Greetings!
I hope your February is going well. I'm excited, because I have just finished my newest book, Rigor Made Easy.
In this issue, we're going to focus on a tough topic--moving past a belief that all students can learn at high levels to act in ways that make the belief real for students.
As a teacher, I wanted to have high expectations everyday for each of my students. But, there were times I didn't. Perhaps someone told me about a student's "reputation" or "troubles". Or the student was disruptive and resistant, and I gave up. It's tough to do. But we are going to look at some concrete examples of acting on your beliefs.
Enjoy this issue, forward it to friends and colleagues, and as always, please contact me with any feedback or questions.
Barbara
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Beliefs into Action
Sometimes we say "I believe all students can learn", that it almost becomes a slogan, without the actions to back it up. A teacher in one of my workshops learned that lesson last year. She said her students all knew she cared about them. One day, a students stopped her between classes to talk about a problem. She described what happened. "It was a five minute break to change classes. Between running to the office for a quick minute, monitoring behavior in the hall, and thinking about my next lesson, those breaks aren't really breaks to me! When my student asked to talk, I listened, but I was still scanning the hall and thinking about multiple unfinished tasks. Finally, the student said, 'I thought you cared about me, but you won't even look me in the eyes.' That was my wake-up call. I have to be sure that my actions match my words." I appreciate her story, and it reminds me to pay attention to what my students see, not just what I think they see.
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Having high expectations starts with you. Do you have high expectations for each teacher? The tips for engaging learners also apply to you! You are a role model...for your teachers and your students.
Next, pay attention to the elements of high expectations as you visit classrooms. If teachers are acting on the belief that each student (not just some) can and will learn with their support, be sure to address that with the individual teachers.
Again, you make a difference with your teachers. Set high expectations, and remove barriers to their success!
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Thanks for reading my tips. Remember, if you would like to see daily tips and strategies, check out my blog. And, if you'd like to share a tip and see your name in my e-newsletter, contact me! Just under the table of contents, you'll also find ways to connect with me through social media outlets.Don't forget to check out my new website. It's full of resources related to motivation, engagement, rigor, and high expectations for students. School and district leaders will also find resources specific to their needs. Finally, I'll be on the road regularly in the next month. I'm looking forward to working with teachers and leaders in Wellston, Ohio, presenting at the Connections Conference, and presenting at the 2012 NASSP Conference. If you and I will be in the same place, let me know!
Sincerely,
Barbara Blackburn
Blackburn Consulting Group |
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Questions to Prompt Reflection
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What are concrete ways to act on high expectations for students?
1. Check out your language. How many positive comments do you make compared to negative ones?
2. Do you focus on progress, no matter how small? Or is the only positive reinforcement about reaching a certain benchmark. It's important to reinforce both.
3. Do you ask all students open-ended, analytical or application questions?
4. What happens when a student doesn't know an answer? Do you answer for them, move quickly to another student, or provide guidance and sustaining feedback?
5. How is your wait time? Do you give certain students more time to reflect than others?
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Remarkable Resources 
| My newest book, available from Eye on Education.
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