Looking in the Mirror

by Education Blog

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Posted on October 24, 2017

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Rick Dufour, an educator and expert on teacher professional development describes an activity called “Looking in the Mirror, Looking Out the Window.”  In this activity, he has teachers or his audience, make a list to improve student achievement. The list for “Looking out the Window” to improve student achievement might have things on it like more state funding for textbooks, professional development, salaries, and fewer high-stakes tests.  All of these are factors that as an educator or even community stakeholder, cannot always be controlled, and we depend on our state leaders to provide the necessary funding.  The list “Looking in the Mirror” to improve student achievement might have factors that can be controlled like high expectations for students, clear and focused academic goals, allocating time for more collaboration among teachers at all grade levels and many more.  This past week I attended a meeting with teachers regarding the use of our new MAP testing from kindergarten through eighth grade.  “Looking in the Mirror” was visible throughout the meeting among teachers and principals in attendance.  The teachers discussed a recent training, reviewing the information, and sharing ideas for using the test as an instructional guide moving forward.  As I listened to the group, I felt like it was important for myself to look in the mirror.  I have very little hair, my legs get skinnier, and I’ve been told I have no sense of style, so it’s not always easy to look in the mirror.  But seriously, listening to our teachers strategize and come up with ways to overcome challenges, I know that I need to “look in the mirror” every day to better support our teachers and staff, through more professional development time, allowing more times for meetings among teachers at different grade levels, and setting up visits for schools that are working with the same MAP test or any program that we are now using with our students to spark new ideas.  So there is the challenge, when we look in the mirror let’s work towards finding ways to increase student achievement together.   I’m lucky I live in Alva, I’m thankful my children attend this school district, and I’m inspired to know we have teachers and staff from our elementary schools through our high school that are committed to their craft.

Congrats to Coach Collins and the Ladybug Cross Country Team, and individuals Ray Ray Bell and Priscila Samaniego.  Ray Ray finished 5th and is on the All State Team, and Priscilla medaled with an 11th place finish.

Finally, good luck to our One Act Team at state this Thursday at Mustang High School.  Don’t forget the team will be performing for the community at the high school auditorium on Tuesday at 7:00 to prepare for the state competition.

 

Sincerely,

Tim Argo

 

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