to say this is NOT in our building: Creating a Climate of Fear. I hear teachers talk (gripe) at conferences I attend and they are discussing the threatening vibes they get from their administrators. It would be awful to work in that situation. Thankfully, the reverse of that is true at HPEC. I do not feel threatened in any way shape or form when it comes to doing what is right for students. We get supported by our administration. When I need help, all I have to do is call or send an email and I get immediate help.
It is truly refreshing to work for/with HPEC. It is so good to know that they are in our corner and support us as we strive to help our students. Too bad some administrators feel the need to "create a climate of fear" in order to feel or be in control.
AMEN sisters :) This school year has been so trying on me emotionally and if it weren't for the support of HPEC, I just may have thought about not teaching next year...just saying
Oh, me too Jerrie! I never feel threatened by our HPEC administrators. They are always supportive and understanding. It would be horrible to work in that kind of environment. I don't have that in my school either, thank goodness.
I think putting staff last might be occurring in my school. Over the last few years, I have seen a noticeable decline in the staff morale. There is little trust and a lot of tension. This year we started doing things like monthly treat days and social committees. Everyone was very excited to start these (or continue them). These staff building activities used to be part of our routine, but have been absent for about 5 years. I don't know how much I can say here, so I'll leave it at that.
I have seen how having monthly treat days or something similar boost morale. I am fortunate to work for a district that encourages that. We have monthly birthday celebrations where everyone is encouraged to bring food that is shared with everyone. It is fun. I hope your school has success with your monthly treat days.
Over the years I have seen several short term fixes, using behavior modification or medication to attempt to fix student behavior, rather than eliminating the need for the behavior, trying to provide remedial instruction for over a third of a class, rather than addressing what was missing in the curriculum for all, sometimes these are of necessity, the solution for a child who has an immediate problem. These short- term fixes, though, never break the cycle of doing what we've always done and getting the same results we've always gotten. It takes strong building leadership to address the causes of the problem.
Measuring achievement solely through test scores---
That is actually one of my pet peeves. In Florida my district was crazy over state testing. The test was the be all and end all of measuring student achievement. They would even flunk a student who n=made all A's and aced every other test if they did not score high enough on the state tests. I am not sure how my current district treats state tests, as I teach 1st grade who do not test yet.
~~Jerrie-- I agree, I am so glad that creating a climate of fear does not happen in my school. When my daughter started middle school in FL, she came home crying one day. She said that her teacher told them that the state determined how many beds they would need in the prison system by how many kids did not pass the state tests. He made them believe that if they did not pass the tests, they would all be in prison one day. Being in Special Education my daughter was convinced that she would have to go to prison because she had never passed the test yet.
~~Lois-- I agree that short term fixes are not the solution. We should not have the mind set that we have them this year, and they will be someone else's problem next year. Our focus needs to be what is in the best interest for the child in the long run. In essence, education is like building a house, the foundation is first and every thing else is built layer be layer upon the previous one.
The other thing is, those state standards, don't match what our kids need! It's frustrating no matter what the state dictates, we have to comply. However, we can make a difference with students as we continue to build positive relationships in our classrooms.
Very good analogy about building a house - and needing a solid foundation! As a high school teacher sometimes I feel that this step was missed; perhaps by someone who felt that "if I just get through this year" then next year is "not my problem".
Oh my gosh, the story about your daughter is one of the saddest things I've ever heard! I've had students who were convinced they would not pass to the next grade if they didn't meet standards on the state assessment. I don't know who told them that, but I sure didn't like it.
Pick one of the seven achievement killers, umm. Unfortunately, I see and feel a little of everything in our building. Many years ago, I remember an inservice that discussed change. Change takes time and buy in before it is accepted. From last April when schedule changes were announced, to this October and I stepped foot in the building, the atmosphere had a very different feel. And not all good. From kids who blatantly disrespect what rules we had to teachers who don't acknowledge you, it's not an environment of goodwill. Enough said.
Creating a Climate of Fear - This is not found in my building. Trying new things is embraced in my base school. The principal always has our back, no matter what. Having that support from administration helps teachers feel more free to be creative.
That is so true. It's hard to love doing your job when you know that everything you do will be questioned. I find that when I'm just "performing" my job, I'm not enjoying it; that affects the students and how they learn. Knowing you're able to do your job and are supported is crucial.
Mistake #1 Overdoing the pep talks and hot air -- is NOT happening at my school. When my administrator says something, it's going to happen. She is a mover and a shaker. During the final announcement of the day, she reminded students that if she teaches them anything, she wants them to remember "to give to others and love with their whole heart". This is truly educating the WHOLE child.
That is an amazing administrator. There is nothing worse than to listen to false promises and empty talk that is just negative. I bet the students really respect her.
Mistake #3: Putting Kids first and Staff last All of us like to be appreciated. One of the things an administrator at my school did was call a short, mandatory staff meeting at 3:30 on a Friday afternoon!! This administrator gave everyone chocolate and thanked us for a job well done!! A very nice surprise and great “pick-me-up”. As a whole I feel that our administration not only strives to be supportive of teachers, but they are working to improve that support.
Jerri- I also feel that there is no sence of fear from HPEC. Being new last spring, I feel supported and encouraged. I also feel that way from the administration at my current building.
Jamie- I agree that not having a climate of fear really encourages creativity. I believe that I am willing to take risks and try new things--especially based on this book.
My current school has a new administrator. The current one is empathetic and a great leader. Although I am new to the building, I hear the stories about the administrator from last year. That administrator created that negative environment and it was hard on the staff and the kids. The year is better, but there is still the lingering affects of that leadership in the building, even if it was only for 3 quarters.
Mistake #6: Treating the Symptom, Not the Cure I can say that one of my building does an excellent job of treating the cure when it comes to behavior problems. They have implemented School-Wide PBS. They have seen tremendous results with it. The part that strikes me is that the staff teaches the behavior they want to see. The staff models the behavior, and the students are rewarded for behaving correctly. Students know the expectations and how to behave to meet those expectations.
I have read some of the research on PBS--mostly dealing with Early Childhood. I have also had a chance to listen to a director that implemented PBS for their whole program. It is very encouraging and I agree that it providing a cure not just dealing with a symptom.
We are starting to create postive times for our staff members. We have food every last Friday of the month. During parent teacher conferences we give them snacks to keep them happy and motivated to finish the days. We also celebrate birthdays, births, and acknowledge employees when they are in the hospital and sick. I feel that this is a way that the staff is being recognized for all the hard work we do.
The success killer I've seen is measuring improvement solely through test scores. With the high accountability testing on NCLB, I've in some cases seen tests scores put above what research would tell us is best for the individual child, or problem solving meetings with too much of that valuable time spent talking about testing accommodations rather than classroom adaptations. I was encouraged to watch the video from Dr. Diane DeBacker reminding teachers to shift emphasis to what is best for children.
I chose Mistake #5: Measuring Improvement Solely Through Test Scores. Rather than looking at the overarching success of a school, the emphasis of how a school measures up is placed primarily on whether or not its students pass state assessments. I think this is probably found in a majority of buildings to some degree. It’s sad, but that’s how it is. I’ve had several teachers (especially high school) express to me that they feel as if they’re not fully able to do what they were trained to do, and that they’re actually doing some of their students a disservice by “teaching to the test.” Each student is unique, and the teachers I’ve spoken with would like to customize their classes to what information/skills those children will benefit from most for their futures, rather than what the state will assess them on that year.
Alan~ I couldn’t agree more with your summary of state assessments/No Child Left Behind! I really don’t even have anything else to add because you said it all so well, haha! Preach on! ;-)
Jerrie~ I am also very, very, VERY pleased with the administration and support we have at HPEC. I’ve heard stories from other school psychologists in different coops, and I can’t fully wrap my mind around how they (the coops) even function. I guess it just serves as a good reminder to be thankful for what we have :-)
Mistake #3: Putting Kids First and Staff Last. The staff is the corner stone that makes the changes that positively effects the children. The staff needs to be encouraged and valued. They also need time for learning new techniques and planning. Our school has found ways to give the preschool teachers more planning time. In addition, the principal and superintendent visit classrooms--sometimes just to read a story to the children. I feel this creates a feeling that the staff is valued in our building.
Mistake #4-Creating a Climate of Fear-I feel our building is allowed to try new things/strategies. When a teacher has a new idea, they will propose it to the principal and almost always they are allowed to try it. When I have new ideas, I don't hesitate to ask if we can try it because I know the principal is all for new strategies.
One mistake I am glad to say is not a problem at our school is #2 Planning endlessly. All of the teachers in our building are organized and well planned, but you can tell that teachers are willing to make changes as needed over the course of the hour, day ect. Everyone is willing to try something new and if it doesn't work then it's OK they look at what went right and use it try something else.
In our school, #4 was a perception by staff and community with our former principal, but I found that after he and I had a "come to Jesus" meeting one day, that I had a healthy respect for him and not so much a fear. I was able to try things in my room and if it didn't work, he told me what I should have done and then i was able to say why I did what I did and we would come to an understanding. It took me several years before i was able to joke around with him, but when i found that he was human too, my job was so much more fun because I knew I had his support. Many of the teachers here in the building had that relationship too, it just wasn't broadcast. But now???? I have had a really rough year with the new principal and so I do have a fear and my job isn't fun right now. It will get better I'm sure, but right now it's really tough. There isn't fear from staff because there are no demands for excellence like we had before. UGH! Life is definitely interesting.
I think that many of our schools or at least elements of society have fallen into the Measuring of Success Solely Though Test Scores trap as the result of No Child Left Behind. Many great schools and great teachers were pasted with the unfair "Failure" label as a result. In my opinion, the law was the product of simple minds who wanted simplistic solutions to complex problems and who had a simplistic understanding of education and its promise. Perhaps Common Core will be better. At least it contains an application feature and is less simplistic in thought.
ReplyDeleteWe would have been and will continue to be better served by a growth model that acknowledges that not all students are equal and that their level of poverty, their degree of unfamiliarity with English, or the degree of their struggle with learning are obstacles not easily overcome. Looking back at what we've just read in Teaching with Poverty in Mind combined with the understanding that it was suggested in the state of Kansas last year that "At Risk" factors be discontinued in providing school funding, I realize that some of our state leaders need to read the book as well.
I am happy to say this is NOT in our building: Creating a Climate of Fear. I hear teachers talk (gripe) at conferences I attend and they are discussing the threatening vibes they get from their administrators. It would be awful to work in that situation. Thankfully, the reverse of that is true at HPEC. I do not feel threatened in any way shape or form when it comes to doing what is right for students. We get supported by our administration. When I need help, all I have to do is call or send an email and I get immediate help.
ReplyDeleteIt is truly refreshing to work for/with HPEC. It is so good to know that they are in our corner and support us as we strive to help our students. Too bad some administrators feel the need to "create a climate of fear" in order to feel or be in control.
DeleteAMEN sisters :) This school year has been so trying on me emotionally and if it weren't for the support of HPEC, I just may have thought about not teaching next year...just saying
DeleteOh, me too Jerrie! I never feel threatened by our HPEC administrators. They are always supportive and understanding. It would be horrible to work in that kind of environment. I don't have that in my school either, thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteYea for HPEC! Thank you for all of the support. It's too bad others don't take lessons.
DeleteI think putting staff last might be occurring in my school. Over the last few years, I have seen a noticeable decline in the staff morale. There is little trust and a lot of tension. This year we started doing things like monthly treat days and social committees. Everyone was very excited to start these (or continue them). These staff building activities used to be part of our routine, but have been absent for about 5 years. I don't know how much I can say here, so I'll leave it at that.
ReplyDeleteI have seen how having monthly treat days or something similar boost morale. I am fortunate to work for a district that encourages that. We have monthly birthday celebrations where everyone is encouraged to bring food that is shared with everyone. It is fun. I hope your school has success with your monthly treat days.
DeleteOver the years I have seen several short term fixes, using behavior modification or medication to attempt to fix student behavior, rather than eliminating the need for the behavior, trying to provide remedial instruction for over a third of a class, rather than addressing what was missing in the curriculum for all, sometimes these are of necessity, the solution for a child who has an immediate problem. These short- term fixes, though, never break the cycle of doing what we've always done and getting the same results we've always gotten. It takes strong building leadership to address the causes of the problem.
ReplyDeleteMeasuring achievement solely through test scores---
ReplyDeleteThat is actually one of my pet peeves. In Florida my district was crazy over state testing. The test was the be all and end all of measuring student achievement. They would even flunk a student who n=made all A's and aced every other test if they did not score high enough on the state tests.
I am not sure how my current district treats state tests, as I teach 1st grade who do not test yet.
~~Jerrie-- I agree, I am so glad that creating a climate of fear does not happen in my school. When my daughter started middle school in FL, she came home crying one day. She said that her teacher told them that the state determined how many beds they would need in the prison system by how many kids did not pass the state tests. He made them believe that if they did not pass the tests, they would all be in prison one day. Being in Special Education my daughter was convinced that she would have to go to prison because she had never passed the test yet.
~~Lois-- I agree that short term fixes are not the solution. We should not have the mind set that we have them this year, and they will be someone else's problem next year. Our focus needs to be what is in the best interest for the child in the long run. In essence, education is like building a house, the foundation is first and every thing else is built layer be layer upon the previous one.
The other thing is, those state standards, don't match what our kids need! It's frustrating no matter what the state dictates, we have to comply. However, we can make a difference with students as we continue to build positive relationships in our classrooms.
DeleteVery good analogy about building a house - and needing a solid foundation! As a high school teacher sometimes I feel that this step was missed; perhaps by someone who felt that "if I just get through this year" then next year is "not my problem".
DeleteOh my gosh, the story about your daughter is one of the saddest things I've ever heard! I've had students who were convinced they would not pass to the next grade if they didn't meet standards on the state assessment. I don't know who told them that, but I sure didn't like it.
ReplyDeletePick one of the seven achievement killers, umm. Unfortunately, I see and feel a little of everything in our building. Many years ago, I remember an inservice that discussed change. Change takes time and buy in before it is accepted. From last April when schedule changes were announced, to this October and I stepped foot in the building, the atmosphere had a very different feel. And not all good. From kids who blatantly disrespect what rules we had to teachers who don't acknowledge you, it's not an environment of goodwill. Enough said.
ReplyDeleteCreating a Climate of Fear - This is not found in my building. Trying new things is embraced in my base school. The principal always has our back, no matter what. Having that support from administration helps teachers feel more free to be creative.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true. It's hard to love doing your job when you know that everything you do will be questioned. I find that when I'm just "performing" my job, I'm not enjoying it; that affects the students and how they learn. Knowing you're able to do your job and are supported is crucial.
DeleteMistake #1 Overdoing the pep talks and hot air -- is NOT happening at my school. When my administrator says something, it's going to happen. She is a mover and a shaker. During the final announcement of the day, she reminded students that if she teaches them anything, she wants them to remember "to give to others and love with their whole heart". This is truly educating the WHOLE child.
ReplyDeleteJen, what a neat way to end the day. Most schools have morning announcements, but kudos to ending the day on a positive note!!
DeleteThat is an amazing administrator. There is nothing worse than to listen to false promises and empty talk that is just negative. I bet the students really respect her.
DeleteMistake #3: Putting Kids first and Staff last
ReplyDeleteAll of us like to be appreciated. One of the things an administrator at my school did was call a short, mandatory staff meeting at 3:30 on a Friday afternoon!! This administrator gave everyone chocolate and thanked us for a job well done!! A very nice surprise and great “pick-me-up”. As a whole I feel that our administration not only strives to be supportive of teachers, but they are working to improve that support.
That sounds like a time that staff came in grumbling but left smiling!
DeleteWhat an exciting and caring thing to do. That is a treat that we all would love to get now and then. Happy times:)
DeleteJerri- I also feel that there is no sence of fear from HPEC. Being new last spring, I feel supported and encouraged. I also feel that way from the administration at my current building.
ReplyDeleteJamie- I agree that not having a climate of fear really encourages creativity. I believe that I am willing to take risks and try new things--especially based on this book.
My current school has a new administrator. The current one is empathetic and a great leader. Although I am new to the building, I hear the stories about the administrator from last year. That administrator created that negative environment and it was hard on the staff and the kids. The year is better, but there is still the lingering affects of that leadership in the building, even if it was only for 3 quarters.
ReplyDeleteMistake #6: Treating the Symptom, Not the Cure
ReplyDeleteI can say that one of my building does an excellent job of treating the cure when it comes to behavior problems. They have implemented School-Wide PBS. They have seen tremendous results with it. The part that strikes me is that the staff teaches the behavior they want to see. The staff models the behavior, and the students are rewarded for behaving correctly. Students know the expectations and how to behave to meet those expectations.
I have read some of the research on PBS--mostly dealing with Early Childhood. I have also had a chance to listen to a director that implemented PBS for their whole program. It is very encouraging and I agree that it providing a cure not just dealing with a symptom.
DeleteWe are starting to create postive times for our staff members. We have food every last Friday of the month. During parent teacher conferences we give them snacks to keep them happy and motivated to finish the days. We also celebrate birthdays, births, and acknowledge employees when they are in the hospital and sick. I feel that this is a way that the staff is being recognized for all the hard work we do.
ReplyDeleteThe success killer I've seen is measuring improvement solely through test scores. With the high accountability testing on NCLB, I've in some cases seen tests scores put above what research would tell us is best for the individual child, or problem solving meetings with too much of that valuable time spent talking about testing accommodations rather than classroom adaptations. I was encouraged to watch the video from Dr. Diane DeBacker reminding teachers to shift emphasis to what is best for children.
ReplyDeleteI chose Mistake #5: Measuring Improvement Solely Through Test Scores. Rather than looking at the overarching success of a school, the emphasis of how a school measures up is placed primarily on whether or not its students pass state assessments. I think this is probably found in a majority of buildings to some degree. It’s sad, but that’s how it is. I’ve had several teachers (especially high school) express to me that they feel as if they’re not fully able to do what they were trained to do, and that they’re actually doing some of their students a disservice by “teaching to the test.” Each student is unique, and the teachers I’ve spoken with would like to customize their classes to what information/skills those children will benefit from most for their futures, rather than what the state will assess them on that year.
ReplyDeleteAlan~
I couldn’t agree more with your summary of state assessments/No Child Left Behind! I really don’t even have anything else to add because you said it all so well, haha! Preach on! ;-)
Jerrie~
I am also very, very, VERY pleased with the administration and support we have at HPEC. I’ve heard stories from other school psychologists in different coops, and I can’t fully wrap my mind around how they (the coops) even function. I guess it just serves as a good reminder to be thankful for what we have :-)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMistake #3: Putting Kids First and Staff Last. The staff is the corner stone that makes the changes that positively effects the children. The staff needs to be encouraged and valued. They also need time for learning new techniques and planning. Our school has found ways to give the preschool teachers more planning time. In addition, the principal and superintendent visit classrooms--sometimes just to read a story to the children. I feel this creates a feeling that the staff is valued in our building.
ReplyDeleteMistake #4-Creating a Climate of Fear-I feel our building is allowed to try new things/strategies. When a teacher has a new idea, they will propose it to the principal and almost always they are allowed to try it. When I have new ideas, I don't hesitate to ask if we can try it because I know the principal is all for new strategies.
ReplyDeleteOne mistake I am glad to say is not a problem at our school is #2 Planning endlessly. All of the teachers in our building are organized and well planned, but you can tell that teachers are willing to make changes as needed over the course of the hour, day ect. Everyone is willing to try something new and if it doesn't work then it's OK they look at what went right and use it try something else.
ReplyDeleteIn our school, #4 was a perception by staff and community with our former principal, but I found that after he and I had a "come to Jesus" meeting one day, that I had a healthy respect for him and not so much a fear. I was able to try things in my room and if it didn't work, he told me what I should have done and then i was able to say why I did what I did and we would come to an understanding. It took me several years before i was able to joke around with him, but when i found that he was human too, my job was so much more fun because I knew I had his support. Many of the teachers here in the building had that relationship too, it just wasn't broadcast. But now???? I have had a really rough year with the new principal and so I do have a fear and my job isn't fun right now. It will get better I'm sure, but right now it's really tough. There isn't fear from staff because there are no demands for excellence like we had before. UGH! Life is definitely interesting.
ReplyDelete