Monday, October 25, 2010
Question #2 - Week 4 (Dave's Question)
O.k. Blogging is coming to a close. I hope you have found this to be a new, convenient, and hopefully innovative way of holding professional conversations. I have had the thought, and have read it in a few other comments, that what is contained in Ron Clark's Essential 55 is really good stuff...not rocket science...but sometimes the most impactful stuff is the stuff that makes the most sense. What I want to know is, after having completed this book study, how has both the book, and the conversations that we've had, and are having, impacted you in whatever it is that you do. Whether you are a elementary, middle, or high school teacher, a substitute teacher, a bus driver, a custodian, a food service person, an educational consultant, a superintendent, a high school principal....whatever....how has this impacted you? What has changed? What have you done differently since we started down this path? What will be different tomorrow? In a week? In a month? In a year? This book study and the conversations that it has sparked can have as great of an impact on our practices as we decide that it can. The question is, how do we put it into action. I've had conversations with building principals and staffs from a lot of different places, and many times you hear people talking and saying things like, "We're doing Marzanno." or "We're doing Baldridge right now." or "Last year we did 'High Schools That Work'" or "Next year we're studying Ruby Payne." What I would like you to think about, comment about, and hopefully embed into your very being is moving away from this idea that this is the next flash in the pan, hot idea for the moment, and then we'll be on to something else. We may look at other things, and I dare say that we will, because if you aren't growing, you're dying, but this hopefully isn't just the latest fad. How do you intend to keep it fresh, and to keep it meaningful, and to keep it real? I hope you've enjoyed this process. I know I have. It has been a pleasure. Thank you for all that you do for kids.
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I would have to say that Ron Clark certainly became the flash in the pan for NU this year! To me, it seems to be as a district we have latched onto something here and made a much bigger deal out of it than I would have expected! I think having the oppurtunity to hear Ron Clark in person is what really makes you take his rules to heart and want to make use of them some how. Again, Dave is so right- they are common sense rules but Ron Clark has reminded us that we often take common sense for granted or we become tired of explaining common sense and need the reminder. For me, Ron Clark's rules have refreshed and inspired me to look at "rules" again. Ron Clark reminded me that "Hey don't assume kids get it because I think it is commone sense". I was revived to take a new approach to rules not at all because I read Ron's book (which was many years ago) but because I got to experience Ron Clark in person. 5th Grade came together as a team to actually discuss and define what are expectations of 5th graders are in our classrooms, in the hallway, etc. and we came up with common rules and language as a 5th grade team. And this was based on and inspired by Ron Clark. I think the biggest thing I bring away is the fact that I sat down to think about "rules" which I can't say I have analyzed for awhile.
ReplyDeleteI would never have just "picked up" the Ron Clark book to read, primarily because it seemed to be for elementary teachers. I am so glad I read it! It helped me realize that some "old-fashioned" ideas about kindness, consideration, respect, politeness, are not only important, but teachable. I am sorry more of my high school colleagues were not involved because it limited some dialog I would like to have had with respect to older students. Our chemistry teacher was able to hear him in person, so I can continue to converse with her, and we can remind each other, about changes we can make. I was reminded to look at each student as an individual. With 115 or so students each day, this is not an easy task, but being aware of the need makes me put forth more effort. In my opinion, at the high school we don't find the time to talk with each other about ways to improve our school. I am not sure what to do to change this since time restrictions involving things like sports, drama, In The Know, etc. after school limit some options for dialog. Again, I do not think I will forget some of the "lessons" I have learned, but will keep the book handy to remind myself - just to be sure I remember. Thanks to both of you for arranging this opportunity. I think the blogging option gave me time to do this class on "my time" and that helped, too. You have been good leaders, and I do appreciate your time and effort.
ReplyDeleteThis book definitely reminds me that all the little things count and can make a HUGE difference to our students and those around us. Ron Clark’s book is one of those books that it wouldn’t hurt to reread from time to time, just to remind ourselves of the things that we take for granted. In order for our students to be ready for the 21st century, we have to prepare them to be able to communicate and function well in the real world. With my kindergarteners, I make sure they know I accept only their best with no exceptions. I also make sure to model good manners and to have my students use good manners. I make sure that they are respectful of myself and others. It is so important to install these characteristics at a young age so they can continue to learn and grow with high expectations for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI think Ron Clark is not a trend but rather something that will "stick." It reminds me of how school used to be for me growing up. We had to show respect to our teachers, princpals, parents, elders, etc. When we saw someone in the hallway - we were EXPECTED to say something rather than putting our head down and ignoring the person. I think his ideas are common sense and our students do not know how to follow these rules unless we teach them. Seeing Ron Clark in person was amazing and I will always remember that experience. This blog has been wonderful and refreshing. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI am gald I got in on this blog - I didn't think I would like it. Reading this book has certainly started discussions that I wouldn't have been a part of otherwise, and reflecting on our teaching methods is always a good thing, right? I know I needed some recharging and this book and blog helped me along. Thank you all. I don't know what the ongoing impact will be on the whole but one small change has permanently happened in my room. I have added a number 5 to my class rules. I stole Ron Clark's words from rule #48 about bullying.
ReplyDeleteThe thing the thing that sticks in my mind when I think of Ron Clark’s book is how he stressed how he has to keep “teaching” his students what his expectations are instead of assuming they already know. I know when I came back to teaching after being away for many years, it took me a long time to realize just how much teaching needed to be done before students truly knew what was expected of them, not only behaviorally, but socially, as well. I agree with Susan, that this book is one that should be revisited from time to time to refresh the ideas he presents. I wish I could have seen him in person, as others did. I am sure he made a lasting impression and provided inspiration to keep developing rules that fit individual classrooms.
ReplyDeleteThis is the second time I have read this book, it was given to us at the middle school many years ago. Even though it seems like common sense it needs to be touched on in the classroom. I agree with with others that if I had not seen him I would not have taken as much away from this experience. His energy more than anything has inspired me.
ReplyDeleteI got was given Ron Clark's book several years ago but never read it. I didn't go to hear him speak because I didn't know anything about him. When the 5th grade teachers started talking about him this year, I decided to read the book. I REALLY liked it!!! I enjoyed this book study, especially reading everyone's comments.
ReplyDeleteThe way the book impacted me the most is that it reinforced my belief that we should expect good behavior and strong effort out of students. If we don't expect much out of students, we don't get much. We shouldn't ever lower our standards in these areas.
I was inspired by Ron Clark after watching the movie, The Ron Clark Story. That then got me interested in learning more about him so I read his books. Like Danae said, I was amazed to see how much more he had impacted me after seeing him in person! I really don't think this idea Ron Clark will go away. I have been amazed with how different the atmosphere at NUES has changed since talking about Ron Clark and discussing his rules. I feel more energized about what I am teaching in my classroom as well as the energy from other teachers in the building. As a 5th grade team we sat down and came up with some rules to implement this year. I have seen some positive changes in how the 5th graders respond to those rules and also how we as a team stick to the rules. I have really enjoyed reading everyone's comments and suggestions and I am confident that great things will continue to happen here at NU!
ReplyDelete"Ron Clark" rules are just common sense rules of getting along in life. I think we just expect children to understand these rules of getting along and being polite, etc. When I first started teaching, I didn't have to stress these basic rules so much because the children seemed to understand their boundaries and had already been taught these ideas at home and church and with family friends. I don't think kids today have the same foundation and ideas and behaviors shown to them like we did in the past. Therefore, we as teachers are the ones who are teaching these skills. Ron Clark's ideas will not be here today and gone tomorrow because we must always be teaching children how to get along with others in a community setting. We can use his ideas to guide us as a group of educators to stay the course with our students. In the long run, it will make our lives easier and make school a happier place to be for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI feel there is a greater sense of pride prevalent in our building this year, and such an appropriate time to institute the “Wildcat Way”. It seems as if the teachers and students are ready for some of these common sense practices Ron Clark has utilized. Although we may not fully agree with all of his rules we all understand the importance of high expectations for ourselves and our students. Reading Clark’s Rules and ideas reinforced what I already understand and reminded me that there is more I can do to teach my students to expect more of themselves and learn skills that will help them in life. A couple of changes I have made are in how I encourage students to return their books, and how I reward them for hard work. They are changes that don’t make extra work for me, and can potentially help students be more responsible and incorporate better manners into their everyday lives. I have enjoyed this book and don’t see it as something we will read and forget. I have appreciated the thoughts of other a great deal.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kathy, I needed a recharge, and this book is inspirational enough to do that. It gets the wheels spinning, whether or not you agree with it, and it forces you to reflect on your own teaching.
ReplyDeleteAs for what "sticks" in my mind, I agree with Debbie Barnes- making sure my expectations are clear, concrete and concise. Set clear and high expectations and children WANT to rise to them.
As for this whole experience, I really enjoyed reading and sharing with colleagues. I did find it difficult to converse via blog, I'd like to discuss it more in person. I know it's hard and would require more of a time commitment, but even getting together in small groups to discuss material every week/2 weeks would be beneficial; at least for me. I'm able to focus better with in-person discussions.
Reading the Essential 55 and listening to Ron Clark speak this summer has helped me to understand that we need to guide our students into making good choices and show them how to become good leaders and role models for their peers. Brooke Keever said in a meet a few weeks ago that we "assume that our kids know better." I can totally relate to that. I took for granted that my own kids, and the students that I teach, did know better. However, I realize now that these essential rules need to be introduced and continually reinforced. I think, as a school district we have laid a foundation for those "essential rules" through the Wildcat Way, Second Step, 21st century expectations, and Ron Clark's advice. I think we will continue to build on those things and others. This is only my second year in the district, but I have noticed this year, compared to last, students show a great pride in themselves and the school they attend. I think there is a lot to say for that and I truly feel we are headed in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteLike Lindsey, this book has "taken me back" to how things were in school when I was a child. I think that Ron Clark and this book study are bringing something great to our district, and we can continue to build upon them. One major way that this book has impacted me is taking the time for the behavioral "teaching moments." I have been so into academics the past couple of years, and how my students need to be able to achieve at the level of a typical student, that I have let other important teaching moments take a "back-seat." Since starting this book study, I have been using behavioral concerns in the classroom as teaching moments for my students. This may take a couple of minutes away from the lesson, but hopefully the students will learn valuable lessons, and they will take what they have learned and use it in other areas of school and outside of school. Although it is taking time away from teaching now, hopefully it will help my classroom run more efficiently and effectively as the year goes on, and then I will have less and less interruptions throughout the year. While participating in this group, there are many great ideas that I have learned about. It will take time to implement some of these, but there are others that I have already starting using. This book study was great to be a part of. Thank you everyone for the great ideas!
ReplyDeleteRon Clark’s rules remind me so much of how I grew up and what was expected of me. I needed to read something inspiring about a teacher having success with strong moral values without a label such as we are doing ____________ plan this year. The big thing is sharing expectations like Debbie and a few others have stated, sometimes I take for granted that someone might already know something since it is common language or procedure for me. So, I need to remember to spell things out more. As for blogging, not really my style, it might be convenient but I don’t like to sit in front of the computer more than I have to and would do much better face to face with others. All in all, I hope we can walk away from this experience with our spirits and passion lifted because as stressful as our job may be, it is the greatest job in the world and you could definitely tell Ron Clark was feeling that way too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Debbie that there seems to be a greater sense of pride in our school building this year since implementing the “Wildcat Way.” Even though I feel some of his rules are a bit “picky” they all boil down to manners and common courtesy... things children used to come to school knowing. Many of today’s students do not have the same foundation that students had when I first started teaching. Ron Clark’s rules will not be here and gone tomorrow because we must help teach students how to get along with others not only in school but as a member of society.
ReplyDeleteI really don’t think that Ron Clark is one of those fads. We may go on to looking at another method like Dave mentioned, but I don’t see Ron Clark’s Rules as teaching methods – I see them as a way of life. The rules show how we should treat others and what is most important when interacting with others. I have really enjoyed the book and book study because I’ve had the chance to hear the opinions and ideas of others who try to do the best for kids every day.
ReplyDeleteI watched the movie "The Ron Clark Story" a few years ago and was blown away by his committment and love of teaching. I remember thinking to myself how much I wanted to be like him. When the opportunity arose for me to go listen to him speak in August, I jumped! Listening to him put such an excitement inside of me and I hope to keep that going as long as I am teaching. Reading the book has broke his teachings down for me even more. I agree with Jess B. when she said she thinks about the way she was raised and that's what I go back to as well. I read his essential 55's, and I think about my parents teaching me how to behave and always pushing me to do my best. I realize not everybody was raised with the same standards, so it may be up to the teachers to instill a lot of life rules into our students. I also agree with Erica and how she said she doesn't think this is a fad, it is a way of life. I hope to keep instilling these teachings into my students so they will learn to live life by respecting others and expecting the most out of themselves.
ReplyDeleteThe most important things to me are, always keep a postive atitude, give praise whenever you can, never give up on your students, do not be afraid to try new things, because we might be the last person that believes in them. Important messages in life too:)
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Ron Clark until a BLT meeting last spring when Dave & Vickie said they'd like the team to go. I figured I could use the CEUs, so I signed up. Ron is a dynamic speaker, and he has worked magic in his school. I guess the biggest change for me is that I don't feel so out of place with some of the things I do. Like many have written, I was brought up in an environment where his "rules" were givens, and many of them are just part of who I am. It's empowering to feel that manners and kindness are back in style and should be taught & expected. I enjoy the focus on the positive because, you get what you reinforce.
ReplyDeleteThis book has reinforced the way that I was raised! I told Dave last year, that I may be getting old and old-fashioned about some things, but I am NOT going to have kids be disrespectful of the adults in our building and get away with it. When I was a kid, we didn't think of being disrespectful or talking back to our teachers...or parents. I have read some of the rules and explanations from the book to my kids. Tomorrow I am bringing down the poster and going back over the expectations in my classes. I plan to ask what they need to have explained again, remodeled, or talked through again. I might just read them the sections from the book that these expectations we have in our 5th grade rooms came from. It is a new 9 weeks, a fresh start, and I want it to be even better than the last nine weeks!
ReplyDeleteI think the "whole" building/s/district "buy in" of Ron Clark is making a huge difference in our students as a whole. They are being taught to respect, what that is, what responsibility is, why we do things a certain way, and how it makes sense to be kind to others, be responsible. Like most of you, we just assume they know these things because we do!
For me, it all started when Rick Smith stood on a chair and applauded the hard work we do as teachers on opening day. Never had a feeling of worth like that day! I told him that. I try to revisit that day and feeling when I am stressed or down. THAT was my recharging! I have enjoyed this more that I thought I would. I am always late to post, but have enjoyed it!
I think that the one thing this book has reminded me of is to never take for granted a child knows how to do something you expect...it's always explicit training. I wish we could count on families to teach manners and to expect respect, but unfortunately that looks different to everyone. I hope that this book helps build a climate where at least here at school we have trained children to be respectful and responsible, so that as we send them into the world they are models for others. It's hard in our day to day world to see us making a difference, but I like to believe that the seeds we plant now will blossom some day, even if we don't have the pleasure of seeing it...and that truly is what this book has emphasized to me-our job is important and what we do matters!
ReplyDeleteRon Clark's theories and beliefs about education have made an impact on my thought process in many ways. I believe that my rules were adequate as a base, but that I need accentuate more "manners" and behaviors that are going to carry into adulthood. I also believe that making a family-like situation in the classroom has changed my thought process with discipline to an extent. PTL for the fact that I don't have 130 13 and 14 year olds in my family, but there have been times when I have started to become perturbed with a student and then the thought pops into my head, "What if they were a family member, how would I handle it?". I think that not every one of the 55 essentials will translate for every grade level, but the concepts behind them will certainly go far to creating an engaging, energetic, respectful and EXCELLENT school!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Connie that some of the rules seem picky. But I think the reason it seemed like that to me is that most of the rules teach behaviors that were just the way you were expected to behave when I wss growing up. Teachers were treated with respect and there wasn't any other option tolerated. Now many children do not have any one to model or teach respect manners or a work ethic. This now means that the schools must step in and teach all these "picky" rules if we want our children to excel and move forward in society successfully.
ReplyDeleteRon Clark and his book, has had a significant impact on me. His passion for teaching and learning has reminded me of why I became a teacher. With all of the stresses that come with teaching, it is important that we stay motivated and remember why we do what we do. Seeing Ron Clark in person allowed me to get a real sense for his excitement of helping student grow. This will undoubtedly have a long- lasting impact on me. In my classroom and in our school, what has changed is that we are clearly stating what we expect of students, not just assuming they already know. I love the sense of pride I feel and see when students recite “The Wildcat Way Pledge”. It seems to have had a positive impact on our students. I hope that students are learning that these expectations we have of them are important and will speak highly of their character. At home I tell my own children, “That is not the Wildcat Way,” reminding them that good behavior is expected everywhere they go! I hope our students are realizing this too-and I believe they are! I have truly enjoyed reading the book, thinking about the questions, and reading all of the comments. Thank you for the experience!
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Brooke's post completely. Ron Clark's passion for learning and belief that all children are teachable is inspirational. I am definitely motivated by him. I think I will model more and not assume that my students will just know how to handle a situation. I think a lot more learning takes place if the classroom environment is conducive to learning. I love that his students know that he wants them to be successful and that he cares about them. I agree with Kristy that sometimes I need to take time out of my hectic schedule to focus on areas where a valuable life lesson may be learned. My students love the Wildcat Way Pledge and I hope we continue this. I agree with Debbie and Ashley that there is a sense of pride in the building and a more positive attitude from both students and teachers this year. I love seeing the students more respectful of others and proud of themselves. I liked blogging because it worked well with my schedule and I felt like everyone's opinions could be shared equally. I also want to say that I appreciate everyone in the district who makes a positive impact on our students and sets high expectations for them! Thank you for all of your hard work!
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