Many, Many, Many Points of View

In the past week, I've been in a large number of different teaching/learning meetings, events, and conversations, and my summary is that there are many, many, many points of view when it comes to teaching and learning well.

This fact is one fact that makes education so complex--so many are bringing ideas, experience, questions, and thoughts to the table that its difficult to discern where all those ideas fit together and what sets them apart. It's also challenging to see where your ideas fit as one's ideas may fit well in some spheres but seem quite foreign in others.

I actually am happy to have the opportunity to entertain a large number of lenses and thought as I move forward in education. Those who are willing to speak up and say what they really think truly help all of us discuss, debate, and think about our education path with depth. Those who are less vocal and more difficult to discern don't help as much because you have to make a lot of guesses about what they're promoting or believing.

As much as possible, we need to share our thoughts, beliefs, experiences with respect and transparency--no one has all the answers, but when the information is clearly desseminated, more people are able to take part, and when more people are able to be part of the process there's usually a better chance that we'll arrive at good resolve.

Will the Rain Hold Off?

Our classroom is filled with colorful cardboard games that come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. The kindergarten next door is filled with similar creations. Today's the day to share this cardboard creativity on the playground, yet there's a lot of rain ready to drop.

This morning the teaching team will look over the situation one more time to see if we should go forward or hold off until Monday. I hope the rain will hold off long enough for us to squeeze in the event. Then on Monday we can begin the next leg of the teaching/learning year. Let's see what happen?

Challenge

A good, deep, strong challenge stands before me.

It's one that has me thinking a lot and learning a lot too.

There's so much room for good in this world if we only take the time to make it happen.

This challenge is leading me in that direction. Onward.

There's Great Value in Caring for Those Around Us

I heard a couple of stories that struck home recently. One was about an individual disregarded, and the other was about an individual who took a courageous stand for human welfare and rights.

First, we can't disregard those around us. Instead we have to do what we can to build a strong culture to serve children well.

Next, we have to stand up for what is right and good, and we cannot allow ourselves to be shamed if we don't understand or ask questions. There's a lot to learn in this world, and if we don't understand, it's important that we find out.

Too often people are quick to rush by the important discussion, topics, and depth needed to do a good job, serve others well, and make meaningful change. Too often people are content with doing things the way they've always been done even if it means that someone or something is left out or worse, disregarded.

As a people we hold so much promise for good work, and as we seek and create those paths we have to be deeply mindful of each other and the gifts that each of us bring.

The Data Chart

The data chart is beginning to fill up with all kinds of numbers and codes. When we receive the results of this week's assessments, I'll be in a good place to start creating a number of differentiated, standards-based learning experiences to reach the goals of engaging, empowering math learning. Onward.