January may have been a month of record setting freezing temperatures, but we kept the heat turned up in the L.I.F.T. Learning Community with so many great activities and events. This month's newsletter highlights several great examples of the relentless work and unwavering commitment to lifting the students in the West Charlotte Corridor...all of which keep me fired up with enthusiasm and excitement. For me, it is also a strong indication that the Project L.I.F.T. vision is actualizing in our schools!

A recent study in local and national news has given me even more validation for the importance of our work in Project L.I.F.T.  The Charlotte Observer featured an article in response to the study entitled, "Land of Opportunity, Not by a Long Shot." The article and study highlighted a very disturbing finding: Climbing out of poverty for children is a bigger struggle in Charlotte than any other large U.S. city. The article goes on to say that factors such as segregation, family structures, inequality, social capital and school systems are contributing to this fact. This information really hit me hard as this is the city that I am proud to call my home and a place where I work and contribute so that my own children, the L.I.F.T. children, and the children across this city can have a better tomorrow. Despite the grim findings in this study, my hope is not diminished; however, it does raise the sense of urgency in which we proceed. As we celebrate Black History Month, I hope that we will not forget those that sacrificed so much so that WE could have a better tomorrow. What will our children inherit from us? It is what we give, create, contribute, and impact today that will determine the answer to this question. I hope you will remain even more committed to continuing to "lift" with me so that we leave behind a legacy of promise and hope for our children.

In closing, Nelson Mandela reminds us that, "Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can use to change the world." Thanks to the teachers, school staff, parents, partners, and community members who remain mission-focused in ensuring every child in the west Charlotte corridor is armed with a great education! 

"Student engagement is the product of motivation and active learning.  It is a product rather than a sum because it will not occur if either element is missing."  ~Elizabeth F. Barkley

"Ooh! Ooh! Pick me, pick me!  I want to explain my answer!"

"Ah Man!  Do we have to stop?!"

"This is hard, but I like it because it makes me think.  It's like a puzzle and I want to figure it out!"

"We tried it this way.  Let's try another way and see if the results are different."

These are the comments we will mostly hear in a classroom where the level of student engagement is high. We will see the teacher as a facilitator using good questioning techniques to develop critical thinking and giving timely feedback that leads students down the path of persistence and enlightenment. Students trust the teacher's guidance and embrace the process before them because they are driven intrinsically.

This longing for learning exists in all of us. It is abundant in children and is manifested in the form of the thousands of questions they ask about everything in sight. How do we preserve that zest in each student and address the other challenges that impact learning? As equally important, how do you renew the zeal you need to help "every student, every day, for a better tomorrow"? 

The strategies to establish and maintain student engagement work for staff as well. For example, the way you feel affects engagement.  Energy level, a positive demeanor, and perception of acceptance are factors that control emotions. Revisit the state of the physical and abstract aspects of the classroom environment and school climate to determine if the tone for learning and teaching is optimal.

Other factors to consider are interest level and perception of importance. Both students and teachers should enjoy learning and teaching. Staff should create opportunities with supportive frameworks for students that allow them to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of concepts in various ways: projects, performances, and frequent collaborations. Staff and students should always discuss the real world functionality of learning experiences and employ various methods to make them interesting.

A final factor to consider is self-efficacy. Students and staff need to know that someone is invested in them and believe they can be successful on any task with the right support. The environment to grow and learn from mistakes is safe and every person works toward goals that are determined and supported by sincere peers.  Essentially, fostering engagement for students and staff is about compassion and commitment-the desire and drive to help others reach their full potential.

For more information on engagement, visit the links below: