Highland Home School faculty members will participate in a book study of Dr. Stephen Covey's The Leader in Me. The Leader in Me is FranklinCovey’s whole school transformation process. It teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader (FranklinCovey, 2016).
This chapter discusses the culture change of A.B. Combs and what was involved leading up to their success.
How is culture defined in the book?
How would you describe our current culture?
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
How is the leadership language seen and heard throughout the building?
The artifacts or environment of A.B. Combs screams leadership and student involvement. What daily impact do you think this has on students, staff, and visitors?
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
The artifacts or environment of AB Combs screams leadership and student involvement. What daily impact do you think this has on teachers, students, and visitors.
I had the privilege of visiting a school recently that I was highly impressed with. Atmosphere and culture of a school is extremely important. As I walked in the door of this school color was everywhere, charts were everywhere from student goals, the office was precious. It had student work, bright pictures, and everyone had a smile on their face. I remember as we walked in an elementary student was leading the announcements. As we walked the halls student work hung proudly everywhere! You did not see a surface without a child's touch. Children had smiles and walked quietly through halls. Staff members were friendly. As I walked through the buildings I remember saying to myself, we should do this. It just made me feel happy being there. I think of this school as I continue reading The Leader In Me! It's what I would envision AB Combs to be like. Back to the question, your environment is extremely important. What you see and read as you walk through your school provokes feelings and emotions within yourself wether you recognize it or not. As I said, when entering the afore mentioned school I felt happy, and proud to be there. Student involvement is also important. Love how students are in charge of their own learning and are capable of leading their own parent teacher conferences. This is something I'd love to work towards. Even with my little ones. Helping students set goals for themselves and removing barriers for them to reach those goals I felt was awesome too! This chapter made me think of a few goals for myself! School environment and the promotion of leadership I guess will do that to ya !
I love the painted walls in the book -- murals of the steps outlined in big, bold figures. I do believe kids pay more attention to our environment and walls/decorations than we realize. There was a poster in my high school art class that I spent hours staring at when I couldn't think of what to draw. It was a man doing sit ups in front of a mirror, and it said "To be good is not enough when you dream of being great." It stuck with me. We need an overhaul of our school to match the overhaul of our program if we're gonna do this!
I agree with you both. There is something about the physical environment of a school that can change an attitude. I love seeing students' work displayed as much as they enjoy it. Also, seeing students in leadership roles, making announcements, or even working in the library gives them a feeling of pride and belonging.
I have no doubts that if a school can implement this program, it will be HHS. I have only been in the school a few times this year but the staff at your school comes across as a close knit and supportive group. Thanks for allowing me to participate in this book study with you!
I agree. I really enjoyed Chapter 5. I like how they take ownership. I also believe something as simple as fresh paint can make a huge difference. If students are greeted by a bright building or mural, then they want to come in. When students see goals, data, or work displayed you can see the excitement. I believe every building needs something for the students as soon as they walk in. And I also liked the part of the chapter where the teachers and their spouses came in and helped refresh the school. After all, it is OUR school too, so we need to take ownership as well.
I agree. The school environment plays a huge part on how we feel. It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do! Also, I love how student work was displayed everywhere.
It teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader.
It teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader. The culture of any school dictates color and excitement to get students motivated and wanting to learn.
I totally agree! I know in the primary building, we often see more of this, but I would love to see our walls filled with murals, signs of encouragement, and in EVERY building you walk into.
I agree Mrs. Sims. I also would love to see an overhaul of our buildings. Especially the primary building I am in- it is the oldest now and you can tell. It needs a brightening up for sure!
I fell like we have definitely made some strides as far as having the students take more pride in the exterior of their campus. I can see where involving them in the creation of an interior motivation would help; although finding the resources would be where we run into difficulty.
"Culture" is mentioned frequently in the book, but never clearly defined -- at least, not in terms of a stated, dictionary definition. Instead, it is spoken of in terms of "feelings" -- how a particular culture in a school "felt" as it changed for the better. A culture, then, is a habitat, created by teaching or mentoring effective habits. It is a learning environment -- what is seen, what is heard, what is felt. Effective cultures are proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand, synergize, and sharpen the saw. It is based on the school environment, shared leadership. and leadership events. Culture is how you feel about coming to school in the morning, and what you feel about what you've done that day when you go home at night.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
I think the week A.B. Combs spends establishing the culture of the school is very well spent. Personally, I do not see any cons in regards to this practice but I do see several pros. Many schools use the first week or two weeks to set a tone to and establish routine. This gives the students an opportunity to get to know the school, their classmates, their teacher, and the culture of the classroom and the school. The time A.B. Combs spends on establishing culture allows students to become familiar with the habits and to set goals for themselves. Teachers need time to establish routine, to teach the habits, and for students to set goals. Changing or establishing culture needs to be purposeful and teaching the habits will require time and meaningful instruction.
I agree with you. I have always heard that teachers should spend the first few days of school working on the "culture" of the classroom (rules, procedures, etc.). I can see how that would be beneficial for this aspect also. That first week of establishing the culture is a must in my opinion.
Great points!I truly believe that what we do on the first days of school will impact the remainder of the school year. It is important that we continue to make our school culture a priority! Establishing routines, introducing the habits, and teaching our students to be involved in goal setting are among our first steps!!! I am excited about the opportunities for our students at HHS!
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
I would love to see the children makes charts and graphs to track their own progress. I believe that if our students own their personal progress and schools, and they visually see the growth on a chart, then they will attain their goals more often.
I think that is a great idea. The chart allows them to visualize their goals and what it will take to get there. I agree that if they chart their own progress that they are more likely to reach their goals.
How would you describe our current culture? Where to begin?! Ha Ha First of all, we tend to want (and I admit I have done this too) to reward everyone so we do not hurt anyone's feelings. We also have a generation that tends to believe everything should be given to them and they do not need to work for it. Students do not respect teachers like we did when I was in school. Teachers are burned out and overloaded with class sizes and paper work. Teachers no longer have control as far as what they can do in their classroom and feel tied down to things that only focus on testing. Their joy of teaching has faded.
I agree, during my time here while attending college to become a teacher I have seen the transition of students who respected every teacher to the new generation that believe everything should be handed to them. Most balk at the idea of homework or better yet, the idea of weekend homework. When I was in school it was not uncommon to have daily homework assignments and even homework for the weekend of short holiday breaks. Things have changed since my school days.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
In my opinion, this is time very well spent. The tone set in the beginning of the school year will be echoed throughout. I do not see any cons with this. There are many pros. It gives teachers time to set a routine, and students to learn what is expected of them. It also provides time for students to be trained in the 7 habits.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why? I love the Love learning Excel in all we do Achieve goals together Do what is right Simple but very true and effective I think that if each student sets WIGs, then he or she will own the responsibility of his or her own education and learning. Students have to be able to see the pathway(how) they will achieve the goals. I know that if a student has a scoreboard (personal chart) where he or she is trying to beat his or her personal best, then he or she will strive to work harder to reach the goals set. Establishing a cadence of accountability is critical for each student. As a teacher taking the time to meet with each individual student to help make adjustments, change strategies, and ENCOURAGE each student will build personal success. Celebrating success is vital to the child's development.
I agree, Melissa. Giving each student WIGs gives them a sense of responsibility and accountability, too. Giving them a scoreboard would encourage and motivate them to keep the end in sight to WANT to achieve those goals!
How is the leadership language seen and heard throughout the building?
The leadership language is positive and directed at each person. They are focused on the positive. Every child is important not just to a teacher but to everyone in the school. The children are told that they are loved. It's a positive environment in which to learn.
I loved their positive and 'including' leadership language. So many times, I speak to students in the hallway, but I catch myself only speaking to those I know. I need to work on speaking to all students!
The artifacts or environment of A.B. Combs screams leadership and student involvement. What daily impact do you think this has on students, staff, and visitors?
Students love to see their work in the hallway or posted in the classroom. They will strive to keep their work posted for everyone to see. Personally, I love to see when someone has a project or work outside their classrooms. Any visitor who sees work posted outside in the hallway will see that students are working, independently or in groups.
Student works samples do scream student involvement! I think it also helps the shareholders become involved. It gives the shareholders a catalyst to begin conversing with students about learned skills and activities.
I totally agree students love to see their work. Even as teacher in a different department and classroom setting, I enjoy walking through the halls and observing the work done in other classrooms displayed on the walls.
Putting a child's work on display for everyone to see is like telling the child I appreciate your hard work and everybody,teachers included, wants to feel appreciated.
You are so right. It also lets everyone see that the lessons are student centered. Students take pride in their creations or work. Every parent loves to walk by their child's classroom and see work displayed on the wall.
How is leadership language seen and heard throughout the building? Students keep a Leadership notebook. There are pictures and slogans painted throughout the hallways. Personal WIGs are set for each student. Classroom scoreboards are in view for all to see. All of these things help the students keep the end in sight. It helps them want to achieve the goals and it gives them a sense of accountability, too!
Yes!!! A pleasant scenery is so important to mood and behavior.I love the ideas of the WIGs and data notebooks and charts. I just hope we have the time to do all of that.
Well, I do not feel like a leader. I know the students do not feel like leaders. It is definitely a place that would benefit from the 7 habits. I feel that accountability here needs to be worked on, especially by the students and parents. I don't feel that success is celebrated here enough. That improvement would really help all of our internal qualities, and hence improve our attitudes. There are just so many demands being placed on us all, and we get so tired and defeated. It would be nice to not feel this way. It seems that there is not enough time in the day to do all that is expected, and do it well. I feel so stressed, as I am sure many do. We are all in need of improvement, and learning how to incorporate these habits will do just that. I know it will be hard, and that change will have to be accepted, but it is exciting to think of the future if this takes place.
Hello! Your post was very thoughtful! I really like the thought of becoming a community. I believe the habits can help get us there. That is something I have always wanted for my class and my school. To see everyone working together everyday to make each other better. I think all of us and our students would greatly benefit for the habits. It just takes working together and change. Great Post Mrs. Kilpatrick!
The school from the book did not start out with a very good atmosphere. We teachers and other employees get so wrapped up in their issues and issues around school they can forget about why they are there in the first place. They forget about what is important. Teachers can become unfocused with helping the whole child and focus on academics alone. Everyone is not on the same page with projects and goals so they are not working together. Students are given opportunities to help make goals and be leaders but may lack properly leader trained models and set goals that are realistic for them to reach and being the right leader the people around them need. This can become a very unwelcoming environment for everyone. To create a better learning environment, they turned to the 7 habits. Listening and modeling how to always do the right thing can completely change your surrounding for the better. Brighter wall colors, motivational quotes to inspire lining the wall upon entre and a mission statement not just to follow but live by. When it is used and students are continuously referred to as leaders their whole image of themselves can change. They feel more important and needed; they feel like a leader. Taking their talents and making it apart of the school students began to belong and work together. Students and teachers working together to set and reach obtainable reasonable goals for each other. Everyone becomes a working community and then academics will fall into place.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent? Taking the first week to establish the culture of the school is beneficial. Many teachers do something similar by reviewing the school routines and procedures the first few days - week of school. Taking the week to teach and review the 7 habits would only require a little from the teachers, but the benefits would last for the entirety of the school year. Taking that week to instill the culture we expect of their school career will help students meet our expectations of behavior, leadership, academic striving, independence, and success. The only "con" I can foresee is new students transferring in. I believe one of the benefits of instilling the habits in our students is that they will step up during this time and work to get the new student where they need to be.
I believe it would be beneficial to a weekly or bi-weekly briefing on the 7 habits. I believe this would be concrete evidence of making the 7 habits a priority and foundation of the school.
That's a great idea! Many times if we review/teach something once, it just fades away. A weekly or bi-weekly review will help make the concepts more concrete and second nature.
The culture at our school is a mostly positive one. Most teachers are willing to go the extra mile for our students. Our students are mostly kind and intelligent and are willing and ready to learn new and wonderful things every day. We all, for the most part, work together well and maintain a safe environment for our children.
Community schools have so much to be thankful for because togetherness is a part of the culture...naturally...being respectful, working together, maintaining safety, going above and beyond. You all do a great job providing a nurturing, family-like atmosphere for students.
I believe our current culture would be summed as action in motion. I believe we are implementing the 7 habits a little at a time. All great things do not happen over night, it takes time to synergize as a team and learn how to work together towards a goal. I believe in our administration and leaders of our school, I believe in our faculty and staff, but most of all I believe in our students.
The artifacts or environment of A.B. Combs screams leadership and student involvement. What daily impact do you think this has on students, staff, and visitors?
Walking into a school that has paintings, wall displays including the section where students had painted themselves on the cover of “Times” magazine brings the school alive. It shows the students and faculty is motivated and has created an environment that promotes positive attitudes and pride. It boost students confidence seeing their work/progress visible letting each one know just how good they are doing. Visitors feel more welcome in places that promote positive feelings when you walk in the door. HHS is doing this on a smaller scale with the wall postings throughout the campus. The idea of fresh paint on the walls with the help of students and parents is an ideal way to begin the revitalization of our campus.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why? Highland Home has some incredible traditions that remain to this day even with the change of staff and students. One of the traditions that I would like to see is to have our students take ownership in their learning and progress. Currently, they are allowed to make some decisions on classes in the upper grades. These decisions are sometimes influenced by whether they like the teacher or not and/or whether they want to do the work required or not. That is not the ownership that I am referring to. I would like to see the students set goals and make decisions about classes, etc. based on their long term goal in life. This may be college or immediate entry into the workforce. I feel that if they are allowed to make educated decisions t then they will experience more successful and satisfaction.
How would you describe our current culture? Overall, our culture is a positive one for the staff and students at Highland Home. Most of the teachers genuinely care for the students and fellow staff members and want them to be successful. However, some of us, me included, get comfortable in the safe environment and take for granted that the world around us is constantly changing. We must recognize that and attempt to change with it in a positive way. This book will help us to accomplish this if all of us buy into the 7 Habits and work toward becoming a "Leader in Me" school.
I completely agree, Coach! We must all self-evaluate to see where our strengths and weaknesses are to be able to step outside of the box to help our students and school to be as successful as we possibly can.
I believe our current culture is positive. We have great kids and wonderful teachers. I feel that the one area that we could all improve in, myself included, is complacency. Because we have such a positive environment we can lose our focus on how to improve. I believe that by applying the 7 Habits we will continue to be goal oriented.
I would describe the current culture at Highland Home as refreshing. Highland has the most respectable students and staff. Everyone is so loving, kind,and willing to help others. I have come from a school where there was little respect and appreciation for students and teachers. It is not like this at Highland. There are so many students willing to open the door for me, say yes or no mam, or even help me carry my things in. I seldom hear other students being mean toward each other. It is wonderful!
I agree! We have a wonderfully supportive staff at HH. Our faculty and staff truly care about our students, our community, and our successes. We work well together to help HH become the best it can be.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why? Our traditions run deep at HH. We value our past, because it helps us remember how far we have come with successes. Traditions that I would like to adopt are consistent positive atmosphere, goal setting by students, positive reinforcement, and setting a tone for success. This will involve students, faculty, staff, family supports, etc. We all can establish traditions of successful atmosphere.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
Having each child take control of their successes is what I liked the most. Allowing each child to keep up with their own data and growths; would visually give each child that additional reinforcement to see success. This would have so many kids get a confidence boost. I believe creating this new tradition of keeping their own notebooks; would be so beneficial to everyone.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
I honestly feel like this is the best way to spend the first part of school. Without this time to really establish what you expect in the upcoming year, you're going to spend a lot more time back tracking. The students come in almost expecting to hit the ground running and this is the time they are most open to you, the environment, and new cultures.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
Spending the first week to establish the culture of the school would be time very well spent. This would allow the students to learn what is expected of them, and how the seven habits can be incorporated into their academic life, as well as their home life. I also think this time would allow the students time to set their personal and academic goals.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach. In your opinion, is it time well spent?
Yes. A big part of making the year a success is understanding the classroom routine. Students need to know what is expected from them early on in the year. Little things like how and where to turn in assignments need to be done quickly and efficiently. Classroom rules and routines are great things to teach when trying to get students back into the "school routine". It may take a little work in the beginning, but it will be well worth it in the end. It makes things easier on the teacher as well.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
I love that the students make charts and graphs of their individual data. So many of our students have no clue how different grades change their average. Most do not keep up with their grades unless they are told by a teacher. I also love that the students set goals with time limits. They do not just say, "My goal is to have an A average". Their students have goals, such as "My goal is to have an A average by next Friday". By giving themselves time limits, I feel as though they will work harder to accomplish that goal.
How is the leadership language seen and heard throughout the building?
Charts, graphs, goals, leadership notebooks, etc... From theleaderinme.org "The Leader in Me encourages schools to create an environment that emphasizes a culture of leadership. Schools use visual and audio tools to enhance the learning process and reinforce leadership principles. Research shows that students who engage in interactive learning through the use of visual and audio cues such as signs, murals, graphics, music, and events are able to remember, understand, and apply the information at a deeper level."
I think that our Current Culture can be described as a "work in progress". There are a lot of things that we are trying to change to make this school better. In my opinion culture is the hardest thing for us as teachers and coaches to change, because it takes every teaches, student, and parent to buy into what identity that we are trying to create. When everyone is on the same page only then will we see a positive change in attitudes and culture.
Each year A.B. Combs takes the first week of school to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons? I can see a lot of pros. The first week is usually setting up routines and procedures anyway. And if every class at every level is doing this the first week, then the school as a whole will be on the same page. It gives you 5 days to decide a class motto, learn the school motto, get a feel for your students, etc.... I am sure there would be some cons- for example that is a whole week of instruction that could be done, but I really do feel like the pros would far outweigh the cons.
Traditions play a large part of the school. Which one of the traditions are you most excited to try? I kind of like the idea of having the students check in with someone. It may be daily, it may be twice a week, or once a week. I think it would be good for students to know no matter what, sometime during that week, their teacher/mentor will be checking in to see how they are doing and setting up any strategies that they may need for the future.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
1. Setting Wildly Important Goals 2. Translating Goals into Meaningful Action Steps 3. Keeping Scoreboards 4. Establishing a Cadence of Accountability
I would like to adopt all of these because I feel that it is important for the whole school to be able to work together to set goals for the school year.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
I would like to adopt all of these because they go hand in hand with one another. All of them are essential for academic progress and for a certain goal is to be achieved.
Forgot to put what "these" are, lol! 1) Setting wildly important goals, 2) Translating goals into meaningful action step, 3) Keeping scoreboards 4) Establishing a cadence of accountability
The artifacts or environment of AB Combs screams leadership and student involvement. What daily impact do you think this has on teachers, students, and visitors.
ReplyDeleteI had the privilege of visiting a school recently that I was highly impressed with. Atmosphere and culture of a school is extremely important. As I walked in the door of this school color was everywhere, charts were everywhere from student goals, the office was precious. It had student work, bright pictures, and everyone had a smile on their face. I remember as we walked in an elementary student was leading the announcements. As we walked the halls student work hung proudly everywhere! You did not see a surface without a child's touch. Children had smiles and walked quietly through halls. Staff members were friendly. As I walked through the buildings I remember saying to myself, we should do this. It just made me feel happy being there. I think of this school as I continue reading The Leader In Me! It's what I would envision AB Combs to be like. Back to the question, your environment is extremely important. What you see and read as you walk through your school provokes feelings and emotions within yourself wether you recognize it or not. As I said, when entering the afore mentioned school I felt happy, and proud to be there. Student involvement is also important. Love how students are in charge of their own learning and are capable of leading their own parent teacher conferences. This is something I'd love to work towards. Even with my little ones. Helping students set goals for themselves and removing barriers for them to reach those goals I felt was awesome too! This chapter made me think of a few goals for myself! School environment and the promotion of leadership I guess will do that to ya !
I love the painted walls in the book -- murals of the steps outlined in big, bold figures. I do believe kids pay more attention to our environment and walls/decorations than we realize. There was a poster in my high school art class that I spent hours staring at when I couldn't think of what to draw. It was a man doing sit ups in front of a mirror, and it said "To be good is not enough when you dream of being great." It stuck with me. We need an overhaul of our school to match the overhaul of our program if we're gonna do this!
DeleteI agree with you both. There is something about the physical environment of a school that can change an attitude. I love seeing students' work displayed as much as they enjoy it. Also, seeing students in leadership roles, making announcements, or even working in the library gives them a feeling of pride and belonging.
DeleteI have no doubts that if a school can implement this program, it will be HHS. I have only been in the school a few times this year but the staff at your school comes across as a close knit and supportive group. Thanks for allowing me to participate in this book study with you!
I love the idea that every surface had evidence of student involvement.
DeleteI agree. I really enjoyed Chapter 5. I like how they take ownership. I also believe something as simple as fresh paint can make a huge difference. If students are greeted by a bright building or mural, then they want to come in. When students see goals, data, or work displayed you can see the excitement. I believe every building needs something for the students as soon as they walk in. And I also liked the part of the chapter where the teachers and their spouses came in and helped refresh the school. After all, it is OUR school too, so we need to take ownership as well.
DeleteI agree. The school environment plays a huge part on how we feel. It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do! Also, I love how student work was displayed everywhere.
DeleteIt teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader.
DeleteIt teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader. The culture of any school dictates color and excitement to get students motivated and wanting to learn.
DeleteI love the idea of getting every student involved. I agree that painted murals would be awesome!
DeleteI love the idea of having art! Sims, I love your comment. Maybe if we had some motivational art, it will stick with our students as well!
DeleteI totally agree! I know in the primary building, we often see more of this, but I would love to see our walls filled with murals, signs of encouragement, and in EVERY building you walk into.
DeleteI agree Mrs. Sims. I also would love to see an overhaul of our buildings. Especially the primary building I am in- it is the oldest now and you can tell. It needs a brightening up for sure!
DeleteI fell like we have definitely made some strides as far as having the students take more pride in the exterior of their campus. I can see where involving them in the creation of an interior motivation would help; although finding the resources would be where we run into difficulty.
DeleteHow is culture defined in the book?
ReplyDelete"Culture" is mentioned frequently in the book, but never clearly defined -- at least, not in terms of a stated, dictionary definition. Instead, it is spoken of in terms of "feelings" -- how a particular culture in a school "felt" as it changed for the better. A culture, then, is a habitat, created by teaching or mentoring effective habits. It is a learning environment -- what is seen, what is heard, what is felt. Effective cultures are proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand, synergize, and sharpen the saw. It is based on the school environment, shared leadership. and leadership events. Culture is how you feel about coming to school in the morning, and what you feel about what you've done that day when you go home at night.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
ReplyDeleteI think the week A.B. Combs spends establishing the culture of the school is very well spent. Personally, I do not see any cons in regards to this practice but I do see several pros. Many schools use the first week or two weeks to set a tone to and establish routine. This gives the students an opportunity to get to know the school, their classmates, their teacher, and the culture of the classroom and the school. The time A.B. Combs spends on establishing culture allows students to become familiar with the habits and to set goals for themselves. Teachers need time to establish routine, to teach the habits, and for students to set goals. Changing or establishing culture needs to be purposeful and teaching the habits will require time and meaningful instruction.
I agree with you. I have always heard that teachers should spend the first few days of school working on the "culture" of the classroom (rules, procedures, etc.). I can see how that would be beneficial for this aspect also. That first week of establishing the culture is a must in my opinion.
DeleteGreat points!I truly believe that what we do on the first days of school will impact the remainder of the school year. It is important that we continue to make our school culture a priority! Establishing routines, introducing the habits, and teaching our students to be involved in goal setting are among our first steps!!! I am excited about the opportunities for our students at HHS!
DeleteI believe that the during the first week of school, your expectations for the student and yourself should be set.
DeleteTraditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the children makes charts and graphs to track their own progress. I believe that if our students own their personal progress and schools, and they visually see the growth on a chart, then they will attain their goals more often.
I think that is a great idea. The chart allows them to visualize their goals and what it will take to get there. I agree that if they chart their own progress that they are more likely to reach their goals.
DeleteWhat a good idea! Personal progress charts or notebooks would be a great way for a student to measure his own progress.
DeleteHow would you describe our current culture?
ReplyDeleteWhere to begin?! Ha Ha
First of all, we tend to want (and I admit I have done this too) to reward everyone so we do not hurt anyone's feelings. We also have a generation that tends to believe everything should be given to them and they do not need to work for it. Students do not respect teachers like we did when I was in school.
Teachers are burned out and overloaded with class sizes and paper work. Teachers no longer have control as far as what they can do in their classroom and feel tied down to things that only focus on testing. Their joy of teaching has faded.
I agree, during my time here while attending college to become a teacher I have seen the transition of students who respected every teacher to the new generation that believe everything should be handed to them. Most balk at the idea of homework or better yet, the idea of weekend homework. When I was in school it was not uncommon to have daily homework assignments and even homework for the weekend of short holiday breaks. Things have changed since my school days.
DeleteAMEN!! I completely agree with everything you said, Bridget. The "joy" of school seems to be fading fast.
DeleteEach year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, this is time very well spent. The tone set in the beginning of the school year will be echoed throughout. I do not see any cons with this. There are many pros. It gives teachers time to set a routine, and students to learn what is expected of them. It also provides time for students to be trained in the 7 habits.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
ReplyDeleteI love the
Love learning
Excel in all we do
Achieve goals together
Do what is right
Simple but very true and effective
I think that if each student sets WIGs, then he or she will own the responsibility of his or her own education and learning. Students have to be able to see the pathway(how) they will achieve the goals. I know that if a student has a scoreboard (personal chart) where he or she is trying to beat his or her personal best, then he or she will strive to work harder to reach the goals set.
Establishing a cadence of accountability is critical for each student. As a teacher taking the time to meet with each individual student to help make adjustments, change strategies, and ENCOURAGE each student will build personal success. Celebrating success is vital to the child's development.
I agree, Melissa. Giving each student WIGs gives them a sense of responsibility and accountability, too. Giving them a scoreboard would encourage and motivate them to keep the end in sight to WANT to achieve those goals!
DeleteHow is the leadership language seen and heard throughout the building?
ReplyDeleteThe leadership language is positive and directed at each person. They are focused on the positive. Every child is important not just to a teacher but to everyone in the school. The children are told that they are loved. It's a positive environment in which to learn.
I loved their positive and 'including' leadership language. So many times, I speak to students in the hallway, but I catch myself only speaking to those I know. I need to work on speaking to all students!
DeleteThe artifacts or environment of A.B. Combs screams leadership and student involvement. What daily impact do you think this has on students, staff, and visitors?
ReplyDeleteStudents love to see their work in the hallway or posted in the classroom. They will strive to keep their work posted for everyone to see. Personally, I love to see when someone has a project or work outside their classrooms. Any visitor who sees work posted outside in the hallway will see that students are working, independently or in groups.
Student works samples do scream student involvement! I think it also helps the shareholders become involved. It gives the shareholders a catalyst to begin conversing with students about learned skills and activities.
DeleteI totally agree students love to see their work. Even as teacher in a different department and classroom setting, I enjoy walking through the halls and observing the work done in other classrooms displayed on the walls.
DeletePutting a child's work on display for everyone to see is like telling the child I appreciate your hard work and everybody,teachers included, wants to feel appreciated.
DeleteYou are so right. It also lets everyone see that the lessons are student centered. Students take pride in their creations or work. Every parent loves to walk by their child's classroom and see work displayed on the wall.
DeleteHow is leadership language seen and heard throughout the building?
ReplyDeleteStudents keep a Leadership notebook. There are pictures and slogans painted throughout the hallways. Personal WIGs are set for each student. Classroom scoreboards are in view for all to see. All of these things help the students keep the end in sight. It helps them want to achieve the goals and it gives them a sense of accountability, too!
Yes!!! A pleasant scenery is so important to mood and behavior.I love the ideas of the WIGs and data notebooks and charts. I just hope we have the time to do all of that.
DeleteYes, it helps the students to take pride in their school and work.
DeleteHow would you describe our current culture?
ReplyDeleteWell, I do not feel like a leader. I know the students do not feel like leaders. It is definitely a place that would benefit from the 7 habits. I feel that accountability here needs to be worked on, especially by the students and parents. I don't feel that success is celebrated here enough. That improvement would really help all of our internal qualities, and hence improve our attitudes. There are just so many demands being placed on us all, and we get so tired and defeated. It would be nice to not feel this way. It seems that there is not enough time in the day to do all that is expected, and do it well. I feel so stressed, as I am sure many do. We are all in need of improvement, and learning how to incorporate these habits will do just that. I know it will be hard, and that change will have to be accepted, but it is exciting to think of the future if this takes place.
Hello! Your post was very thoughtful! I really like the thought of becoming a community. I believe the habits can help get us there. That is something I have always wanted for my class and my school. To see everyone working together everyday to make each other better. I think all of us and our students would greatly benefit for the habits. It just takes working together and change. Great Post Mrs. Kilpatrick!
DeleteThe school from the book did not start out with a very good atmosphere. We teachers and other employees get so wrapped up in their issues and issues around school they can forget about why they are there in the first place. They forget about what is important. Teachers can become unfocused with helping the whole child and focus on academics alone. Everyone is not on the same page with projects and goals so they are not working together. Students are given opportunities to help make goals and be leaders but may lack properly leader trained models and set goals that are realistic for them to reach and being the right leader the people around them need. This can become a very unwelcoming environment for everyone. To create a better learning environment, they turned to the 7 habits. Listening and modeling how to always do the right thing can completely change your surrounding for the better. Brighter wall colors, motivational quotes to inspire lining the wall upon entre and a mission statement not just to follow but live by. When it is used and students are continuously referred to as leaders their whole image of themselves can change. They feel more important and needed; they feel like a leader. Taking their talents and making it apart of the school students began to belong and work together. Students and teachers working together to set and reach obtainable reasonable goals for each other. Everyone becomes a working community and then academics will fall into place.
ReplyDeleteEach year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
ReplyDeleteTaking the first week to establish the culture of the school is beneficial. Many teachers do something similar by reviewing the school routines and procedures the first few days - week of school. Taking the week to teach and review the 7 habits would only require a little from the teachers, but the benefits would last for the entirety of the school year. Taking that week to instill the culture we expect of their school career will help students meet our expectations of behavior, leadership, academic striving, independence, and success.
The only "con" I can foresee is new students transferring in. I believe one of the benefits of instilling the habits in our students is that they will step up during this time and work to get the new student where they need to be.
I believe it would be beneficial to a weekly or bi-weekly briefing on the 7 habits. I believe this would be concrete evidence of making the 7 habits a priority and foundation of the school.
DeleteThat's a great idea! Many times if we review/teach something once, it just fades away. A weekly or bi-weekly review will help make the concepts more concrete and second nature.
DeleteHow would you describe our current culture?
ReplyDeleteThe culture at our school is a mostly positive one. Most teachers are willing to go the extra mile for our students. Our students are mostly kind and intelligent and are willing and ready to learn new and wonderful things every day. We all, for the most part, work together well and maintain a safe environment for our children.
Community schools have so much to be thankful for because togetherness is a part of the culture...naturally...being respectful, working together, maintaining safety, going above and beyond. You all do a great job providing a nurturing, family-like atmosphere for students.
DeleteHow would you describe our current culture?
ReplyDeleteI believe our current culture would be summed as action in motion. I believe we are implementing the 7 habits a little at a time. All great things do not happen over night, it takes time to synergize as a team and learn how to work together towards a goal. I believe in our administration and leaders of our school, I believe in our faculty and staff, but most of all I believe in our students.
The artifacts or environment of A.B. Combs screams leadership and student involvement. What daily impact do you think this has on students, staff, and visitors?
ReplyDeleteWalking into a school that has paintings, wall displays including the section where students had painted themselves on the cover of “Times” magazine brings the school alive. It shows the students and faculty is motivated and has created an environment that promotes positive attitudes and pride. It boost students confidence seeing their work/progress visible letting each one know just how good they are doing. Visitors feel more welcome in places that promote positive feelings when you walk in the door. HHS is doing this on a smaller scale with the wall postings throughout the campus. The idea of fresh paint on the walls with the help of students and parents is an ideal way to begin the revitalization of our campus.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
ReplyDeleteHighland Home has some incredible traditions that remain to this day even with the change of staff and students. One of the traditions that I would like to see is to have our students take ownership in their learning and progress. Currently, they are allowed to make some decisions on classes in the upper grades. These decisions are sometimes influenced by whether they like the teacher or not and/or whether they want to do the work required or not. That is not the ownership that I am referring to. I would like to see the students set goals and make decisions about classes, etc. based on their long term goal in life. This may be college or immediate entry into the workforce. I feel that if they are allowed to make educated decisions t then they will experience more successful and satisfaction.
How would you describe our current culture?
ReplyDeleteOverall, our culture is a positive one for the staff and students at Highland Home. Most of the teachers genuinely care for the students and fellow staff members and want them to be successful. However, some of us, me included, get comfortable in the safe environment and take for granted that the world around us is constantly changing. We must recognize that and attempt to change with it in a positive way. This book will help us to accomplish this if all of us buy into the 7 Habits and work toward becoming a "Leader in Me" school.
I completely agree, Coach! We must all self-evaluate to see where our strengths and weaknesses are to be able to step outside of the box to help our students and school to be as successful as we possibly can.
DeleteHow would you describe our current culture?
ReplyDeleteI believe our current culture is positive. We have great kids and wonderful teachers. I feel that the one area that we could all improve in, myself included, is complacency. Because we have such a positive environment we can lose our focus on how to improve. I believe that by applying the 7 Habits we will continue to be goal oriented.
How would you describe our current culture?
ReplyDeleteI would describe the current culture at Highland Home as refreshing. Highland has the most respectable students and staff. Everyone is so loving, kind,and willing to help others. I have come from a school where there was little respect and appreciation for students and teachers. It is not like this at Highland. There are so many students willing to open the door for me, say yes or no mam, or even help me carry my things in. I seldom hear other students being mean toward each other. It is wonderful!
I agree! We have a wonderfully supportive staff at HH. Our faculty and staff truly care about our students, our community, and our successes. We work well together to help HH become the best it can be.
DeleteTraditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
ReplyDeleteOur traditions run deep at HH. We value our past, because it helps us remember how far we have come with successes.
Traditions that I would like to adopt are consistent positive atmosphere, goal setting by students, positive reinforcement, and setting a tone for success. This will involve students, faculty, staff, family supports, etc. We all can establish traditions of successful atmosphere.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
ReplyDeleteHaving each child take control of their successes is what I liked the most. Allowing each child to keep up with their own data and growths; would visually give each child that additional reinforcement to see success. This would have so many kids get a confidence boost. I believe creating this new tradition of keeping their own notebooks; would be so beneficial to everyone.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
ReplyDeleteI honestly feel like this is the best way to spend the first part of school. Without this time to really establish what you expect in the upcoming year, you're going to spend a lot more time back tracking. The students come in almost expecting to hit the ground running and this is the time they are most open to you, the environment, and new cultures.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach? In your opinion, is it time well spent?
ReplyDeleteSpending the first week to establish the culture of the school would be time very well spent. This would allow the students to learn what is expected of them, and how the seven habits can be incorporated into their academic life, as well as their home life. I also think this time would allow the students time to set their personal and academic goals.
Each year, A.B. Combs takes the entire first week to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons of this approach. In your opinion, is it time well spent?
ReplyDeleteYes. A big part of making the year a success is understanding the classroom routine. Students need to know what is expected from them early on in the year. Little things like how and where to turn in assignments need to be done quickly and efficiently. Classroom rules and routines are great things to teach when trying to get students back into the "school routine". It may take a little work in the beginning, but it will be well worth it in the end. It makes things easier on the teacher as well.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
ReplyDeleteI love that the students make charts and graphs of their individual data. So many of our students have no clue how different grades change their average. Most do not keep up with their grades unless they are told by a teacher. I also love that the students set goals with time limits. They do not just say, "My goal is to have an A average". Their students have goals, such as "My goal is to have an A average by next Friday". By giving themselves time limits, I feel as though they will work harder to accomplish that goal.
How is the leadership language seen and heard throughout the building?
ReplyDeleteCharts, graphs, goals, leadership notebooks, etc... From theleaderinme.org "The Leader in Me encourages schools to create an environment that emphasizes a culture of leadership. Schools use visual and audio tools to enhance the learning process and reinforce leadership principles. Research shows that students who engage in interactive learning through the use of visual and audio cues such as signs, murals, graphics, music, and events are able to remember, understand, and apply the information at a deeper level."
I think that our Current Culture can be described as a "work in progress". There are a lot of things that we are trying to change to make this school better. In my opinion culture is the hardest thing for us as teachers and coaches to change, because it takes every teaches, student, and parent to buy into what identity that we are trying to create. When everyone is on the same page only then will we see a positive change in attitudes and culture.
ReplyDeleteEach year A.B. Combs takes the first week of school to establish the culture of the school. What are the pros and cons?
ReplyDeleteI can see a lot of pros. The first week is usually setting up routines and procedures anyway. And if every class at every level is doing this the first week, then the school as a whole will be on the same page.
It gives you 5 days to decide a class motto, learn the school motto, get a feel for your students, etc....
I am sure there would be some cons- for example that is a whole week of instruction that could be done, but I really do feel like the pros would far outweigh the cons.
Traditions play a large part of the school. Which one of the traditions are you most excited to try?
ReplyDeleteI kind of like the idea of having the students check in with someone. It may be daily, it may be twice a week, or once a week. I think it would be good for students to know no matter what, sometime during that week, their teacher/mentor will be checking in to see how they are doing and setting up any strategies that they may need for the future.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
ReplyDelete1. Setting Wildly Important Goals
2. Translating Goals into Meaningful Action Steps
3. Keeping Scoreboards
4. Establishing a Cadence of Accountability
I would like to adopt all of these because I feel that it is important for the whole school to be able to work together to set goals for the school year.
Traditions play a large part at the school. Which of the traditions would be the one you would be most excited to adopt? Why?
ReplyDeleteI would like to adopt all of these because they go hand in hand with one another. All of them are essential for academic progress and for a certain goal is to be achieved.
Forgot to put what "these" are, lol! 1) Setting wildly important goals, 2) Translating goals into meaningful action step, 3) Keeping scoreboards 4) Establishing a cadence of accountability
ReplyDelete