Discovering What Parents, Business Leaders, and Teachers Want From A School
Chapter 2: Choose one of the following questions.
Muriel Summers, principal of A. B. Combs Elementary Magnet School, needed a new focus for her school. She approached the stakeholders-parents, the business community, teachers, and students. Their responses led Muriel to change the direction of her school.
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Leigh Ann Brown: Would you want your child or grandchild to attend a school like A. B. Combs? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI would like for my children to attend a school like A.B. Combs. When a child is taught the qualities and skills that it takes to be considered a leader, then he or she should be able to thrive in almost any environment. A school like A.B. Combs is teaching the whole child, and they are learning so much that will help them succeed in today's world rather than just doing rote memorization of facts. I've learned throughout my life as a person, a wife, a mom, and a teacher that the ability to critically think and problem solve is paramount to success.
I love what you said! I also liked that the student's strengths were used at the school to help motivate them to become lifelong learners and become responsible for their actions. Motivation and playing on people's/students' strengths make an individual grow, not just curriculum, although critical thinking woven in the curriculum, is just another avenue for responsibility too!
DeleteI like the fact that academics is not the sole focus as well. My youngest is a good student, but it is not his strong point and I know he can tell that. But when he is able to do something hands on or building, the child amazes me and you can see how happy he feels. I think we need to bring more of that in and not stress our students out so much on testing and data. Let us look more at the student as a WHOLE and not just the PART(academics).
DeleteWhen asked what they wanted from a school, what was the response from parents?
ReplyDeleteResponse: I loved this question because this question was based on a universal answer. We need our young people to learn how to be responsible for themselves. The parents said just that. To be responsible and know how to fend for themselves! We need to provide tools and strategies to our students to do such, as it seems non-schooling society has changed such, that it no longer provides avenues for children to be successful. These changes can be listed such as...
a. entitlement
b. everyone wins a trophy (even though everyone doesn't)
c. no consequences for children, as they are special, and don't do no wrong- it's always others fault
d. etc.
(a continuous of the millennial age)
The above examples sound harsh, but if we are really being honest about what our children need to become leaders, then we have to face the truth, to see what we need to amend in order to make a positive change. sometimes the answers are easily said, but they are not easily done by parents, teachers, and other stakeholders. For example.. In relating to my class. I have had the best opportunity to teach and help mold an Autistic Individual. Although I understand his world is different than mine, and I must interact with him differently, I also understand that they're is the right thing to do in order for him to succeed. And letting him get away with negative behavior, just because he's different, does no justice for him. In speaking with his mom, she completely agrees, and wants me make him do what is right, and not get away with misbehavior that he can help. This is an example of giving the parents what they ask for, though it may seems harsh, it is true love- know that the children will benefit in the end! Truly molding responsible leaders!
I liked this question also. I like your response as well, that students grow from taking responsibility for themselves. It's an easy skill to teach if you start young but a hard habit to break if students have never been expected to think for themselves, take responsibility for their own actions, or take care of their own property. The sweet baby you speak of has a special place in my heart. Had that baby my 2nd year and what a challenge, but I am thankful for it because it helped me grow as a teacher. He taught me that I had to rethink my way of teaching, be patient, and love to no end because some days were just plain hard. I remember his sweet mama. She was always so supportive and truly wanted you to give consequences and not coddle because her baby had a special need. In the end I know he will become a great leader some day!
DeleteCandace, the examples you gave are spot on. I recently watched a video of Simon Sinek addressing why millennials are so unhappy. Many of the examples you used were ones he touched on. So many young people struggle simply due to a lack of coping skills. It is our responsibility as educators and parents to make sure our children learn to be responsible for themselves.
Delete"To develop leaders one child at a time," is the mission statement A.B. Combs created. What message do they hope each child to hear everyday?
ReplyDeleteThey hoped each student would know that his or her worth exceeded any score on any test or any mark on any grade report. They wanted their students to feel successful and become leaders of their lives, school, and futures. WOW! What a powerful message for students to hear and feel each day. This touched my heart, because we have sweet babies who come Toni's each day from places where they aren't taught or shown that they are important, that their opinion is valued and that they can do ANYTHING they set their minds to. Some are told to sit and be quiet, sat in front of televisions and left their for the television to teach them life skills. How empowering it feels to have someone believe in you, and for you to be told and shown everyday that it's ok to make mistakes, it's ok to be you, and you can do anything and be anything you want no matter where you come from. You control your own future. You control your life and you will do great things. I can just see my sweet baby's faces light up when you share a word of encouragement, tell them they are so smart, tell them you love them and that they can do anything they set their mind to. We get so caught up in meeting scores for data meetings, progress monitoring, RTI meetings, discipline issues that we forget that they are just children, and yes they need academics and we must test and have data, but most importantly they need to feel loved, they need to feel appreciated and important , and they need to know that somebody, anybody believes in them and knows they will do amazing things!
"To Develop Leaders One Child at a Time" is the mission statement of A. B. Combs created. What message do they hope each child will hear every day?
ReplyDeleteThe staff at A.B. Combs wants each student to understand and believe that his worth is more than a score on an exam or report card. The goal is for a student to know that he is responsible for his own life and to feel success. I find this task very daunting due to outside influences but it is definitely a goal worth pursuing. If we can get a child to learn to live by the 7 habits, what a gift we will have given them!
It is truly a gift that needs to be given, though it will not come easily. Students are indoctrinated to focus on a numerical score to decide if they were successful or not. It will take time to undo that belief.
Delete"To Develop Leaders One Child at a Time" is the mission statement of A. B. Combs created. What message do they hope each child will hear every day?
ReplyDeleteThe staff at A.B. Combs Elementary wanted EACH student to that their test scores and grades were not a reflection of their value as individuals. They wanted students to find success in their lives as leaders -- of their own lives, in their school, and of their futures.
Would you want your child or grandchild to attend a school like A. B. Combs? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI would want my child to attend a school like A.B. Combs because it encourages positive social skills and enables every child, regardless of ability, to succeed and learn to become a leader in everything that they do.
I agree, Ligea. I would be proud for my Teri and Jj to attend a school like A. B. Combs -- particularly because of the POSITIVE social skills it teaches. One way I thought daycare was a plus for my children before they attended school was the socialization they got. I found it made a big difference once they started school, which made me feel alot better about having sent them.
Deletei agree, positive social skills are very important to build confidence in each child in order for them to be successful students.
DeleteI agree. Positive social skills are very important in building confidence and molding our students to be good citizens in the real world.
DeleteI feel that many students today lack any social skills due to all the social media available to them. I try to make it a point to emphasis positive social skills in my class to help prepare them for the future work force and life ahead of them.
DeleteI agree. Positive social skills play a vital role in our students future.
DeleteI would be proud for my child to experience the positivity and encouragement of striving to do what she is good at. That she could be a leader in something she feels confident in doing....not limited to academic success where she feels the stress and anxiety of having to "know all the answers".
DeleteI agree, I would love for my child to attend a school that promotes positive social skills and a positive learning environment.
DeleteWhat do we do well? What can we do better?
ReplyDeleteI feel like our teachers work well with each other at each grade level. We work hand in hand to plan for our students and offer suggestions if another teacher needs help. But that's where it usually stops. I think that our focus tends to stay within our grade level when we should focus on the students from the time they begin school until the time they graduate. We should not only work together as a grade level, but as a whole school staff to share ideas or work together to help that student. Being a K4-12 school, we will know these students their entire academic life. We should ask ourselves, what can we as a SCHOOL do to help them?
I truly feel like our school really steps up when a child or family is in need. I have never seen a time when someone reached out for help that several teachers jumped at the chance to help. We really take care of our students and community.
As far as what we could do better here, I feel like because many of our student's parents are low income and lower academically, they are not well involved with our school. I believe we can work harder to bridge the parent-school gap and build up our parent involvement.
I feel the same, Bridget. We all work our hardest to do what is best for our students. I also agree that we should invest more in a student throughout their time at Highland, not just while we have them in our classroom.
DeleteWhat do we want for our students?
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost we want our students to experience a positive learning environment where they can explore and grow into well rounded students who will become well rounded adults. By creating that it will allow the students to achieve their own highest level of learning.
I agree, we want all of our students to be productive, well rounded citizens one day. Some need that extra little push to be motivated. If we as teachers take that extra time to interact with them about a subject or topic of interest, then they feel like we care. Sometimes the hard part is finding out what interests them. If we can build on that, it could motivate them to invest more in the lesson. It could only lead to more participation which will increase comprehension and retention. If we do our job correctly, hopefully we will inspire a love or interest in new things.
DeleteI hear mention of "apathy" and lack of motivation often. I think we are "on to something" here. By embracing these 7 habits and creating leaders K4-12, I truly believe we will see our students becoming more and more interested in learning new things and becoming stronger and stronger leaders.
DeleteI agree with the idea students need a positive learning environment. Show them new things that might spark an interest, give them the chance to step up and make decisions and see the outcome. Example: I am allowing students to research and provide an example of an individual wood project they would like to try, give them tips when needed and allow them to experience hands on learning. I believe that in this instance the ability of doing, rather than reading gives each student a better understanding and confidence to taking on more.
DeleteA positive learning environment is so important! It creates within them a positive self-motivation to push themselves.
DeleteWhen asked what they wanted from a school, what was the response from students?
ReplyDeleteThe students want to get a good education, to be with friends, and to have a little fun. They want peace of mind. Students feel safe when they have peace of mind. They need to feel safe from danger, but also to feel safe to share ideas and participate without being laughed at or ridiculed by other students or teachers. They need to feel accepted by others and included. This could mean included in a game on the playground or included in a group project in the classroom. If this doesn't happen then their mental needs will not be met. Peace of mind comes when the 4 basic needs are met. Physical needs are things like safety, health, food, exercise, shelter, cleanliness, and hygiene. Social needs include acceptance, kindness, friendship, and respect. Mental needs have to do with intellectual growth, creativity, and stimulating challenges. Spiritual needs means feeling as if they have contributed, the meaning of life, and uniqueness. All four needs should be met every single day to guarantee that a student comprehends and retains what teachers are teaching each day. As teachers, we realize this affects student progress. The challenge is finding a way to make sure we help meet as many of these needs as possible.
You are exaclty right, Katy! I agree with everything you said. That's one thing I love about teaching lower elementary. There is still that safety net in place that allows each child to be unique and different without being ridiculed or made fun of. They can truly be themselves.
DeleteI agree with you Mrs. Katy! I think it is so important for our students to feel included, especially at school. I feel that school is often the only place many children do feel accepted, so I think it is important for us to encourage and positively influence them as much as possible.
DeleteI agree with you. If the students have that mindset, so much more learning and participation could take place. It would bring the parents in as well.
DeleteI agree with you as well! It isn't enough to meet the physical needs of a child. All of these things combined must be taken into considered as they are equally as important.
DeleteWould you want your child or grandchild to attend a school like A. B. Combs? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteWho wouldn't want their child to attend a school like A.B. Combs?! I stress this to my children everyday that they are important and they can make a difference. We talk about making good choices and owning up to mistakes. Life skills are far more surperior to academics in some situations. It is vital that all children are well rounded in each aspect of life. The book states that culture, academics and leadership habits are not separate but are interactive. I strongly agree with that statement. On page 37, the findings of Danial Goleman states that "...In essence, teachers and schools can improve students' social-emotional competence by creating a social learning context...such as good decision making and refusal skills..."
The first sentence of your response is exactly what I was going to say! Developing character/social-emotional competence in children and young adults is so very important. One's character/social-emotional competence serves as the foundation for all future successes.
DeleteI agree with you about the importance of our students to be well rounded. Many of our students do not understand that they can excel in many areas: leadership, athletics, academics, etc. Schools have to be a place to help foster that mindset in our students.
Delete"To Develop Leaders One Child at a Time" is the mission statement of A. B. Combs created. What message do they hope each child will hear every day?
ReplyDeleteThe staff at A.B. Combs wanted each student to know that his or her worth exceeded any score on any test or any mark on any grade report. They wanted students to feel successful. It is my desire that this study and transformation of our school will do just that for each and every one of our students, as well as, each and every educator. Success can, and should, be measured by many indicators, not just test scores!
I love this. It is so important for students the know they are worth so much more than a test score.
DeleteAmy, I don't know how else to word a response to this other than how you did. I love this! I understand in my mathematics courses that I am the minority. I understand most of my students do not enjoy math as I do. However, that does not mean that they aren't going to be successful in my classroom. I want to see them try. I want to see a productive struggle. If they have a productive struggle and can keep motivated to finish the task, I believe they have learned a valuable life skill. The amount of satisfaction and self-worth they gain after that struggle is worth much more than the grade and/or test score.
DeleteI completely agree. Scores aren't the only thing to consider when helping to mold a child to believe in his/her capabilities, and should not be their only measure of success.
DeleteWhy did Muriel need to "reinvent her school"?
ReplyDeleteA meeting with Muriel's superintendent gave her the push to 'reinvent her school'. However, Muriel felt an internal push after attending a seminar in Washington, D.C., let by Dr. Stephen R. Covey. At the seminar, Muriel became very emotional and realized she could use the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People with her students at A.B. Combs Elementary. Her school was not attracting enough students and that also gave Muriel motivation to become better and more successful in teaching character and life skills.
When asked what they wanted from a school, what was the response from parents?
ReplyDeleteThe parents wanted their children to grow up to be productive members of society. They wanted their children to be able to take care of themselves, make responsible decisions, and get along with others despite their differences. They wanted their children to become employable adults that know how to manage time wisely and solve problems without confrontation. I believe that, ultimately, these skills are what all parents want for their children. Since children spend so much time at school, it would only make sense that we assist them in reaching these goals.
I agree Casey because for most of our students we are the most stable figure in their lives. For some we are seen as "Mom" and "Dad." Think about our students who are in extracurricular activities. Most of those students do see us teachers and coaches more than their actual parents or guardians.
Delete"What do we want for our students?"
ReplyDeleteWe want our students to take the skills that they have learned from us and use them in the real world. We need to set good examples for our students and be their role models. Also we need for our students to understand that nothing in this life is given to you, you must work for it. Once they learn this important aspect, they will become well rounded students, and later, well rounded citizens. If students know that you care about them, then they will try their best to succeed.
Great post Coach. We sometimes get caught up in teaching history, math, etc. that we forget what we really teach, which is students. I truly think we have a school that cares for our kids, and most of them realize this and try to do their best for us. "They don't care what you know until they know that you care".
DeleteThe students have to know that you care about them and their success like you stated in your last sentence. Many of our students look to us for attention as they do not get much at home. We have to push them and stress the importance of education so they do not fall into any ruts that their surrounding culture brings.
Delete"Would you want your child or grandchild to attend a school like A. B. Combs? Why or why not?"
ReplyDeleteOf course I would! A.B. Combs wants a student to be successful in life, not just academically. They are preparing students to be leaders in every aspect of their life. At A.B. Combs, the "whole" student is being developed: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
#1
ReplyDeleteMuriel needed to reinvent her school, because after a meeting with her superintendent, she found out her school was in danger of becoming demagnetized due to lack of student enrollment. She had the idea of teaching young children the 7 principles after attending a seminar with Dr. Covey.
Would you want your child or grandchild to attend a school like A. B. Combs? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Why? Their belief in the 7 habits. Their understanding of students' basic needs - physical, social-emotional, mental, and spiritual. Their realization that relationships matter.
I agree that it is very important to build relationships and make connections with real people Understanding what students need help us to help them build on their abilities. Like communication, emotional control, helping them navigate who they are and what they want, interest, and how they see the world and how they and others live in it may not be alike. We want them to be caring, alert, share and lift each other up and connect with one another and with their teachers and form strong productive relationships of learning and grow together.
DeleteWhat do we want for our students?
ReplyDeleteWe want to give our students a positive learning experience by providing an environment where they can be more relaxed and be creative. By allowing them to be more creative it provides them the ability to make the lesson more their own, enhancing their understanding of what is taught. At the same time they will maintain the core of what the lesson was about increasing their knowledge. This will essentially have students thinking in broader aspects of their future and willing to be more engaged in the learning process and achieve a higher success in their academic career.
When asked what they wanted from a school, what was the response from parents?
ReplyDeleteThey wanted their children to learn how to take care of themselves, to make responsible decisions,to be tolerant of people's differences, to get along with others and to be problem solvers.
I agree Christy! Our parents want their children to learn more than just the three R's in school. Many of our parents try to teach these skills but it is helpful when the school is able to help reinforce them as well.
DeleteWhen asked what they wanted from a school, what was the response from the business community?
ReplyDeleteThis audience wanted the school to teach the students how to be good employees in the future. They wanted them to have good communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. Also, they hoped that they would learn to be honest, self-motivated, and have a strong work ethic.
Great post Mendy! We all see how so many of our students lack some, if not most, of these skills as we watch them at school on a daily basis. We are here to make them lifelong learners and to be successful in life when they exit our doors. I know many of us try to teach these skills but maybe with this book study we can learn a more effective way that will reach each student.
DeleteWhen I reflect on what we already do well, I have to think that we are are the right track when it comes to being a caring, thoughtful and nurturing school community. I truly believe that we have caring and nurturing staff that wants what's best for our kids (even if we get frustrated beyond measure at them sometimes). That being said, we always have room for improvement. Sometimes being such a close-knit community has its drawbacks. We can all work to improve out positive thinking and professionalism to continue to help HHS grow to become the very best that it can be.
ReplyDeleteMuriel is the Principal of A.B Comb. She met with her superintendent that told her the school was not attracting enough students. She needed to come up with something new. Muriel turned to her community to gain a sense of what the parents wants for their children. It wasn't academics that they asked for but, caring, responsible, and compassionate adults.
ReplyDelete"What do we want for our students?"
ReplyDeleteWe want to tap the upmost potential in each student. I work with many student athletes everyday in the Physical Education field and try to implement the same principles that A.B. Combs uses in their elementary classrooms. I believe these leadership strategies are vital in school or any Fortune 500 companies to go beyond success.
I agree, the most important thing for our students is helping them reach their full potential.
DeleteWhat do we want for our students?
ReplyDeleteA safe positive environment that will allow them to reach their full potential. We want our students to be prepared for the rigors of college with the understanding that many of our students will choose a different path. For those students , hopefully, we have prepared them for life. They will leave with an understanding that nothing is given to you, a good work ethic will lead to success, and cooperation with others is a must in life.
I agree with you. Our students should each be prepared for college and those that choose not to, be prepared for life. Life preparation is easy to overlook - or think it comes naturally. Though some students require more intensive life skills preparation/education.
DeleteBreaking the barrier of believing that things are given to you because of who you are, who you know, or what you look like can be difficult to do as well. I feel like we are each desire those things and are working towards those things. I hope we are impacting the students' lives in these areas and we continue and adapt to meet those needs in the best ways possitive.
Would you want your child or grandchild to attend a school like A. B. Combs? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteYes, I would like for my child to go to A.B. Combs, because each child is treated as a unique individual. The staff taps into each child's strengths to build his or her self-esteem. Every student needs to feel successful to reach his or her full potential.
Amen! Every one of them.
DeleteWhat do we want for our students?
ReplyDeleteWe want our students to achieve academic success, be ambitious and determined individuals, be independent learners, contribute positively to the school and the community.
2. Response from parents: The parents were asking that their child be able to:
ReplyDelete1. Communication skills
2. Integrity
3. Teamwork
4. Interpersonal skills
5. Good work ethic, etc.
All these skills are necessary in the workforce; parents did not mention anything about academics!
Response from students:
ReplyDeletePhysical-(safety, health, food, exercise, shelter, cleanliness, and hygiene)
Social-emotional-(acceptance, kindness, friendship, respect)
Mental-(intellectual growth, creativity, and stimulating challenges)
spiritual-(contribution, meaning, and uniqueness)
These needs spoke volume to me because a lot of students seek these things in school because they do not get these needs at home. Some students need food first, a safe place, friendship, someone to listen to them, someone to push them, and make them want to do better, and most of all students want to feel like they have a meaning.
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ReplyDeleteWhen asked what they wanted fro a school, what was the response from teachers?
ReplyDeleteThis question was one that I am drawn to. I totally understand what they felt. If teachers have "one more thing to do" and more expectations, it is going to be difficult to actually teach. I, too, want to be proud of my school. HHS has a lot of things to celebrate. But, there are many things that need improvement. Some are minor, and some are not. I think that the staff at HHS wants the same thing. They want to be a team, and provide what is necessary to improve, but time is not on our side. The demands of our job, our lives, our family, are taking a toll on us. If we want our students to take pride in what they do, we must also model that behavior.
Question 9 Read our school's mission statement. Ask, "Is our mission statement still relevant? Does it resonate with us? Do we need to revisit it?
ReplyDeleteOur mission statement is, "Highland Home School will prepare students academically, socially, and emotionally to function successfully in society with a positive, caring attitude about themselves and their community. This will be accomplished by providing a flexible, life-related, working curriculum in a secure, safe environment with professional, caring and cooperative staff."
I believe it is a good mission statement - though wordy. A.B's statement was short and concise. I feel like the students at each grade/ability level could know and share the statement - and therefore be more invested in working towards their mission. The community could also know and share the mission statement.
Highland's statement is great. I think it encompasses great items of the learning and developmental process. I feel like it's length makes it difficult for families and students to have complete buy-in. Revision to a more concise statement may be beneficial to increase buy-in and universal understanding of our school's desires and purpose of educating the whole child.
- Joy Felch
DeleteThis is so powerful!!! I agree with each of you --- we must be attentive to all four needs of our students...educating the "whole" child. Self reflection: Nourishing or Extinguishing?
ReplyDeleteWhat do we want for our students?
ReplyDeleteIn a community such as ours, we know that we are vital to help shape productive members of society. We can help prepare them academically for college or any other type of higher education. We also have to realize that we are way more than that to our students. Many times we must provide other types of support that our students may not be getting at home. I do think that we do that very well. We are truly like a big family.
Cassie Smith
ReplyDeleteI would love for my child to attend a school like A.B. Combs. Children need to learn leadership skills and self value to become successful in the classroom and out of it.
"What do we want for our students?"
ReplyDeleteWe want our students to become well rounded, productive members of society. We as educators need to be a role model for our children as we often spend more time with them than their parents. It is our responsibility to do so.
When asked what parents wanted from a school... They wanted children to grow up to be responsible, caring, and compassionate human beings who know how to do the right things when faced with a difficult decision.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you want for our students?
ReplyDeleteWe wantt our students to be successful. We want them to achieve academic goals, but also want them to be successful in their daily, personal goals. We want them to be responsible, caring adults and realize the importance of being a productive member of society.
Would you want your child or grandchild to attend a school like A. B. Combs? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI would definitely like for my children to attend a school like A.B.Combs because it teaches the "whole child" method. They are helping the children become well versed, well rounded members of society at a young age. These lessons will help them to become productive members of society in many forms, not just solely academic excellence.
When asked what they wanted fro a school, what was the response from parents?
ReplyDeleteThe parents wanted their children to: be able to take care of themselves, make responsible decisions, get along with others, tolerant other people differences, problem solvers, and gain skills and traits needed to be employable in the future..
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ReplyDeleteWhy did Muriel feel the need to "reinvent" her school?
ReplyDeleteShe was faced with the possibility of losing the magnet school. The superintendent informed her she was going to have only one week to turn things around.
She also realized that the staff, students, and school had become in a lull and needed to be reenergized.
Would you want your child or grandchild to attend a school like A. B. Combs? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI would definitely want my child to attend a school like A. B. Combs! It teaches them to become a leader in all aspects of life. Children need to have that self-motivation to know that they can and will succeed at whatever they put their minds to.