Removing Barriers and Hurdles

Remember when SmartBoards were all the rage?

Schools rushed to get these to every school, sometimes because they saw them as beneficial, and sometimes because the school across the way wanted them.

I will be the first to admit, I was on the SmartBoard train.  To this day, I still believe that every learning space should have access to a projector (or some type of screen), and audio. These are absolutes.  But did we need a SmartBoard?  I was an advocate at a much different time in my career, while others thought they were nothing more than a glorified way to lecture.  This is always a good reminder of where I have come from in my thinking, but also to empathize that people are at different places.

But this isn’t about the validity of SmartBoards. This is about the process of implementation.

Do you remember the “portable SmartBoard”? The hope was that each teacher would get a chance to use this, but the slightest bump of the board or the projector would lead you to the dreaded recalibration process.  You would have to stop right in the middle of the class to set up this board.

The majority of people hated the process, but some didn’t have an issue with jumping the hurdle. The portable SmartBoard that was meant to be used by many, was kept in the room of the few because only a few people would jump this step.

Yet, when the SmartBoards were mounted, use went up.  No pulling in on the cart, no setting up, and no recalibration. It was there and ready to go.

PLEASE!!! Do not take this as a pro-SmartBoard post.

This is a pro-remove-the-barriers post.

The more hoops people have to jump through, the more people you lose along the way.

If you want something happening in the classroom, remove every barrier you can to make it the norm, not the exception.

SmartBoards might not have been (or be) the best learning tool, but it doesn’t mean we couldn’t learn something from the process.

• August 22, 2010 SmartBoard Implementation Program
• July 16, 2016 “EdTech” is a Leadership Position
• September 19, 2011 Are we asking the right questions?
• June 13, 2010 A Technology Plan Based on Differentiated Learning
• December 5, 2016 Never Hold a Learner Back Based on What You Don’t Know

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Classroom Visits #500c

This past school year I accepted the #500c challenge (thank you @eduleadership!): visit 500 classrooms over the course of the school year. In making visits part of my daily routine, I had been in 500 classrooms by December. Being in classrooms as an administrator has school-wide benefits that shouldn’t need much explaining, so I’ll briefly highlight only a few. An admin presence in classrooms can:

• proactively and/or subconsciously pre-empt decision making and behaviors that do not meet expectations
• make the evaluative process and conversations more authentic
• close the “us v them” gap between teachers and admin, building trust
• provide a finger on the pulse of the school, potentially leading to more efficiently proposed expectations and directives

With all the time I spent in classrooms this year, I began realizing that it is not an independent experience conducted in a vaccuum; the perception and impact are influenced by the culture and climate of your building. Here are some examples, in no particular order:

#1 What’s he doing here? vs What can he do while he’s here? One view is defensive, and may seek counsel from the building union rep, while the other view is collaborative and is gracious for the extra set of eyes for reflective purposes, hands for instructional purposes, or both!

#2 Why isn’t he in the office handling discipline? vs He’s out in the building minimizing discipline. One view sees discipline as a reactive approach that needs administration anchored in the office, while the other sees discipline as a proactive approach with administration out and about modeling and enforcing expectations.

#3 What if he sees a lesson that wasn’t my best? vs I’m glad he’ll see all these great lessons! One view is very private, and wants to shield the big bad administrator from seeing an imperfection, while the other takes comfort in knowing there will be numerous data points to support the teacher’s professional self-perception.

#4 (variation of #3) I hope he doesn’t see a lesson that isn’t my best… vs I hope he sees a lesson that isn’t my best! One view wants to sweep areas of improvement under the rug, while the other is eager to learn, build, and grow in said area.

#5 Doesn’t he have any work to do? vs My instruction and the learning in my classroom are a priority, and are his work. One view thinks administrators have no work to do (or don’t do any work), so they just stroll through the building looking to meddle in teachers’ business, while the other view is appreciative that they and their work are a valued commodity in the learning environment.

Teachers, I respectfully request that you leverage the luxury of another education professional in your classroom. Administrators, I urge you to be a physical presence in your building. Upper Administrators, I implore you to allow the lower Administrators to serve from the inside and out: office, hallways, and classrooms.

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Simple Microwave Lemon Curd

Microwave Lemon Curd couldn’t be easier, or more delicious. It’s perfect for topping yogurt, ice cream, cheesecake and so much more!

If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, you are well aware of the fact that I am a sucker for lemon desserts.

From lemon lime cupcakes and glazed lemon blueberry bread to this microwave lemon curd, I’m all about lemons – all summer long.

If you’re a lemon lover and have never made homemade lemon curd, print this recipe, head to the store, grab yourself a bunch of lemons, and get to making this microwave lemon curd.

(more…)

The post Simple Microwave Lemon Curd appeared first on My Baking Addiction.

        

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Platform – Clarke & Moody

Platform is a new mixed-used development by Aragon Properties coming soon to 2725 Clarke Street in Port Moody.  Platform will consist of 104 condos, townhomes, and live-work lofts, ranging from 560 to 1,570 square feet. Each home will feature, 9 foot ceilings, (Live-Work lofts will have 20 foot ceilings!!) bold interiors featuring industrial colour tone and natural materials. Continuing the industrial design, the kitchen will feature Black accented hardware, single large basin sink by Kohler, quartz countertops, and waterfall edge islands in some suites. The appliances feature a Bosch gas cooktop, oven and Dishwasher, combined by a counter depth Fisher and Playkel fridge.

Located in Central Port Moody, Platform is within walking distance of what the best of Port Moody has to offer.  Rocky Point with its waterfront trails and parks, Brewery row featuring some of the best breweries in the city, not to mention both the West Coast Express and Evergreen line getting you to Downtown and beyond in 30-40 minutes.

For more information on Platform, register with us today to be kept up to date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. & O. E. This is not an offering for sale. An offering for sale may only be made after filing a Disclosure Statement

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PMP:069 Entanglement & Why Messaging Matters

Invisibilia is a fascinating podcast about the invisible forces that affect us without us being aware. In a January 29, 2015 episode, the reporters narrating the episode were talking about a phenomenon known as “entanglement.” They began by describing a physics experiment where scientists have been able to isolate particle atoms in separate locations, change […]

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Do Something Today to Move in the Direction of Your Dreams

Walt Disney was fired by his newspaper editor because "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas." 

Reportedly, Albert Einstein was told as a child, "You will never amount to anything!"

Beethoven's music was not initially accepted by critics and one music teacher said, "as a composer, he is hopeless."

You've heard stories like these of famous failures. We see the incredible achievements of their lives, but we often forget the struggles they most definitely faced. We all face struggles. Most every person can relate to withstanding a biting critique or unfair assessment. 

And when we hear these voices expressing doubts about us, our abilities, and even our intentions, it can cause us to doubt ourselves, our worth, and our purpose in this world.

But often the voice that is most damaging to our future is the voice within us. It's our own shadow. We are often our own worst critics. Our internal voice says play it safe, don't take any chances, just stay comfortable.

Our shadow makes us hesitate. It generates fear in us that is paralyzing. We retreat to the familiar, the routine, the mundane.

But don't let your shadow steal your dream!

If you have a dream, don't put it off. If you feel a push to do something, make it happen. As Henry David Thoreau urged, "advance confidently in the direction of your dreams." Don't wait.

The shadow's push-back against your dreams will not relent unless you push-through and just go for it. Make something happen.

Over a year ago, I took the first step toward a dream I have of writing a book for educators. I wanted to write a book that would make a difference for classrooms and schools. I started. But then my own voice of discouragement slowed my progress. I was too busy (so I thought). My ideas were lacking (so I thought). I hesitated.

But I am determined to push through. I am determined to see this dream realized. Before I return to school in August, my new book will be published. My hope is that it will challenge and inspire educators to crush the status-quo so we can better prepare students for an unpredictable world. 

Cheesy photo to keep me focused!

I want to use my effort, enthusiasm, and experiences to strengthen our profession. I want to see stronger schools. I want to see more excitement for learning than ever before. I want to see students and teachers engaged and empowered by their school experience. That is my dream.

And I want the same for you. I want to see your talents and passions used to reach for your dreams. There will never be a perfect time. Your shadow always wants you to hesitate. Don't listen to your internal critic. Do something today to move in the direction of your dreams.

A body in motion tends to stay in motion. And a body at rest tends to stay at rest. If you are going to fulfill your purpose in life, you have to step forward in faith. You have to take risks. You can't play it safe. You have to take that first step now. 

As I make progress on finishing the book, I'll share some updates here on my blog. I'll give you a preview of the book and detailed plans for release. And I'll also ask for your help in sharing the news in your circles. 

Press on toward your dreams! 

Question: What are you going to do this summer to move in the direction of your dreams? I want to hear from you. Share your story of overcoming your shadow. Let's unleash our purpose and potential together. Leave a comment below or respond on Facebook or Twitter.

        

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Recognize, Rectify, Move Forward

I try to always find a line of pushing participants in my sessions in their learning, without pushing them off a ledge.  I want them to feel challenged, not defeated.  It is a tough line and sometimes I do well, and sometimes I struggle.

At a recent conference, I was challenging a participant and both of us were very passionate about our beliefs and thoughts on how we could help students. We had to end the session due to time, but I will tell you, it became heated, in what I believed was a good way.

Later at the conference, she was in another session of mine. This was a huge win for me as I knew she was very interested in what I was sharing. Again, we got into it. As she was speaking, I passionately jumped in and shared my thoughts, to where she said, “Can you actually let me share my thoughts without cutting me off?”

Immediately I said, “you are right…I totally cut you off and I apologize. My bad. Please continue to share.”

You see, I did not cut her off to be rude. I cut her off because I was passionate, but that passion led me to being rude to her.  When she made me aware, I apologized and we moved on.

She and I later sat down together over lunch, and I again apologized. What I noticed is that her thoughts on my subject had changed.  My belief was not because I changed her mind, but that she saw that I am in the same pursuit as her; to do what I can to help students.  Yet, I am not infallible.  I make mistakes in the pursuit of my growth, but I try my best to recognize, rectify, and then move forward.  She saw that and our conversations were much different after.

When I am brought into a conference and referred to as an “expert” on anything, I feel uncomfortable.  If you called me a passionate learner, I would be honoured.  I feel the people that we see as “experts” on anything, know that in whatever area they are deemed with that distinction, they have so much to learn and “expert” is a fleeting title.

In leadership and learning, it is necessary to own our mistakes and show that learning is a messy process with ups and downs.  As many people have shared, this image by Demetri Martin on what “success” looks like, but replace the word “success” with “learning”, and is it any different?

Adapted from original by Demetri Martin.

Just pay attention to the final direction of both arrows; they both move upward and onward.  When we realize that we are all just learning, acknowledging those “falls” quicker, can help us get back on the path we need to go.

• March 30, 2017 The Vulnerability of Learning
• April 7, 2016 From Average to Great
• January 30, 2016 3 Reasons Why All Learning is Personal
• January 16, 2016 What Success (and Learning) Really Looks Like
• May 7, 2013 The Dead-End Leader

Source: George Couros

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