We the People

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."


The entire Constitution was written over the course of about six weeks in draft form. At that time, it was turned over to a style committee for its final language. I think it is safe to say that the authors were unaware of the ever-changing world we live in today and how their thoughts and words would truly affect and challenge our ways and beliefs. However, in the Preamble, you can read the ultimate hopes they had for the people of the United States, but who “the people” would be someday could be a bit of a surprise.

“We the People” has a broader meaning for us today that expands many cultures and borders. The phrase “People of the United States” has sometimes been understood to mean “citizens.” A common definition of a citizen could be somebody who has the right to live in a country because he or she was born there or has been legally accepted as a permanent resident. I think the key word in that definition is ‘accepted.’ Through the years since the Constitution was first written, we the people have had to change our views regarding our concepts of who was “accepted.”

Gardner’s view on citizenship is discussed in regards to the ethical mind. “In taking ethical stances, an individual tries to understand his or her role as a worker and his or her role as a citizen of a region, a nation, and the planet.” He continues to state, “Individuals without ethics will yield a world devoid of decent workers and responsible citizens: none of us will want to live on that desolate planet.”

The phrase "People of the United States" has sometimes been understood to mean "citizens." This approach reasons that, if the political community speaking for itself in the Preamble ("We the People") includes only citizens, by negative implication it specifically excludes non-citizens in some fashion.

Ever-changing

We live in an ever-changing world. Think about things we purchase. The minute you purchase a car and drive off the lot, it has already decreased in value. You buy a new piece of technology – the latest and greatest – only to see an advertisement the next month for the new and improved model.


Just as with material things, issues related to education and diversity are constantly changing. For some these changes are improvements that they want to pursue, as in the case of the new and improved technology. Others are content with what they have and prefer not to be bothered with the changes.

Education must change in several areas and I believe we will see more discussions than we have already related to these issues. There are many conflicting views when it comes to the word accountability. What does that mean and how should it look? Many have expressed their dissatisfaction for the TAKS test and the reliability of truly assessing the progress (or sometimes lack thereof) of our students. This topic has also brought great concern to the curriculum and instruction issue. Because of the pressure to “pass the test,” have we become schools that “teach to the test” rather than focusing on what the students should really know to be successful? I don’t remember having to take any class time to prepare for passing a test until I was in high school preparing for the SAT. Now we have days, even weeks set aside to prepare our students to pass a test to show that we have not failed as a school.

Another change revolves around our clientele. I think we have made progress in this area, but we are not where we should be. We were presented with several articles at our last class meeting related to many issues. All were important issues related to conflicted ideas and challenges we all will face as educators. One in particular, cultural awareness and tolerance is of high importance especially when you consider the predictions of the majority of students we will be teaching. According to Current Issues and Trends in Education, “Diverse groups are expected to comprise more than 40 percent of the population by 2020 and 50 percent by 2040.” Are we prepared to meet the needs of this predicted diverse population? Actually, another question should precede the first question. Can we all come to a consensus on how best to meet the needs of the diverse population? If history repeats, we will have many obstacles to overcome before we get it right.

Values and Technology

I would like to begin by stating that I am not against technology. However, as an educator, I think it is my responsibility to help students understand how to decipher and utilize the information they receive so freely with technology.


As I was reading Born Digital, I was happy to see that this was an issue discussed within the book. “We need to help kids understand the line between activities that are part of healthy experimentation and activities that constitute risky behavior, just as parents have done for their children since the dawn of time.” In other words, it has always been the responsibility of the caretakers to make sure the child was safe and knew the rules to any new experience.

Unless taught, it is very easy for students to assume that any information available on the "Net" is accurate information. This is concern one. We must guide students to understand the different forms of information available to them and how to distinguish between those types of information. There will be sources of accurate information that is proven through reliable sources. However, there are also a wide variety of opinion sites that look like the real thing. These sources are not invaluable to the student because they offer a look into the perspectives of others on the given topic. The authors of Born Digital, stress reasons for more supervised instruction and conversations with students regarding the different types of information. By not incorporating this kind of instruction to students, we are setting them up for falling into the trap of relying on inaccurate information.

Another issue of concern for using technology involves the accessibility of "cutting and pasting" from different sources available on the "Net.” This is not a new problem, it has just become easier for students to take from others and deliver it as their own thoughts. As an educator, it is my job to make sure that students can take the information and use it to create their own thoughts in regards to the topic. Discussions of copyright and plagiarism must extend to the sources of information available on the "Net.”
The bottom line is this; we must teach our students to value the opinions of authors, distinguish between reliable an unreliable sources, and most importantly to take that information and think for themselves!

Learn and Grow

In Leading with Change, the author states, “Opposition to change remains inevitable. In fact, if your proposed change does not engender opposition, then you should question whether or not what you are proposing really represents meaningful change.” Based on that statement we, as leaders should welcome the challenges that come with asking individuals to adjust their understanding of diverse learners. However, while supporting the individual oppositions, we must also foster an understanding amongst all those involved in our learning community. This is often easier said than done. The statement, 'herding cats', is often used in reference to getting small children to point A to point B. The same statement can be used to reference getting the parents, staff, school board, parents, students, etc. all on the same page when it comes to a common understanding in regards to how best to support the diverse learners within our community.


The term diverse learner is not exclusive to our students. The other stakeholders fall under the umbrella of being a diverse learner. Remember, diversity involves generational differences as well. Too often, generations who have already completed the school experience want their students to be taught the way they were taught. After all, they made it through just fine. However, as we have learned throughout this course, with each generation comes new experiences that the "older" generation did not experience. As a leader, we must foster the learning of others to experience the skills that the students of today and tomorrow need to be successful in the real world. It is very much a "walk a mile in my shoes" attitude. Only when the stakeholders other than the students experience what it takes for the student to be successful, will there be true understanding of the needs of our future caretakers of the world.

Leadership Imperatives

What are the leadership imperatives most pressing to address the needs of today's diverse learners?


In my opinion, there are four major areas for discussion; moral imperatives, "21st Century" imperatives, accountability imperatives, and support imperatives.

Moral imperatives - I truly believe that with each generation, you see a decline with values and respect. I set those standards against the beliefs and teachings of my faith. The things I see on TV even in some “children” programs often shock me. I believe that students are required and/or forced to "grow up" before their time. As an educator, I have to try to understand how these young minds deal with grown up situations on a daily basis. As educators, we cannot change the way the world is for our students, so we must find ways to bring those important issues to our students. The alternative feels like a future where violence, disrespect, and lack of tolerance will be the norm.

"21st Century" imperatives - Again, the world is a more advanced place compared to when I was growing up. I have discussed this in some of the previous blogs. However, there are so many advantages especially in the area of technology. We as educators must learn to use what works for students today to our advantage in the classroom. On the other hand, the advancement of such technology has also opened the child's world to material I don't feel is always suitable for a developing mind.

Accountability imperatives - We have had to deal with accountability for some time now, but accountability has been more in the hands of the teacher. Now more than ever we must find ways to teach our students that they are accountable for what they do in the classroom. That does not allow educators to sit back and say, "If the child is unwilling to do the work, then it is not my fault." I have seen several children in the past few years with a sense of, I don't have to do it if I don't feel like it and there isn't or shouldn't be any consequences. I think we are raising a generation of students who don't feel accountable for their work or actions. Dare I ask it; are we raising a generation of students who don't want it if it requires "work"?

Support imperatives - When I think about support, I am referring to support for students and teachers. I think the latter is the most important step in order to finally support our students and their diverse needs. Teachers need both personal and professional support now more than ever. We have discussed in class that our students have changed, but we continue to teach the same way. We have to first support our teachers so they have the tools to work with ALL students. In addition, we see more parents in need of support. It is not just the parents of "special need" students who need the extra support or even the basic educational support.

We have had many discussions that the students of now are different in many ways from when we were students. We know that there were approaches used with us that didn't work that are still being used now. We have to reflect on where our students are and make the changes needed to meet their needs.

"Show Me the Money!" Not the Only Solution

Money is always a big issue when dealing with schools. There is never enough money when it comes to paying qualified staff, and providing adequate materials let alone the latest and greatest materials. However, I have read a lot of articles lately in regards to reasons why teachers leave the "hardest to teach" schools. Although perceptions of administrators and even community members are that teachers leave because they don't get paid as much as wealthier school districts; teachers actions tell a different story. It's not about the money, it's about the support both through leadership and professional development. Teachers interviewed wanted help with how to provide the best for students in the "hardest to teach" schools and left because they didn't feel like they received it.

As our population changes and expectations for schools increase, we see more schools with high needs and categorized as the "hard to teach" schools. Leadership at all levels, campus to central office, will need to support teachers in ways that empower them to help the students. Do you remember that old shampoo commercial where the girl told a friend and she told two and so on and so on. Imagine if one leader empowers one teacher with the knowledge to address issues of discipline, teaching to diverse needs, and so on and so on.

Yes, money is important in order to provide schools with the materials needed, but I think we have bigger issues to deal with that involve developing the repectful and ethical minds of students.

Tragedy

I was having the worst day I have ever had since probably my first year of teaching and was feeling very much like quitting. My problems at that time seemed like the worse thing ever and then we went into lockdown at school. At first I was annoyed because I thought it was another drill and I didn't have time for it, but as more time passed I realized something was wrong. I wasn't prepared for what I was told after being called to the office. Suddenly, my problems and issues didn't seem that big at that moment. I was concerned about those involved and the teachers at my school who had loved ones on the base. We all worked together to make sure the kids were okay and they got home safely.

I think it is very telling that in the event of tragedy, we can all put our issues behind us and work together. I pray that we could always put our issues aside and focus on what is important instead of waiting for a tragedy to open our eyes and hearts to others.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

Simple advice for any generation. Compromise. I am not saying that you have to compromise on everything, because there are things in my life, I will definately not compromise. However, in order for any generation to grow as an individual, we have to be willing to look at the views and experiences others bring with them and sometimes blend them with our own.

In my current position, I have experienced what some would consider generational diversity issues. In the article attached, the writer discussed how each generation complains about the work ethic of the newest generation. As I stated in an earlier blog, I remember this type of comment made by my grandparents. Now, as a "veteran" teacher, I am having similar conversations with other "veteran" teachers about the new generation of teachers. I do not want to stereotype and say that no new teachers have the work ethics that the older generations of teachers have always had. I cannot say that because I have teachers on my campus from various generations who are unbelievable at what they do and will do whatever it takes. On the other hand, I have teachers from various generations who do the minimum.

I do not agree with many of the views of those who do the minimum, but I have had to learn to find that common ground. Once I did that the doors of communication opened in order to do what we really need to do, help the kids. Finding this common ground has forced both parties to compromise certain beliefs in order to help our students succeed.

I think in order to prosper, every generation must find a common ground and be willing to make some compromises. I can learn many things from the newer generations. In addition, the newer generations can learn many “old” things.


http://www.super-solutions.com/GenerationalDiversityGenXGenY.asp

Feelings

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou

I have had leadership roles at other schools and I am fortunate to still have a close relationship with those I worked with in the past. As I have moved on to other positions within the district, there are people who “check up” on the new person. We have all inquired about the “new kid on the block” through a person who has had a working relationship with that person. Granted the information is not always accurate and I personally feel like it is better to make an effort to get to know that person yourself instead of relying on other opinions. However, that is another issue to discuss at another time.

When I think back to some of the comments people have told me about what they have heard about me, it is always related to how I made others feel. I think this is a good example of your actions speak louder than your words. I do believe that your actions speak volumes and are tied to your feelings and emotions. I also think your feelings and emotions are tied to your faith. I’ve noticed that when others speak of me, they recall my actions as an indicator of the kind of person I am and ultimately how I feel about them. Fortunately, most comments have been positive!

My faith and how I choose to lead are a package deal, although it is not always an easy task. My actions towards others are a reflection of my beliefs. No matter what changes come, the way I treat others is fundamental.

A Day In Your Shoes

I think we have a lack of understanding or gap between generations. One way to bridge that gap is through role play. Not only will this exercise help one generation understand the other, it also activates the whole mind.

However, such excercises are easier said than done. Sometimes I think it is easier for people to complain about the differences than try to find ways to understand the differences of others. I come from the generation where you respected your elders, but now we have a generation empowered to question their elders. This new way of thinking is hard for many teachers because they were not brought up that way. However, I think that the teachers are going to have to make the biggest change and meet the students where they are. If you look through history, the older generations have had to conform to the new generations' ways or risk being out of touch. It is not enough to teach our students, we have to learn and grow with them. This is a scary thought for some because it means we have some changes coming our way.

Give me a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Our population becomes more diverse as the decades progress. There are so many cultures and religions that I am exposed to now as an adult that I was never exposed to as a child. For some adults who grew up like I did, not being exposed to a lot of differences, change can be very threatening. The longer I stay in teaching the more I see new teachers entering the profession who are not afraid of the differences but still do not know how to instruct towards those differences. For those teachers who have been in the profession for a while and do not continue their education, I see fear and frustration and a forced way of trying to get all the students within their class to conform to the same needs.

I think for many teachers one issue that has become a barrier to moving on and focusing on the many needs of their students is the issue of respect. For those of US who have been around for a while, we have seen a decline in student respect of their teachers and their environment. In a growing diverse population, students have been taught to be an individual, but unfortunately without consideration of others. However, as a leader in schools, I have also seen a decline of respect from many teachers towards their students. As they say, "It is a two way street." I never thought I would be one to say, 'I remember when I was their age. . .," but I remember when respect worked both ways. Now we require our teachers to respect the diversity of our students, but the students have lost respect for those who teach. I am not saying this is the case everywhere with every child, but respect from both students and teachers has become less prevalent in many classrooms and entire schools.

Teachers must respect their students and be an example to them of what respect looks like and how it feels. I know this is hard for some, especially when you grew up in a time that you were respectful to the teacher no questions asked. If you weren't respectful, you could guarantee that momma would meet you at the door when you got home for your 'consequences' because she respected the teacher as well without question.

When a teacher does not feel respected by a student, it doesn't matter what other needs that student has because most teachers will write that child off. As leaders we need to guide our teachers and schools to adopt schoolwide expectations for students to understand what is expected from them. I think if we can work on getting teachers back a little respect, while providing them with skills to address the diverse needs, they will be more open to the many changes. As result we could be on the road to raising students who are confident in who they are, respectful of others, and well educated.

Finding a Balance

I felt like my blog was turning into a paper last week, so I am going to try to keep my blogs brief.

I was once told that when you hear the same message from three or more different sources, it is time to listen. So after reading, A Whole New Mind,Leading with Soul, and reflecting on messages during my devotional time; the answer has hit me like a brick. Before a leader is truly equipped to address diverse learners including both teachers and students; the leader must find a balance. This may seem like common sense to some of you, but it is a lesson I have had to learn the hard way. I have always measured my success on how hard I work and if others worked hard I needed to work even harder. I wasn't brought up to believe that work was the only important aspect of your life, but it become my reality and other areas of my life have suffered because of that perception.

Therefore my thought process has changed from a good leader means, "WORK, WORK, WORK!", to finding a balance. As leaders we must take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. How can we effectively lead others and address their needs if we cannot address our own needs? I have been taught that there are several qualities that make a good leader such as listening to others, having compassion for others, and having good management skills to name a few. However,I believe it all comes down to being balanced within all the areas of our own lives first and then our approaches to the needs of others second.

Pong to Blog

     Everyone sees the world through the lenses they have created for themselves. Whether it’s people, programs, possibilities, or problems we view them differently and categorize them as good or bad. Many would view progress as a negative. I remember giggling with my grandfather when he talked about the good ole days when things were simpler, but I have to admit I have had a moment or two (okay maybe 3 or more) when I have reflected on how easier things were when I was younger. Whether you agree or long for the easier times progress, no matter how it is viewed is inevitable. 
     Progress is the result of those who had a vision and were dedicated enough to see that vision become a reality. I don’t think anyone could deny that technology is one area that has progressed considerably in the past two decades. I’m about to date myself here, but I remember learning how to type in high school on a typewriter (electric – that was a big deal) and I remember playing the original video game – Pong, but technology was not a common household item for everyone. Techno gurus saw the potential of where technology could take us, they had a vision, and look where we are now – from Pong to Blog and some form of technology in every home.

     I would agree that technology is an important component for success beyond the P-16 years although I am not as technology savvy as others - many of which are under the age of 18. The reality is that most students come to school knowing more about technology than those who are teaching them. We have students entering school who can locate the shift and enter buttons on the computer keyboard but they can’t tell you the letters of the alphabet. They regularly play video games and surf the computer for hours, but have the attention span of a gnat in the classroom. Based on those last two statements you may think I would say technology is a negative thing for education, but I actually think technology has provided us with a clue as to how we need to approach our students learning – hands on and entertaining. I think it is evidence that we need to change our teaching strategies and approaches and advance with our students. We need to find a way to merge the teaching approaches that will grab the attention of our students (yes, that means learning how to use and incorporate technology) with the basic skills in order to prepare students for college and the workforce. This is also a sentiment expressed in the article, Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas. “We must embrace and seize technology’s potential to capture the hearts and minds of this, the first digital generation, so that the work designed for them is more engaging and respects their superior talents with digital devices and connections.” (13)