Can women make good leaders?

Can women make good leaders? The very question can spur heated debates from both men and woman: arguing various issues related to the strengths and weakness of each gender. Despite the validity of the arguments, the reality is that the statistics related to woman in high ranking leadership positions highlights how women are woefully underrepresented .

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2009 that women constituted 51% of all workers in the workplace. Despite improvements in education attainment, professional development, and political participation, this has not translated into significant increases in female leadership in politics and business. While some women have risen to the pinnacle of political power, less than 19% of legislators in the world today are women. In the corporate sphere, female representation falls to a mere 9.9%. The limited female presence in leadership positions leads to a consideration of whether and how public policy should respond. To answer these questions, we must identify the constraints on female leadership and aim to accurately understand the benefits of enabling more women to become leaders. WORLD DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2012-Pande, Rohini, and Deanna Ford

Many studies have been done by researchers on the issue of gender discrepancies in high level leadership positions. I do not claim to be one of those researchers, however, I have made some related observations of the other students in my program, men and woman training to become our district's future leaders. Like them, I share a sense of internal conflict as we strive to seek balance between our career ambitions and our family responsibilities. While many of the males in our program, especially the two whose wives have recently had babies, feel the challenge to manage that balance, it appears that the woman have more internal conflict and a greater sense of sacrifice. Moreover, the woman that exhibit strong leadership tendencies, often see that as being pushy, opinionated, and a weakness whereas the males see that as a strength. When we discuss what we would change about ourselves, the men talk about being even more assertive, whereas the women discuss the need to be more inclusive.


This entire reflection was prompted when I viewed the following video featuring Sheryl Sandberg, the C.O.O. of Facebook. In the the video she talks about things women need to do in order to counter this trend. Most notably was the notion of "Sitting at the table." She explains that women often underestimate their contributions and worthiness. For me, this topic was particularly profound, as I often find myself downplaying my abilities, questioning my worthiness, and wondering if I have the "IT" factor that would make me a great leader. I recognize this doubt may be in part the result of living a very different life then I find myself living right now. As a mother, I raised two young women to be strong leaders, but never believed myself to be one... until now... now I am starting to see what others have seen in me, the leader within.

Dr. Smith, from the Center for Leadership and Learning lead a training for my group early in our program. During that training he showed us a video clip from the movie "Surf's Up" in which the one character was told that a surf board can be found within a piece of wood if only you have the patience to find it. The analogy was made to us as future leaders... that a leader was within each of us, that it is up to us to discover it.

So my initial question, can women make good leaders, is not nearly as relevant as what does it take to be a good leader and what do we, as a society, need to do to support developing leaders. I am not completely comfortable with calling  myself a leader yet, but I know I am well on my way. Perhaps that uncertainty, that desire to learn and grow, and my ability to reflect upon the process will ultimately make me a good leader. Eventually I think I will feel more comfortable with the title, but as John Maxwell said, “He that thinketh he leadeth, and hath no one following, is only taking a walk." Hopefully, I will not just be out for a walk!

Start a Movement

Some leaders are born into their position, some rise to a position of leadership, and some assume the position out of necessity. For some leadership is based on positional power- I am in charge, pay your salary, am responsible for your evaluation, so therefore you need to do what I say. Others just seem to be natural leaders... people trust them and follow.

As I learn more about leadership, the one truth is... If you are leading and look behind you and no one is following you, then you are just a fool out for a walk. Leaders can only be leaders when people are willing to follow. BUT it takes a brave soul to be that first person to follow the leader.

TED had a great video on leadership... and starting a movement. Take an few minutes to check out this fun video:

As we round out the year, and prepare to spend some time with family and friends over the holiday, ask yourself this question...

Do you have the courage to be the first to dance in a field? And who would you be willing to follow as they danced alone?

Start a movement- do something unexpected, challenge the status quo- the norm, and when you see some incredibly brave soul willing to do that, have the courage to be the first to follow them.

Start a revolution... And Become the Leader You are Meant to Be!

I am winding down for the semester. One more week and one more 12-page paper to write before Winter break... before I finally get a little down time in what has been a crazy 7 months.

 It was May when I sat in that first PROPEL meeting. Little did I know the challenges and frustrations that awaited me. I have missed funerals and weddings, births and birthdays. I have mourned and celebrated with other members of my Cohort. We have become a family, often spending more time with each other then we have with our own real families... AND we still have another 8 months before we need to decide whether we will continue on for phase 2 of the program. Phase 1 will have provided us with our degree in Educational Leadership and our credentials to be an Assistant Principal.

But if we decide to continue... to stay in the program and go on to Phase 2....We will have received specialized training to become "Change Agents" ready to Turn Around some us of our district's neediest schools. We are being trained to make wide scale, systemic change to schools and a system that is broken, that is failing to meet the needs of many of this district's children. We are the one's being trained to take over schools and lead our district into 21st century learning.

When I first started this journey, I was really a little uncomfortable with the idea of being a Change Agent. Me? A Change Agent... I am the one that has always gone to great lengths to avoid confrontation and change, so to find myself in the position where I am responsible for leading the change. It is still so strange to think about it... but here I am... on my way... A Change Agent in Training!

Umair Haque, from the Harvard Business Review often writes about changing society. In many of his recent writings he proposes that such a change needs to begin with us.

"I don't want a revolution. I want a million tiny revolutions. Awakenings to the heart-stopping commandment life gives to the living: to believe in life. Weary and directionless in the desert we may be — yet, the future, a sunlit ocean, never ceases singing. Sometimes, all we have to do is listen.
Each and every one of us is a leader. Some of us just don't know it yet."
Umair Haque

For many, change is seen as something huge- like being a Change Agent. But in the previous quote, Haque talks about making change by starting a million tiny revolutions. Perhaps Haque has the right idea, it doesn't require grand acts to create a change. Sometimes it takes just a lot of little things... a kind word, a friendly gesture, a call or hug when someone is in need. We can all be change agents if we choose to be, we can make the change we want to see, just by starting with the little things. So...

Start a revolution, believe in life, listen to the sea, becoming the leader that you are meant to be... the leader that is within each of us. 

Count Your Blessings

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and loved ones, but too often those we love are far from us. For some it is miles that separate us, for some it is circumstances, and sadly for others Thanksgiving is a time where we remember those we've lost.

This Thanksgiving I spent with many of my family and yet those I love most were far away. While miles may have separated us this year, they do not break the bonds and the love I feel for them transcends the distance.

However, this Thanksgiving some of my family and my extended Propel family have experienced some sadness. There are those that spent this holiday time together with family grieving those they have lost. For them, this holiday was filled with sadness. My heart is heavy for them as they mourn for those that past.

And yet... just as each new day gives way to a promise of a better tomorrow, so too does life renew itself. This holiday also brings the latest member of our Propel family. Little M, a wonderful bundle of joy, whose smile reassures us that life continues.

So as we give thanks this year, remember all we are thankful for, those people that bring meaning, joy, and love into our lives. Remember those whose presence makes our life easier and filled with purpose. Count your blessings for the time you have with your loved ones, and for the memories they have helped you create.

May your holiday season be filled with joy and blessings.

Forget the Turkey- We are all just plain NUTS!!!

My Propel Pals and I are ALL NUTS!!!

While many of you are buying turkeys and cranberries and planning your Thanksgiving menus... My fellow Cohort Members and I are delving deep into data, searching archives for strategies, and developing instructional plans to raise student achievement for students considered at-risk.

"What are worthy endeavor" you say...

I would agree except for one small detail, it is a paper plan. And when I say paper... I mean 12 pages, A.P.A., research and write it in a week and a half, shoot me now because I'm hating my life, paper! AND... if working full time trying to do two jobs (my curriculum specialist job and teaching 3 blocks of 6th grade science) isn't enough, lets add... mentoring two teachers, serving on several committees, organizing our CC Implementation Plan... AND...

Oh Yeah... FULL TIME GRAD SCHOOL... and by full I mean... are you ready... 14 GRADUATE Credits in 1 semester!!! Remember 9 Grad credits is considered full time, and I am currently taking 14!!!

Yup... It is great training for the craziness that awaits me as a turn around leader, if I survive the training process that is!

Uhh Huh... We're nuts!  But a very talented group of nuts, in case you are in need of an Assistant Principal in August... If we are alive, we will be ready!!!

 Go Cohort 2!!

Time to Move Forward America... We have work to do!

It has been a long time since my last blog. During that time I have completed my course on Governance, and I am getting ready to wrap up two more courses by the end of November. There has been a hurricane... not in my state of Florida but in an area of the country that had no idea of what to expect AND we have had an election during which BILLIONS of dollars was spent by various parties and organizations trying to buy influence in Washington.

Ordinarily I would consider myself to be "ANTI-Political." In fact, I was brought up in a house that believed that politics, religion, and a woman's age and weight were things better left as conversations in the privacy of your own home. However, after reflecting on the last comment that my Governance teacher gave me on my final reflection... she told me, "I am not sure how politically involved you are, but when you get your own school, and I know you will soon, I hope yours will be a voice for change" and the fact that the media kept touting the obscene amounts of money being spent on the various campaigns across the country... I could not help but speak up!

Now I have no intention of bashing either candidate. You see, I believe that both candidates truly believe that the vision they were sharing with the American people COULD work, that their policies would benefit THE people, and that CHANGE was needed. My major objection with this presidential campaign, and all the races for the various senate, house, governor positions as well as all those local offices being sought throughout our nation is this... WHY would companies/ people pay MILLIONS even BILLIONS of dollars to get a candidate elected, unless they thought they were going to get something in return?

Worse... WHY would the American people continue to allow this to happen when those millions and billions of dollars could have better been spent on educating our young people and helping our seniors? It is time to quit arguing across party lines, it is time to quit putting personal agendas before public interest. I spent the last 5 weeks in a class examining the issues related to social justice and what I have seen in the last several weeks of this campaign are sickening. Our country is destined to fail if Americans can not find some common ground. It is time to move forward America and if the leaders in Washington can not move past the petty bickering and come to a consensus that is good for America, then it is time we get rid of them. We have work to do, let's get to it!

Extreme Leaders

I was listening to an interesting interview by Harvard Business professor Gautam Mukunda which was posted on the Harvard Business Review. In the interview, Mukunda introduces the idea of an "Extreme Leader" as being one that can accomplish something that noone else could have accomplished. These leaders come from outside the norm or system and are selected to do a task that others deem impossible. While listening to his discussion, I couldn't help but think about the training we are getting in the PROPEL program, about how we will be expected to go into schools and do things that noone else has been able to do, I couldn't help but wonder if the creators of this program are not training us to be Extreme Leaders. Based on the talent of the people I am working with in this program... If they are training us to be extreme leaders, I think the PROPEL leaders will be great ones!!

It is never to late to do something that matters!

This blog was inspired by a lively debate in my Governance class, taught by a spirited professor that encourages the sharing of ideas both from herself and from her students.

Like many Americans my age, those balancing between the end of the Baby Boom Generation and the beginning of Generation X, I am both vocal about social issues and insecure about my financial future... especially in light of the current political climate. While I could spur much debate launching into a discussion over political candidates, issues, and ideas- or perhaps the lack of ideas, I am instead going to engage in a conversation about things that we can begin to change.

First, let's consider who the Baby Boomers & Generation X'ers are:

The BABY BOOMERS, those born between 1946-1964 were born in an era of financial prosperity, they are vocal on social issues and liberal in outlook.

Those considered to be GENERATION X were born between 1965-1979 this generation tends to be cynical about authority and open to new forms of spirituality, but insecure about their financial future. (Click here for more info.)

 For my BOOMER/ GENERATION (I made up this phrase because I believe those of us that fall within the last few years of one generation and the first few of the next share characteristics of both generations) have reached a point in our lives when we realize what we thought we wanted and what we worked for most of our lives actually lacks value or true meaning. And yet because we have that fear of financial instability, we are afraid to make the changes that may very well bring us the meaning and purpose that we seek. While I have conducted no scientific studies to support my assumptions (my 6th grade Science students would give me a hard time for this), I do hypothesize, based on my limited experience, that my generational peers may very well consider ourselves the "Questioning Our Choices Generation." Although I suspect that my mom might tell me that all 50 year-olds go through this, she may even tell me it is my mid-life crisis, however,  since I doubt I will live to 100, this is not my mid-life!

If you have read some of my previous blogs, especially my last one "Looking Past Our Limits," you may realize that making changes to pursue a life of meaning and purpose is something I have been  doing over the past few years. Change is never easy though, I won't even begin to say that it is. In fact fear of change can be crippling. Yet, for many of the "Questioning Our Choices Generation" we eventually get to the point that we realize that in order to us to survive, to prevent our very soul from being sucked out of us, we simply have to do something different.

Umair Hague, author of "The New Capitalist Manifesto: Building a Disruptively Better Business" and contributing writer to the Harvard Business Review posed the following question in his most recent blog titled "Making the Choice Between Money and Meaning," he asked his readers "Is there a trade-off between meaning and money?" His article seems to challenge the "Questioning Our Choices Generation" by saying:

"You and I face the difficult choice of trading meaning for money; we weigh the searing moments of real human accomplishment against the soul-sucking "work" of earning the next car payment by polishing up another meaningless PowerPoint deck packed with tactics to win games whose net result is the creation of little of real value for much of anyone who's not a sociopath. This is the deepest kind of theft; not merely prosperity having been looted from societies, but significance having been stolen from human lives." 

Hague does not simply pose this thought without also offering up his solution to the problem:

"So what can you do about it? There's only one good answer, and it's simple. Stop trading meaning for money. It's the worst trade you'll ever make. Step out of your shadow, the carefully constructed almost-self you've been instructed, encouraged, cajoled to settle for. Let me put that even more simply. You're going to need to apply not just the following professional skills — entrepreneurship; "networking," pluck and drive, strategic thinking, leadership, branding and marketing — but also the following human capacities: a stubborn refusal to obey the dictates of the status quo, an unwavering empathy, a healthy disrespect for the naysayers, the humility of the servant and the pride of the master artisan, a persevering sense of grace, a heaping spoonful of that most dangerously unpredictable of substances, love, and, finally, the unflinching belief in a better tomorrow that those have always had who dust their saddles off, dig their spurs in, and forge ahead into the great unknown."

During the next few weeks we will be bombarded with advertisements, calls, and conversations in which people will try to persuade us to make a choice for the man that will lead our country for the next four years. I am not here to try to sway your decision either way, I am merely encouraging you to learn about the person you will chose to run our country. I am encouraging to exercise your right to vote. I am encouraging you to consider what you value- Money or Meaning? And to select the candidate and party that supports what you value.

It is never too late to do something that matters... It's never too late to chose a better life. It is never too late to pursue a life of meaning, purpose, and passion. But it is up to you to act.

Looking Past Our Limits

How often do we tell ourselves "I can't because..." How often do we avoid doing something out of fear of failure? Human beings have an innate need to be accepted, and this overwhelming fear that if we fail we will be rejected prevents many of us from even attempting things.

I can remember telling my children to just try it, knowing full well that each of them had within them the ability to do anything that they put their minds to... I was their cheer leader- they may have called me a nudge, whatever you want to called it, I have always believed in them.

But me? Hummm. Many times in my life I have fallen victim to self doubt, and to self limiting thoughts. I have been afraid that people might learn my real secret that I am not _______ enough. Fill in the blank- brave enough, strong enough, smart enough, good enough, etc. I have let those fears limit me, hold me back, and prevent me from pursuing a life of passion, purpose, and meaning.

So what changed? There are several answers to that question...

First, I think if we can get over the notion that we have to be perfect, that the timing needs to be perfect, the job needs to be perfect, and we just try it and see what happens... we give ourselves permission to succeed. In that moment of openness and vulnerability, we allow the possibilities that exist in the universe to unfold before us so that we can act upon them.

Second, surround yourself with positive people. Negative energy attracts more negative energy- have you ever heard the sayings "misery loves company" and "Misery breeds misery"? They are true! If your surround yourself with people that are constantly telling you what you can't do, how terrible you are, and are always complaining about their lives, it can be paralyzing. You come to believe that nothing can ever or will ever change. That your life is destined to be limited to your current existence. You need to follow the advice a very special friend gave me, "You just need to tell them to sell their crazy somewhere else, you aren't buying it."

Finally, I started to trust other people. When I doubted myself, I closed myself off to others. I was too fragile to risk being hurt by others so I was unwilling to trust people. I kept to myself and no one knew what I was thinking on the inside. Learning to trust again is not easy, because we know that if you trust the wrong people you will do yourself more harm than good. So who to trust- if people are criticizing you, telling you what you can't do, trying to control you or devalue you- run like the wind. Instead surround yourself with people that treat you with respect, dignity, care and concern... and if you are lucky love and affection.

Don't get me wrong, there are times when those self limiting fears creep back, but most of the time I see before me the world of opportunity... And I have to tell you, it is a wonderful view! You should consider joining me.

For those times when we feel those self imposed limits creeping back, I turn to others for inspiration. So for you I am sharing one that helps me not lose sight of all my blessing and helps me remember never to limit myself or others.


I never needed eyes to see — never. I simply needed vision and belief. Caroline Case

This post is dedicated to the man that calls me brave. I hope he knows that he helped me find my strength!

What is Governance?

My new education leadership course called Governance began today. The instructor explained that this course is being specially design for our program and has never been taught like this before, not at FAU nor at any of the other universities in the area.

Ok that is great- We are getting used to being program guinea pigs- And so the class began by having our teacher ask us what we thought Governance meant? Hummmm... I was really kind of hoping that my professor was going to answer that because I really didn't have a clue. Mind you, I am smart enough to know it had something to do with the government, more likely that it also has something to do with constitutional law. But other than that... no clue.

We did some reading prior to class that focused on great leaders in educational policy- even studied Socrates- I recognized this Socratic method of questioning she was using but it did not bring me to the point of self discovery on this question!

So in an effort to help us understand the societal, economic, and political influences on Governance we did a little carousal activity (Something educators like to do to get you up and moving while you work). More information to put into our definition, but we were still guessing.

After several more discussions and activities, we shared out all the definitions we had come up with and then we highlighted the key words that were common in all our definitions. This is what we came up with:
              Guidelines and procedures, political, societal, and economic factors, framework,          expectations, common beliefs, norms, established rules, in response, and values.

From these we are supposed to come up with a definition that we can all agree upon. The thing I find interesting though, is the fact that when it comes to issues related to government, people rarely agree upon much of anything! Just look at the current political discussions, look at educational policy, look at the controversy related to school choice/ vouchers/ charters/ and public school funding, look at class size, the adoption of Common Core- is there ANY agreement on any of this?

Discussions in class touched on globalization, outsourcing of jobs, generational expectations, and political influences... the conversation was interesting and spirited- but there was little agreement. So how are we going to agree on a common understanding of something that relates to such issues? I am not quite sure, but I am really looking forward to the next 4 weeks as we try to figure it out!


Until then, I couldn't help but wonder what the term did mean... so according to Webster's it is described as "the way that a city, company, etc., is controlled by the people who run it."

As for the PROPEL Cohort 2 Definition, I will keep you posted!

Everyday Leadership- Creating Lollipop Moments

Are you a leader? Perhaps in order to answer that question you first need to reflect on what the word "leader" means to you. So what DOES it mean to be a leader?

That is something that I have been spending a lot of time considering since I started in this program. I have recently come to realize that what this term means to people may have a lot to do with where they are on the leadership continuum.

As you read the following quotes, consider what the word leader or leadership means within the context of the quote, or perhaps what the quote may of meant to the person that said it. For example the the first quote is by Steve Jobs, in his business true leaders needed to be those that could think outside of the box:

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." Steve Jobs
 
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." John F. Kennedy

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams

"As we look into the next century, leaders will be those that empower others." Bill Gates

"Leaders need to be close enough to relate to others,but far enough ahead to motivate them." John Maxwell

Does any one of these quotes resonate with you? Do leaders have to have a title or be in a position of power? If I have learned anything about leadership, it's this... the best leaders are those that reflect on their actions and then adjust their behaviors based on what they learn about themselves and about the situation.

So what does it mean to be a leader? In class a few weeks ago we watched a video on TED- if you haven't explored the TED site, you really should there are some great things there. Anyway, this video talked about the idea of "Everyday Leadership." Drew Dudley, the speaker in the video challenges us to think about leadership differently, the see the potential if we all act as leaders, and try to change others' perceptions of the world. He also shared a story in which he introduces the notion of the "Lollipop Moment." I actually loved the idea of being able to create Lollipop Moments for others- how empowering it would be to know that you can have such a huge impact on others.

Please take a few minutes to watch:

 

I hoped you enjoyed that video as much as I did. So my question to you again, are you a leader? You see what I have learned, like the sentiment that Drew Dudley shared in his video, is we ALL have the potential to be leaders. Sometimes we become leaders because of a title, sometimes we take on that role willingly, and sometimes someone else encourages us by believing in us more than we may believe in ourselves. Leadership doesn't have to be a grand act, leaders do not need to lead countries or businesses, leaders just need to inspire others to be more than they thought they could be. I am not sure where I fall on the leadership continuum but the quote that speaks to me the most is the one by John Quincy Adams: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." It is my hope that my blog may inspire some of you to dream, to try something you didn't think was possible, to believe in yourself, and to live you life with passion and purpose... and to always strive to create "Lollipop Moments."

Turning 50...

Well the count down is in full swing... In less than 2 days I will turn 50! Yes, I said it... I am turning 50! While I truly appreciate your very kind attempts at making me feel better by saying I don't look it... the truth is I am turning 50.

I have, for years, dreaded this number. Perhaps the dread comes from the fact that lots of the woman in my life have shared their biological nightmares about how everything starts to "fall apart" at this age, or perhaps it is more because by this age I really thought I would be very well established- my career, my life, my finances. I know there are those that claim 50 is nifty or 50 and foxy... I am not buying any of it! My eyes don't work they way the should, the cracking and creaking I hear when I am climbing out of bed in the morning is NOT coming from the wooden furniture, the battle with the gray is becoming an very expensive ordeal, and nothing in my life is established.

I have spent many of the last few weeks on an emotional roller coaster- going back and forth between dread and depression to confusion to a sense of being overwhelmed to feeling sorry for myself to reflection. I know some of the people I care most about have been watching this ride and have been just shaking their heads, perhaps secretly wanting to shake me right out of this nonsense.

I am not sure if it is this number that has had me in a whirlwind, or if it is the fact that my life really has been crazy lately. Whatever it is, it has brought my loved ones to the point that they are all ready for me to get over myself already! Come on really, it is a number... right?! This number does not define me, it does not limit me- only I can do that and I have been getting in my own way, way too much lately!

So here I am... I am turning 50... and if I stop to think about it, it is really not that bad. In fact, once I stopped feeling sorry for myself long enough to consider what I am doing, it is really pretty crazy. What I thought I would be doing at 50... is NOTHING like what I am doing!

I am back in school... AT 50!
I am on the path towards a new career... AT 50!
I am in love again.... AT 50!
I am making a difference in the lives of others... every day... AT 50!
I am persuing my dreams... AT 50!
I believe in myself... for the first time in my life... AT 50!

This isn't how I thought I would be celebrating my 50th Birthday... but it certainly isn't boring! And while I really hate wearing glasses to read, and feeling those stiff knees in the morning, I think the rest might just make it OK.

 So, I am turning 50... And I am OK with it, now. I am sorry I have been a little out sorts about this number lately, OK CRAZY lately but I am kind of looking forward to the next year... lot's of changes in store, learning, growing (not graying- Im ok with the number not the color!), new adventures, successes, and many happy occasions to celebrate with my family and friends.

Shifting Paradigms... Making a Mental Mind-shift to Save American Education

Being a science teacher at heart,  I am always searching for insightful quotes by famous scientists. One of my favorites is by Albert Einstein: 

"Insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

The more that I delve into my course work in Educational Leadership and the more that I examine educational practices,  the more I believe that if we used Einstein's standard, the educational system in American should be classified as Insane! Even if you consider all the educational "reforms," many of which are simply old reforms with new packaging, we as a society keep expecting different results when, for the most part, we keep employing the same old practices. I have read dozens of leadership books, studied hundreds of educational theorists, and basically it all comes down to this... if you want students to learn, then we need to give skillful teachers the time to teach. Even research will support the this! And yet, states continue to think that they will raise student achievement by implementing some new high stakes test, as if the test alone is some type of panacea for closing the Achievement Gap. Worse, many states believe that tying teacher salaries to student performance on these tests will improve student achievement.

Now some of you might be thinking, "well if the teachers know that their salary is depended upon their students' performance then they will teach better." That logic is as flawed as thinking that garnishing a doctor's salary would improve the quality of care. To the contrary, if the doctor's salaries were dependant upon recovery rates, they would simply quit treating terminal patients, and those patients that routinely fail to follow doctors orders.  This practice would not increase recovery rates, nor would it improve the quality of care, rather it would just mean that doctor's would become very selective in the patients that they would treat.

What adult would ever consider having their salary tied to the performance of others as a good idea, they would look at you and say, if you want to judge my performance, look at what I do. Yet, in the educational arena, we are judging all of our professionals in just this way... when you look at it in the context of other careers it seems almost ludicrous doesn't it?

You might be thinking that I am claiming that using student performance as a primary indicator of teacher effectiveness is by definition "insanity." I would say, no not exactly. I do believe that any professional in the service industry (education is a service industry) must look at customer satisfaction (ie,  in this case achievement) I think often the best way to judge that is not done in the chambers of a politicians office. I do believe therein lies the "insanity." Most educators would agree that standardized tests do provide valuable feedback, but if you were to ask a teacher, there are dozens of other ways to assess student performance as well. Additionally, teachers would tell you that the tests students take don't always test what they are supposed to test. For example, this past spring students in 6th grade in Florida took the standarized tests on computer. This computerized test made it hard for students to skim passages, highlight key information, and in many cases, because of computer clitches, they had to spend time waiting for the technical support to fix the problem. Add to that that some of these 12 year olds were being expected to sit still for 3 hours. I don't know about you, but I would have a hard time staying focused if I had to sit in one place quietly for three hours, and I am way older than 12. So in the end, was this test assessing student knowledge or was it testing students' patience?

I think it is time for a paradigm shift... It is time for American's to stop thinking that just because an individual may make a good politician doesn't mean he is a good educator or that he understands good educational practice when he sees it. Our politicians are often not qualified to make educational policy, we need to stop thinking that they are and demand that decisions that effect education be made using sound research not political influences.

American's need to make the paradigm shift in which they stop thinking that all teachers are bad... yes like any profession we do have some bad apples, but there are far greater good teachers than bad teachers. And if we give our teachers the respect and time to do the job they have been trained to do, they will do it very well.

It is time for a paradigm shift within our profession. We need to stop protecting those in our profession that really should retire. We all know those teachers, those that have outlasted their effectiveness, those that we would never put our kids in their class. How could we expect the public to trust us if we can not police our own? If those teachers are not good enough for our kids, then they aren't good enough for anyone's kids! We either do something to help them or do something to get rid of them. If we, as professional are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem.

We need to have a paradigm shift among parents. Parents are not doing their children a favor by not allowing them to take responsibility for their actions. Today's doctors, lawyers, engineers and teachers did not get where they are by having their mom's bring in their late work or by having their parents blame the teacher for their poor study habits. No... today's professionals learned the value of hard work. We need to shift paradigms to ensure that we raise a generation willing to work hard instead of one looking to take short cuts.

The problems facing our nation in terms of education can not be solved by employing the same old practices, and they will not be solved by creating yet more high stakes tests. Rather the problems facing our nation will require a paradigm shift. We have too much at stake to continue our country's current educational practices... that type of insanity can no longer be tolerated.

View Tony Danza's Video about his experiences as a teacher. This experience inspired his mental mind shift... what will inspire yours?

Does Chocolate Really Help Reduce Stress?

When you are stressed, do you eat chocolate? If so, you are not alone. It turns out that the average American consumes about 12 pounds of chocolate a year. Dr. Roberta Lee, author of The SuperStress Solution  actually recommends that her patients, especially those who are chronically stressed, eat dark chocolate.

According to Lee, chocolate contains several psychoactive compounds being studied and debated as responsible for the mood lift many of us experience when eating it. Among these compounds are: phenylethylamine (PEA), which are elevated in the brain when we are in love.  The second compound, theobromine, triggers energy and a sense of alertness. Chocolate also contains a small amount of a chemical known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine, a substance that prevents endorphins from breaking down. In other words, if we are happy, we just might stay happier longer with a little chocolate.

 Chocolate also has a high concentration of antioxidants known as flavonoids. These types of antioxidants have been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce chances of heart attack and stroke. Chocolate is also rich in magnesium and potassium, which promote relaxation and contains selenium, which enhances immune health.

 Dr. Lee suggests that the ideal portion is 1 ounce (about 1/3 of an average bar or roughly the size of the palm of a woman’s hand) of dark chocolate per day.  

Now we are talking, bring on the chocolate....after all... it is Doctor’s orders!

For those you that prefer to indulge in a less calorie-laden stress reliever, check out the following suggestions:

• Nourish your body with nutrient-rich foods, herbs, and supplements that repair stress damage
• Detox your system and jump-start your body’s healing with an easy-to-follow eating plan
• Sleep well again by following simple steps to protect and promote the rest your body needs
• Move to simple, low-impact exercises that can be done in five-minute to one-hour increments
• Retrain your mind so you can access a sense of peace and calm even in your most stressed-out moments

    Information from the SuperStress Solution by Dr. Roberta Lee
                           

The First Week of School...

As I sit here, watching weather updates on Tropical Storm Isaac, I reflect on my first week of school. This year was like nothing I have ever experienced... Crazy, wonderful, overwhelming, and unpredictable!

I started this year balancing two jobs: My Curriculum Specialist position and my position teaching three classes of 6th grade Earth Space Science  (a curriculum I have never taught before!) Like many teachers in Florida, I will also be incorporating the new Common Core standards, will need to demonstrate effective Marzano teaching strategies, and will be embracing a curriculum that must be challenging and rigorous for my students. On top of that, add coordinating the School Improvement plan, the partnership program, the Common Core Implementation team, mentoring new teachers, hall duty, and bus duty.

 Oh yeah, don't forget, I am also taking THREE graduate courses which are part of a specialized, rigorous program in my district- these classes require tons of reading, writing papers, and performing leadership tasks in my school.

Oh and by the way... let's prepare for a Hurricane too! Hummm, it has been quite a week in deed!!I am glad that school is closed tomorrow, I need a day to catch up!

Hope your first week of school was a little less hectic!

Hurricane Forcast

Using New Technology to Enhance Learning

The class I have just finished up focused on communication and encouraged us to find new types of media for our communication. In this class we learned about Prezi presentations- basically the next generation of PowerPoint. Although the most creative new media I learned about was one that one of my classmates introduced us to called Xtranormal. It is a site that allows us to turn written words into a video cartoon. I used this site to create a little introductory video to use with my class on the first day of school. I hope they enjoy it... and I hope you enjoy it too!

Earth & Space Video

Start the Year Off Right With Your Child's New Teacher

            Have you ever noticed how excited teachers get when glue sticks go on sale for $.25 a pack? Or notebook paper for $.50 and you better duck and hide when Office Depot puts those pocket folders on sale. This year, in order to meet class-size requirements, in addition to my full time Curriculum Specialist job, I will also be teaching three blocks of 6th grade science- Earth & Space Science to be exact. While I am a little nervous about handling my work load, I am actually pretty excited to be teaching science again, especially since Earth & Space is my favorite strand to teach! Needless to say, this week, during pre-planning week, I have been busy switching classrooms, moving equipment,  unpacking boxes, sorting through textbooks, and setting up my classroom. I really am a NERD, because while setting up my new room I have been as giddy as a kid on Christmas while I unpacked fossils and rock samples, volcano models, tornado tubes, and hung giant inflated plastic planets. I can't wait to start growing my crystals and making the volcano erupt!!! But perhaps one of my enjoyable experiences this week... making my pilgrimage to Target for my .$25 twin packs of glue sticks! You really wouldn't believe how excited I was getting as I piled all the school supplies, post-its notes and markers into my cart. The lady at the check out counter, whom I thought would think I was nuts for being so excited, actually shared my enthusiasm... turns out she is a fifth grade teacher during the school year and was working as a cashier at Target over the summer. The lady behind me just shook her head as we discussed all the great deals on school supplies.

           As I loaded the bags of school supplies in my trunk, I couldn't help but think of those bank executives that get bonuses that could pay for a trip to Europe. Business leaders with company perks that allow them to enjoy box seats for sporting events. CEO's that fly in their company jets, stay in 5-star hotels, and only dine in the finest restaurants. I thought about lawyers in their offices and wondered what they would think about buying their own legal pads, and whether THEY would be excited about buying them on sale. I think not... In fact, I think most people would be furious to pay for the supplies that they use in their work places.

      Yet, teachers do that all of the time. They buy tissues and stickers and treats and snacks, they buy paper and pencils- just in case some of their students don't have them. The stock their shelves with books and resources all to make teaching and learning more fun. In fact, on average, most teachers spend somewhere between $300-$500 per year on supplies for their students. That money doesn't come from the school's budget, it doesn't come from the state... it comes from them. Now consider the fact that teacher salaries have not been increased in 5 years, and maybe you can start to understand why teachers get so excited when glue sticks go on sale!!!

        So this year, while you are out shopping for back to school supplies, consider picking up a few extras and bring them in the the teacher. Teachers do so much for our children and often get very little recognition... So please think about doing what you can to show them you appreciate their efforts. You don't have to wait until Teacher Appreciation Week to thank a teacher, consider starting the year off on a great note by doing one of the following. Here are some little things that may go a long way:

1. Send a nice note of appreciation.
2. Send in a "Back to School Goody Basket" include things like stickers, an electric pencil sharpener, Post-it notes, blank stationary, and assorted school supplies.
3. Most teachers have plenty of mugs, so avoid sending one of those, but consider sending in "stuff" to fill it, like assorted teas or flavored instant coffees, or maybe a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts with a note that says "Tomorrow's coffee is on us. We are looking forward to a great year!"
4. Consider sending in snacks once a month- maybe a super size box of granola bars or a jumbo container of pretzels. (Make sure to check with the teacher about food allergies before sending in products with nuts!)
5. Volunteer to help- even if you work, there may be something that the teacher can send home for you to help cut or prepare. 
6. Most teachers have "Wish Lists" of extra things they need for their class- consider purchasing something off that list or better yet, send in a gift card from Walmart or Target, so the teacher can get it on his/her own.

Check out these websites for more ideas:
Top 5 List: childparenting.about.com
Fund a Teacher Project
Family Fun Magazine



         Even if you don't have kids in school anymore you can still purchase some school supplies and drop them off at your neighborhood school. Give them to the guidance counselor and tell them to make sure a needy student gets the supplies.

        Enjoy the beginning of a new school year!!

A Story of Amazing Courage- A Young Crusader

Can young people teach us about bravery? I think so! The following article was published on the Boston Crusader Facebook page. It tells the story of a young lady that marched drum corp with my daughter this summer. For her, this summer was more than just sometime to do over the summer- it was proof that she could do something that everyone believed she would never be able to do. Please read the story of a truly brave young woman.

As we celebrate our 7th place finish there is a marching member we wish to profile, Ilsa Curry. Ilsa's story is one of amazing courage. To us she will ALWAYS BE A GIANT. Please read below

Why do you march with the Boston Crusaders? I march with the Boston Crusaders because they gave me hope when I had none. I came to this stage in my life extremely broken-hearted and I knew I had to prove everyone that told me that "you can't do it" wrong. Because honestly, there aren't four more inspiring words to me. It's like telling someone to not go push the red button. If you tell someone "no" they're going to go push that red button. I lost my left eye in June 2010 due to a chemical accident and I am going blind in my right eye from strain/sun damage. I am scheduled to receive surgery in August after I get back from this summer. This corps means too much to me to ever give up. They are the reason I keep pushing and fighting. Without them, I am nothing. I march with the Boston Crusaders for the same reason everyone else does: to have my life be changed. for my friends. so when I have a seeing eye dog and am blind next year, I can know I had this red and black family behind me, supporting me all the way.

What has the Crusader experience meant to you? It gave me my life back. It taught me how to "see" without seeing. I don't use my eyes for marching, I use kinetics. I feel the people around me. Everyone has a different wavelength. To me, its more effective than using your eyes anyway. It gave me my best friends, it gave me a family. And I would be nowhere without them.

Tell us about your proudest achievement in drum corps. I'm the blind girl. doing drum corps. Enough said.

As I read Ilsa's amazing story, I thought of the challenges I will face as a "turn-around" leader. Challenges many will think I will never be able to overcome, things that people will tell me I can't do. I only hope that I will have as much determination and courage as Ilsa Curry. Good luck with your surgery Ilsa, may God keep you safe.

 

 

That's NOT What I Meant- The Problems with Miscommunication

I've been reading a book called "Organizational Behavior" by Osland, Kolb, Rubin, and Turner...a 700+ page monster of a book that is based on an experiment that originally took place at MIT more than 35 years ago, although the book I am reading is actually the 8th edition.  This book, presented in  be a workbook format, is designed to help leaders diagnose organizational situations, identify effective action strategies, and provide the skills necessary to carry out appropriate actions.

OK, so who cares? And what does this all have to do with communication?

Well one of the "themes" in the book focuses on Communication. Ironically enough, despite the fact that I have been studying this theme in class for the last 5 weeks, I have had several situations in the last few days that could very well be defined as Miscommunication Debacles!

Normally, I would consider myself to be an intelligent person that not only carefully considers information, but generally is able to retain and apply what I have read. So the fact that we have been focusing on effective communication, you would think that I would be able to articulate my ideas clearly and concisely. Well, apparently... NOT!

Let me explain... and perhaps in the process, I can save some of you from  Miscommunication Debacles. You see, it is important to remember that the words that are spoken are only part of communication. Dr. Mehrabian, a professor at the University of California, did research on the effectiveness of communication.   

Mehrabian's findings were as follows:

• 7% of message pertaining to the words that are spoken.
• 38% of message pertaining to the way that the words are said.
• 55% of message pertaining to feelings and attitudes is in facial expression or non-verbal communication.

Organization Behavior also discusses how influences such as social identity, perceptual distortion, and cultural influences can affect how people relate to others as they communicate. In a discussion with my peers in class today, we talked about the "Baggage" each of us brings into a relationship that colors our perspective.


And here in lies my problem... I am usually pretty good at separating myself and my personal baggage from the communication exchanges that take place between myself and other professionals. However, when in comes to personal conversations, I am not always so good! In comes the baggage... AND the miscommunication. I interpret words one way, even though they were intended to mean something completely different. I convey a message in which I meant one thing, and it was taken completely differently. Then feelings get hurt, things get blown out of proportion, and I am in full blown "Debacle Mode!"

So what are the lessons to be learned from this?
1. Maybe I need to quit separating myself from what I am learning about leadership- start applying it to my "real-life" as well as my professional life.
2. Make sure I ALWAYS recognize that the words are only 7% of the communication- so be aware of the other 93%!
3. Be clear, make sure I am understanding what they mean and that they understand what I mean.
4. Remember I have 2 ears and only 1 mouth- so I should listen twice as much as I talk!
5. Remember I am not perfect, I will make mistakes- so will they- So be ready to apologize when needed and accept apologies when they are give.
6. Most importantly, ALWAYS remember that relationships worth keeping are worth the time it takes to understand one another.

On a positive note... at least My Miscommunication Debacle didn't end like this...

Lessons Learned from the Boston Crusaders

My last blog was a tribute to the Boston Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corp. This corp has been a part of my family's life since 2006, when I my oldest daughter first joined the corp. In less that two days, my youngest will age out of this corp, after dedicating four summers to the Crusaders. "True Blue" Crusaders, my children have embraced the legacy of a corp that is more than 70 years old. The history of this corp is like none other... how many can claim a former president as an honorary member? While my daughter may be focused on her last few performances, as her mother I can't help but wonder how her experiences will influence her life in the future.

So like any curious mother, I started searching the Internet... "Life after drum corp" not much other than some personal accounts from recent age-outs. "Famous people that marched drum corp" lots of musicians, some celebrities, I even found some conflicting information saying the Madonna marched drum corp, but never did find anything reliable on that one! "Famous Leaders that marched bands" again not much. Apparently no one else is curious about this, or maybe no one has ever taken the time to write about it... so I am hoping that some of the people that have read my Tribute and those that read this blog will write me and tell me how your experiences have impacted your life. Because I am sure that I am NOT the only one that is interested.

I know from first hand experiences, my oldest daughter a Crusader Alumni 2006-2008, credits much of her work effort to her experiences marching Drum Corp. As a Systems Engineer with a major corporation, the long hours seem mild to her compared to those 14 hour practice days in Texas. Working with 15-20 people in a department is nothing compared to 150 on the field. For her, the experiences on the field marching drum corp have made her a stronger person.

As my youngest prepares to leave her shoes, or whatever else she plans to leave on the field at her age out ceremony, I wonder what she will take away from the field that will help her throughout her life. As parents we often question the decisions we make when it comes to our children... Should I have done this, would it have been better if I did that, maybe if I did this instead... I could go on and every parent reading this can add to the list as well.

With all that, the one thing I have never regretted is the fact that I allowed my children to march drum corp with the Boston Crusaders. It has been the hardest thing they have ever done, and even when they complained all the way through Texas and Louisiana in the heat of the summer, I can't say that they have ever regretted it and neither have I!

And this is why... I know that the lessons they will take away from this experience are far more important than any I could have taught them at home during those summers. Here is what I know they have learned:

• The value of hard work and determination
•  The knowledge that even if you do the best job you can do, there is always someone better than you
• The belief that helping others be the best they can be is just as important as them being the best that they can be
• The understanding that what you win is not nearly as important as what you do when you don't win
• Perhaps most importantly, that the experiences and memories they make are way more important then the things they have

These are the lessons my children learned from the Boston Crusaders... And I hope that these lessons will help them become successful members of our society.

My Girls with Tom S. Boston Crusaders 2008

As for the Crusaders, I am one thankful mom... BAC will always have a special place in my heart.