Challenge…According to the dictionary, the word “challenge” means (noun) 1) an offer to test ability or skill; 2) a formal objection; (verb) to call or invite to a contest of any kind. Challenge, or how we meet the challenge, is my theme this year, for my staff, for the students in our district, and for myself. I’ve asked every employee and every student to reflect on their own situation, and seek to improve oneself in one way or another. After a summer to rejuvenate and re-energize ourselves, I think we can meet the challenge.
Our district has decided to make a “culture climb” of continuous improvement. There are many avenues for continuous improvement, formal paths through the analyzing data of student achievement, tying it back to school improvement plans, the consolidated application, and the evaluation of all staff. There are also informal avenues of continuous improvement, such as interactions of staff in the hallways, collaborating over lunch, developing relationships with students that foster positive growth, and interacting with parents and other stakeholders at games or the grocery store. We are asking all involved to keep the end result in mind.
The end result should answer the question “is this best for our students?” Are the decisions I make in the best interest of our students? Or is it meeting the needs of an adult issue? Refocusing our decision-making on student-centered decisions will certainly be a challenge on many levels, but will assist us as a district in continuous improvement. With continuous improvement, most certainly comes positive change.
Change creates opportunities. The requirement for a new evaluation tool, the idea of performance pay (or merit if you prefer), the change in the tenure laws, all create opportunities for conversation and collaboration. Some of these conversations can be difficult, but many can be inspirational and provide for personal and professional growth. Teachers and support staff are identifying personal goals and paths for improvement. The hard cap or 80/20 for health insurance creates an opportunity to seek lower cost insurance to positively impact not only the employees, but also the district. The hard cap is also providing a personal challenge to many as they face a new financial requirement.
As I planned for this school year, I asked myself how can I continuously improve myself? What do I need to do differently in the job I’m doing? How can I be a better administrator for my students and staff? I identified a few areas, through my own reflection and also through an end-of-the-year survey that staff completed. I need to listen more attentively, not just look like I’m listening, but actually hear what individuals are saying to me. I need to be available for the personal connection that some in our district need for their continuous improvement. I also need to recognize when it is time to step back and let others in our district lead. These are a few of the areas that I will challenge myself to work on this year.
As your school year continues, what can you do to challenge yourself? Personally? Professionally? Each of us is part of a great service organization called “education.” The students of Michigan need our best. Meet the challenge!