Crafting a Blueprint for Leadership
Chapter 3: Choose one of the following questions.
A.B. Combs continued to refine their leadership approach by researching the best ways to teach students the skills they needed in the 21stCentury. This chapter identifies their methods and their blueprint for success.
- Why is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
- What connections are you making between character and the 7 Habits?
- Independence is an important accomplishment for a child. Why not stop there?
- How is the ubiquitous approach different from other initiatives?
- What do “quality tools” bring to the table?
- What are the key benefits of using Data Notebooks?
- What might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
- What idea found in this chapter have you already used? What new idea will you use?
- The success of A.B. Combs is built on a culture of caring and respect. How do we currently show our students, and each other, caring and respect? What are other ways we could show our students, and each other, caring and respect?
What connections are you making between character and the 7 Habits?
ReplyDeleteThe connections that I am making is about life. Teaching young children about life, when the opportunity arises, if it means relating a curriculum lesson to a life lesson for the students to become better people.
I loved the many examples given in this chapter on how to incorporate the 7 habits! Life lessons that will carry these kids for the rest of their lives. Finding flaws in seashells, sunergize! How these habits can change situations and how to apply them in times that are difficult. Skills that are hard for some of mine. We act before we think at times. Boy how life would be if my kids could stop, think, then react accordingly by the 7 habits . Less confrontations! And what if these skills were carried into adulthood, into a world that has become so scary. Instead of acting in anger, my kids would be equipped with the 7 habits to help resolve problems without violence. Something that gives you HOPE for our kids and the world they have to live in .
DeleteIt is difficult in our fast paced, busy classrooms to stop and deal with things like rudeness, bullying, or hurt feelings. However, it is important to stop during those teachable moments to encourage our young people to consider how their actions affect others. If we want to produce well rounded productive citizens, then this has got to be the first step.
DeleteI agree Candace. I see the connection between character and the 7 Habits in life. It is important for us to teach our students about life so that they can become good citizens.
DeleteI agree as well, we do need to teach our students about life while hard as that might be with the busy schedules. The one way I have been able to do this is with projects we do in the shop and relate them to similar projects that I did while in the military. They get an understanding of how working on a project as a group can help them communicate with others in their future.
DeleteI am all about incorporating life into my daily lessons. As a math teacher, many students fail to find the connection to where they will need this in the "real world" and "I will never use this." I try to point out different jobs that interest them and relate the material to how they will apply it to that job.
DeleteI agree Candace. There are so many times that we have to stop and make that real world connection. Like Katy said, sometimes we have to use those teachable moments to help a child see how there actions affect those around them. How changing one little negative comment or action into something positive can make a big difference in another person's life.
DeleteI agree, Candace. We have opportunities each day to encourage our children, promote healthy behavior schemes, and positive impact opportunities. Our students need to be aware of the feelings of others, and how each person can make a positive difference in the world around them.
DeleteI agree. Especially with a community like ours, I feel like making those connections are even more vital.
DeleteMrs. Elliot, I understand. Even though I am in admin, I understand that we preach bell to bell instruction. However, I can see where they are coming from in saying take a step back, take a moment and embrace the opportunity to have a true "teaching and learning" moment with our students.
DeleteWhat might be different if student set individual goals based on their previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteFirst of all students come to us at all different levels. They have all had different life experiences, been exposed to different things, so to expect them to all be on the same level is far fetched. Yes in a perfect world it would make our jobs so much easier if our students were the same, but what I'm getting from the book is that diversity is celebrated and small successes should be celebrated. Allowing students to take control of their learning is empowering them to want to do better for themselves. Not for anyone else. Students should not be made to feel inferior because they didn't score as high as another student. It's our job to encourage and help them to want to set goals for themselves and celebrate any successes they achieve and help them know how to handle failures. Allowing students to set goals for themselves and gain those personal achievements gives them a drive, a want to succeed for themselves. They are in control of their learning, not being forced to match a peers success. Each students has their strengths. They will all succeed at one time or another. Life is not a race, it is about living, learning, loving, and caring for others. Teaching our babies that they always have to do better than someone else to matter is an injustice to their self esteem. Why try if you know there is always gonna be someone better than you? That's life! Be your own success story !
I chose the same question and basically had the same feelings; however, I really like that you added the part about handling failure. We tend to focus so much on success that sometimes we forget that learning to handle failure is a much needed social skill.
DeleteBrittany, I especially like what you say about allowing students to take control of their learning is empowering them to want to do better for themselves. I think this accountability -- and I think that's what the book ultimately boils down to, ACCOUNTABILITY -- is exactly what we need here at HHS among our student body.
DeleteI agree wholeheartedly Rebecca.
DeleteI love all of your thoughts on this topic.
DeleteI agree with all of you.
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DeleteYou said it BEST...Individual goals allow students to take control of their learning --- Empowers them to want to do better for themselves --- Leads to self motivation!!! Setting goals, celebrating personal achievements, and recognizing individual strengths motivates and empowers our students.
DeleteWhat might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteThe difference would be that students would be able to see their growth. We can’t be great at everything we do and if we are constantly measuring our worth against someone else’s talents, we will never feel success. However, if we measure our achievements against where we were a week or a month ago, we are able to see our growth and recognize our successes.
I agree. As a parent, I have been guilty of comparing my children's' scores to others and not their previous scores. I think it is very important for children to find success in their own way. We should strive to help all children find success, not matter how big or small.
DeleteIndependence is an important accomplishment for a child. Why not stop there?
ReplyDeleteWhile independence is a form of personal leadership and a Private Victory, the parents of A.B. Combs children were not satisfied with the it as the only end in mind. They, as do business leaders, want students working effectively with others -- skills like conflict resolution, listening, communicating, inspiring creativity, dealing with diversity, problem solving, and teamwork -- in other words, interdependence; a form of what they consider a Public Victory.
Yes, Rebecca. Independence does not matter if the child cannot also obtain the ability to work with others. We have all taught that child who hates group projects and wants to do all the work alone to ensure its correctness. However, life consists of several "group projects" and they must learn to interact effectively
DeleteThis is true, by using "group projects" in Ag, it makes students communicate with each other to ensure the project is completed correctly by being on the same page with what is the next step to accomplish. To become an effective leader later in life requires the ability to be flexible, open minded, and have the ability to work with others.
DeleteBeing able to work with others is a skill that all of us need. I agree, Thomas, that to be an effective leader, you have to be flexible, open-minded, and be able to work well with others.
DeleteWhy is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteMaking the vision and mission statement visable to everyone is important because it allows everyone to know what the school's goals and expectations are, and acts as a constant reminder for everyone to strive to be the best that they can be everyday.
I agree. I liked in the book where they had some type of leadership them/quote and poster in EVERY hallway. If this is to be successful, than it must be visible where everywhere you go you are reminded of it.
DeleteVery true...it almost acts as a personal reminder as well. It makes us hold ourselves to a higher standard in order to strive to meet/exceed the mission statement.
DeleteI agree as long as everyone knows what to expect then they should know what goals are to be met.
DeleteI agree, when people know what is expected of them, they tend to strive to meet those expectations.
DeleteWhat might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteWhat might be different? One word: EVERYTHING. At HHS, our high achieving, high ability students tend to become complacent at the top of the class. They are satisfied by having the highest grades, but they do not put forth the effort to grow. For a child at the top percentage of the class, competing against his own previous scores/data would cause that child to take initiative and push past the complacency. On the other hand, at HHS, our lower scoring students tend to feel that they will never "win" or "be the best" so they do not get an opportunity to feel successful. Again, competing against their own former scores/data would provide them with a viable opportunity to obtain a success. That will in turn make them more apt to put forth effort in surpassing their data each time.
I agree! If they are constantly being compared to someone else, they can never truly see their own potential.
DeleteWhat might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteThere is SOOOOO much I could say on this but I won't drag on! ha ha I have 3 reading groups: above average, average, and of course those who are below average. Well, of course they are not able to compete against the above average group in academics. They can not read a book, do work independently, etc... but that is what I love about this. I make sure to let each group see success. Let THEM set a goal that is attainable for THEM and boy you better believe what a difference it makes in their confidence and will spill over into academic achievements for them as well. I have seen the smiles on their faces when they could recognize sight words and this to them is success and they do not feel less than those who can read book after book........
How is the ubiquitous approach different from other initiatives?
ReplyDeleteThe ubiquitous approach is different in that it doesn't limit itself to one particular method of delivery. It can be a planned out lesson or spur of the moment teaching. Also the ubiquitous approach happens through modeling. For instance the integrated instruction approach could be using an existing literature lesson plan and including one of the habits. Also the lessons can be more directly focused on the habit being taught with a set amount of time in which to teach the main idea. One of the easiest ways to teach the habits is through modeling. It can be taught through how we act, what we do, and the words we use in a given situation.
What might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteAll students do not learn the same way or at the same rate. Instead of comparing them to what another student is doing, they should feel like their progress can be celebrated. This will build self confidence, self worth, and increase self motivation. Many students shut down when they feel pressured. Hopefully they will feel comfortable enough to push through the hard times and learn how to deal with difficult situations. They will learn that doing the right thing (even when no one is watching) leads to a feeling of accomplishment and pride. They can see that hard work pays off.
Why is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteIt is vital that the organization (in this case school) makes their vision and mission visible and accessible to all stakeholders. This is the only way to unify everyone and get everyone working towards the same goals. If all stakeholders buy into the vision and mission of the school or organization, they are much more likely to support change (which is inevitable in any setting). Otherwise, we end up with individuals who are resistant to change and who become detrimental to the school or organizations continued growth.
I agree! For all involved in the educational process to be tracking together, the vision and mission must be visable, understandable, and achievable. Getting all the stakeholders involved and invested will be greatly beneficial to the school environment.
DeleteWhat might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteIf students set their own individual goals, they can track their own progress. They can see with their own eyes that it is possible to succeed in a particular area. If they are only focused on competing with other students' scores, they can often feel defeated and give up even trying to make progress. Every child learns differently and at a different pace, so they should set their own goals and track their own progress.
I agree, Casey! The students tend to get discouraged when they cannot see their own progress. If they set their own goals then they will know where they started and where they want to finish. This will show them the progress and allow them to adjust if needed.
DeleteI believe individual goals are essential in growth. In my field in Physical Education I cannot have a student try and lift a weight that a much stronger student is lifting. These students have to be proud and build off of their accomplishments and continue to progress. The same idea goes for the classroom.
DeleteWhat might be different if student set individual goals based on their previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteIf students set their own goal, they can take ownership of their learning. They can see their own progress and feel successful. Their confidence and motivation will increase. They will work harder and be motivated to push through the hard work.
I completely agree. I think our students are lacking a vital part of education, being ownership, and perhaps our faculty as well. We must take ownership of our actions and our learning. We can not rely on someone else or something else. With that ownership will come pride and success, then more motivation and confidence.
DeleteKristen, yes! I couldn't agree more!! Mrs. Whiddon, I agree. My students are always in competition with students way above their level. Individual goals should be praised!
DeleteIndependence is an important accomplishment for a child. Why not stop there?
ReplyDeleteBeing proactive, keeping the end in mind and putting first things first helps students become more independent. They are able to take control, plan a future and reach goals. However Independence is important but students need to be able to work with others. The next 3 habits go beyond. Think win-win, seek first to understand and, begin understood. They need skills for resolving conflict, listening, communication, creativity, diversity, problem solving and teamwork. With these skills people are more interdependent.
Why is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteI believe it is extremely important for the vision and mission statements to be visible to everyone. If we do not have a goal, we will not work towards it. If we have a goal, but do not understand it or agree upon it, we will not work towards it. If we have a goal that everyone is not bought into, we will not work towards it. We must have a common goal, being our vision and mission statements that keep us motivated to be a better version of ourselves and our school. The entire school, including students, must be bought in to making our school a better place. The saying "One bad apple..." comes to mind in this situation. Let's work towards our mission and vision statements daily!
Why is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteHaving the vision and mission visible is important because it informs the visitors of what the school is striving for and serves as a reminder for the staff what the goal is. If these are not accessible to those involved then they are sometimes lost and the stakeholders can lose sight of the mission and vision for the school and students.
I agree. If these 2 are not visible, some would lose sight of them and forget what we're working towards.
DeleteWhat might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteIf the students are allowed to set their own goals then they take more ownership of those goals and are more likely to reach those goals. Setting their own goals will give them a responsibility and accountability to do what needs to be done to accomplish these goals. I have seen other coaches set goals for the team and did not allow the team members to give input toward the goals for that season. The team and coach was not successful because the athletes did not see the importance of the goals and all involved were not on the same page.
I agree with your post, Mendy! I have seen students become even more successful when they have input in what they are trying to accomplish. I discuss each year with my students what their goals are for the future and I take that information and help them to move toward the big picture.
DeleteI agree that students should be allowed to set their own goals while being encouraged to do their best. I really liked the part about taking ownership of those goals. If they do not play a role in the goals that are being set, they are working toward somebody else's goals. This could create a sense of failure even when they succeed.
DeleteWhat might be different if student set individual goals based on their previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteMeasuring student achievement by comparing themselves to others can create a feeling of failure even when they succeed. School is very easy for one of my children and a lot of work for my other. Therefore, I don't measure their success based on grades because those are results. I measure their success based on the process. Did they do their very best? The grade may be a C and they may feel as if they failed because other students may have done better. But, if that was their absolute best, they succeeded. We should encourage our students to set high goals for themselves and measure their accomplishments by asking one question. Did I do my best?
I agree, what works for one student might not for the other. I've had kids make A's on a test, but feel like a failure because they're buddy made a 97 over their 92. We must encourage all students to strive for their very best and not put themselves on a pedestal with their classmates.
DeleteWhat idea found in this chapter have you already used? What new idea will you use?
ReplyDeleteOne idea that is talked about in the chapter that I already use is the technique of integrated instruction. They talk about one of the most common methods for use is in literature and writing assignments. You can say I have taken it one step further in the agriscience class in the assigning of group projects. By doing this it is a good way to demonstrate Habit 4: Think Win-Win to show when everyone in the group participates and assist each other through the project it comes together quickly and efficiently. This in turn produces an exceptional item and students achieve a more desired grade in the process.
The new idea that I would like to use would be Modeling: Working from the Inside Out. I realize that as the Ag teacher, I have the perfect chance to show students the correct way to handle situations and interaction with peers. This could be done by showing them the correct way to handle interruptions by fellow faculty members or when I need to interrupt a class to work on an item in that room. This includes how to handle multiple requests for assistance as well in the work environment of the shop when asked by multiple students for advice on their projects.
Why is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteI believe it is important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone because of the expectation of that vision to be met. I believe it is vital to have goals set for each individual as well as class collectively. By setting these goals it will help students encourage other students to stay on course. The youth this day in age needs to know the benefit of their positive actions. With setting the vision out in front of them they will see the end goal and what they are striving for.
What might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteIf students set their own goals and keep record of their own learning. These students would feel empowered by their success. This would drive the students to push themselves even harder. Their confidence in themselves would increase tremendously.
Why is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteBecause it allows for everyone to monitor progress and see what is working and what needs to be changed or tweaked some. That way everyone involved should feel like they have stake in the success of this school and our school system. If the expectations are visible and and everyone can see them then it allows for everyone to be held accountable.
Yes, indeed. It is also hard to hit a moving target. A well defined vision and mission, developed after considering input from all, serves as a guide for everything we do.
DeleteWhat connections are you making between character and the 7 Habits?
ReplyDeleteThe connections are numerous. Here's more food for thought and some helpful resources for educators on making the connection(s):
http://combscounselors.weebly.com/character--7-habits.html
https://charactercounts.org/the-7-habits-of-happy-kids/
Why is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteIt is important for the vision and mission to be visible so that everyone knows the expectations that he or she is to meet. I believe they should be a constant reminder so that staff and students know what to expect. If the vision is visible, then everyone knows what is expected and are held accountable.
That really is the key. We must find ways to unite everyone and get everyone working toward the same goals. The only way to do this is to have the vision and mission visible and readily accessible.
DeleteWhat connections are you making between character and the 7 Habits?
ReplyDeleteThey are teaching us about character.......but it is more than that.It is sad, but these are not taught at home in many cases. All students need that in order to "level the playing field." We will be giving them independence, interdependence, and focusing on the whole student. If a child believes that you care about their heart and spirit, and not just the mind, they will respond differently. We have to help develop valuable skills in students, as well as ourselves. I am seeing that teaching these will help us all, including the students, be more responsible (I can't wait for the day when I see this in more of my students), more focused, to problem solve, to work as a team, and to contribute. The new CCSS require all of these things, so I can see how test scores will improve as well.
This is an ongoing process that we will need to be devoted to. I hope that we are all aware that it will take time, and dedication.
Why is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteIt is important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone so it can serve as a reminder of what the school's expectations are for students, staff, and community.
I agree, everyone should know what the vision and mission is so they can uphold it.
DeleteWhat might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteIf students set their own goals, their only competition is themselves. I encourage my students to beat their last words per minute (WPM) when testing fluency. When students are tested in fluency, I tell them their previous WPM and they try to beat it. They are so excited when they beat their previous WPM. Students will develop an intrinsic motivation that will drive them to succeed.
Why is it important for the vision and mission be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteI know that as a teacher, I often feel overwhelmed with all of the different techniques and methods we are introduced to. Having a simply stated vision can help us remember what our ultimate goal is for our school. We get caught up with all sorts of new and improved ways to teach and sometimes we need to slow down and refocus. We should be familiar with our mission so that we can stay on track.
Cassie Smith
ReplyDeleteWhy is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
The vision and mission should be visible to everyone, so that it is understood as to what the school's purpose and goals are for the students.
What might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteEach student needs to set his or her own personal goals because he or she has to have ownership in order to achieve at a high level. It is important for each child to feel success. The child has to reach milestones to slowly build his or her self-esteem. A student will be able to achieve at a higher DOK level once a student starts reaching his or her goals.
Learning and applying knowledge will be possible once a student has confidence in himself or herself. It is critical for each individual student to BELIEVE in himself or herself!
The success of A.B. Combs is built on a culture of caring and respect. How do we currently show our students, and each other, caring and respect? What are other ways we could show our students, and each other, caring and respect?
ReplyDeleteI show my students that I care and respect them by not allowing what that student has been labeled as to affect the interactions that I have with the student. Our students often become who we perceive them to be. We need to not only teach the objectives necessary to for academic and career success, but skills of a well rounded productive young adult.
Independence is an important accomplishment for a child. Why stop there?
ReplyDeleteIt enables them to be more responsible, to take more control or their lives, to map out their future, to set priorities, and to achieve their goal by staying focused and disciplined. In the end, they need to be capable of working effectively with others.
Why is it important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone?
ReplyDeleteIt is important for the vision and mission to be visible to everyone so that students, teachers, parents, and all stakeholders can be reminded of what the long term goals are. If that daily reminder is there, then there is no question what is expected of everyone involved.
What might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteAlbert Einstein said, "Everybody is a Genius. But If You Judge a Fish by Its Ability to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing that It is Stupid."
Each student is a unique individual with unique talents and abilities. If all students strove towards the same goals, some would be significantly limited by the goals, others would fall short, only a select few would meet the goals and they be sufficient to challenge them across the areas of the goals.
Having individualized goals helps all involved in the goal process. It helps the students achieving on a higher level be challenged further. It helps students who may be struggling with certain skills have a goal that meets them where they are, instead of pushing them prematurely past foundational skills. By having attainable goals for all students, students will feel challenged while feeling like they have a shot at success. Students will be more invested in the learning process if they feel like they can succeed and will not be judged by success and failures of the whole group.
What might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteEach child possesses their own individual talents, skills, and strengths. If a child focused on improving in areas of need rather than focusing on the test score only, they can set and achieve their goals at the pace best for them. This can ensure student successes and confidence boosters.
I agree, I totally believe that students should be able to set individual goals to work at their own pace.
DeleteHow is the ubiquitous approach different from other initiatives?
ReplyDeleteThe ubiquitous approach is different because the 7 Habits and other leadership lessons are most often embedded in most activities, any lesson, any counseling session, any newsletter, or assembly. It is never a scripted curriculum, because it happens through integrated instructions, direct lessons, and modeling.
What are the benefits of using data notebooks?
ReplyDeleteI think having kids take responsibility and seeing and taking ownership are so important. Instead of us just grading and returning papers, let them see, document their growth or areas they need to work on. I truly feel like they will start taking more ownership in other areas.
Independence is an important accomplishment for a child. Why not stop there?
ReplyDeleteDo we not teach and reach to our students an staff to not stop when one goal is reached? Set a new one and keep reaching higher. Do not stop just because you now can do something on your own. Expand from there- teach THEM to help OTHERS. teach them to set future goals and come up with a plan of THEIR own to accomplish that goal.
What might be different if students set individual goals based on their own previous scores instead of competing with others?
ReplyDeleteI think it would be good for the student to see the progress that they have made instead of comparing them to others. It is important for them to know how they have improved from the previous year. This will help them to feel more successful which will in turn cause them to feel better about themselves and the things that they are capable of doing.