The Importance of Tradition and History

Sometimes when the workload piles up, it's easy to overlook the significance of tradition and history for the administrator. Yet, these pillars form the bedrock upon which educational institutions have been built and continue to thrive. Let’s delve into why honoring tradition and history is crucial in shaping the future of education.

Tradition in education encompasses a myriad of practices, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down through generations. I'm not talking about the "used to bes" that we all hear from time to time. The idea that "We used to do this" or "We used to be so much better". That is not tradition. That is someone's desire to be better without a plan for how. Many times however, I would have to agree with Neil Diamond in his duet with Barbara Streisand when he sings, "But used-to-bes don't count anymore, they just lay on the floor 'til we sweep them away".

Though that may be the case Neil, there are some traditions and history that should remain. Take, for example, the rituals surrounding graduation ceremonies. The cap and gown, the solemn procession, the handing over of diplomas. These traditions evoke a sense of accomplishment and continuity, connecting today’s graduates with those who came before them. Such rituals instill a sense of pride, belonging, and respect for the institution and its values.

History, on the other hand, provides context and perspective. Every educational institution has a story to tell. It important for the leadership to be good stewards of the story because this narrative shapes the institution’s identity and sets the course for its future.

Knowing and understanding this history allows students and educators alike to appreciate the challenges and triumphs of the past. It instills a sense of responsibility to carry forward the values that have guided the institution through decades or even centuries. Values like integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence can be rooted in that history. 

Recently I became the Superintendent of one of the oldest school districts in the State of California. That history was unknown to those around me. When I talked about my discovery, there was a sense of pride that began to develop. We are now caretakers of that history that started before the Civil War in 1857. This history creates an opportunity for students and staff to connect with those long since past that walked the halls and faced similar challenges becoming ambassadors for the institution. 

While tradition and history provide a solid foundation, they should not stifle innovation. Education, by its very nature, must adapt to meet the needs of a changing world. Innovations in technology, pedagogy, and curriculum are essential to preparing students for the challenges of the future. In a phrase, we are either expanding or contracting. There is no in between. By understanding what has worked in the past and why, educators can build upon that foundation to create new and effective approaches to teaching and learning.

I love the history of education. I guess I am a nerd in that way. I see tradition and history as guiding lights that illuminate the path forward, not just relics of the past. It reminds us of our roots, anchors us in shared values, and unites us in a common purpose. Let us learn from the lessons of history and honor the legacies that have shaped our present. By doing so, we ensure that future generations will inherit not only knowledge and skills but also a deep appreciation for the timeless principles that underpin a truly transformative education.

Until next time...

A Continuous Cycle of Improvement

At the core of sustained school leadership lies a commitment to a continuous cycle of improvement. Effective leaders understand that the journey to excellence is ongoing and dynamic. The leader should place importance on fostering a culture where feedback is not only welcomed but actively sought, creating an environment where both leaders and educators engage in reflective practices to refine their strategies and methodologies continually.

At the most basic level, of course, is data. As a leader, it is crucial to collect data points that have meaning. Collecting data and developing reports take time away from other tasks. Therefore, thought should be put toward what type of data you want to see and be able to interpret. 

Data that was always important to me as a high school principal were attendance, discipline, and grade data (though this is very subjective). These are the Big 3 as I call them. If you are not looking at these, then you should. 

First, if kids are not in school, then achievement will drop. Look at chronic attendance rates. If they are high, then your school has a challenge. Begin parent meetings to make a plan for how to get the students to school. When students are in school they will achieve more. 

Next, look at your discipline reports. If certain students are having challenges, find out why. Get to the root of the problem and interrupt the cycle. 

Finally, look at grade data. Look deep into the progressions. Compare the grades to achievement on local benchmarks. What I have found many times is that grades do not align with achievement. 

Of course, there are plenty of data points that can be collected, but the Big 3 are the most important place to start. These should be regular reports that are reviewed by the site leadership team. 

Until next time...

Stand in Your Truth

To "stand in your truth" means to lead with authenticity, honesty, and integrity. It entails staying true to your values, beliefs, and principles, even in the face of challenges or pressure to conform. Authenticity fosters trust and respect among colleagues, staff, students, and the broader school community.

"The Emperor's Club" (2002) is another excellent movie that aligns with the theme of "Stand in Your Truth." Directed by Michael Hoffman, the film is based on the short story "The Palace Thief" by Ethan Canin.

In the movie, a teacher, William Hundert, played by Kevin Kline, imparts important life lessons to his students at a prestigious all-boys preparatory school. The narrative explores themes of integrity, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. It provides a compelling example of standing in one's truth and the impact it can have on personal and ethical development.

School leaders who stand in their truth are transparent in their actions and decisions. They communicate openly about their intentions, rationales, and expectations. This transparency helps build a culture of open dialogue and shared understanding within the school environment.

Authenticity enables leaders to build genuine connections with others. By showing vulnerability and being genuine, school leaders can relate to the diverse needs and experiences of students, teachers, parents, and stakeholders. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and unity.

A literature reference that aligns with the concept of "Stand in Your Truth" is "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd. In this novel, the protagonist, Lily Owens, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, facing her past and confronting truths about herself and her family. The narrative emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and standing in one's truth for personal growth.

Until next time...

You can’t apply Logic to Illogical Situations

Leaders often find themselves faced with challenges that defy the bounds of conventional logic. The complexities of educational institutions, coupled with the dynamic nature of human interactions, create an environment where illogical situations can become the norm rather than the exception. In these moments, the adage holds true: "You can't apply logic to illogical situations." This section explores the nuances of such scenarios and provides insights for leaders on how to navigate these uncharted waters.

Illogical situations in the realm of education can manifest in various forms. Whether dealing with conflicting stakeholder interests, navigating bureaucratic obstacles, or addressing unforeseen crises, leaders must recognize that not every challenge can be solved through linear, rational thinking. These situations often involve the human element, emotions, and unpredictable variables that defy straightforward solutions.

A movie that reflects the concept of "You can’t apply Logic to Illogical Situations" is "MAS*H" (1970), directed by Robert Altman. The film is set during the Korean War and follows the staff of a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. The characters often face illogical and absurd situations, and their responses reflect the challenge of applying traditional logic amid chaos.

While logic is an indispensable tool in a leader's toolkit, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations. In illogical situations, the straightforward cause-and-effect relationships that logic relies on may be disrupted. Leaders must resist the temptation to force a logical framework onto every problem and instead embrace a more adaptive and nuanced approach.

Illogical situations often evoke strong emotions among stakeholders. Leaders equipped with high emotional intelligence can navigate these waters more effectively. Recognizing and empathizing with the diverse perspectives and emotions at play allows leaders to build trust and foster collaborative problem-solving, even in the face of apparent chaos.

In illogical situations, rigidity can be a leader's worst enemy. A successful leader must be flexible and adaptable, willing to pivot strategies as circumstances evolve. While logic seeks consistency and order, adaptability enables leaders to thrive amidst uncertainty, responding to the dynamic nature of educational environments.

A literature reference that aligns with the concept of "You can’t apply Logic to Illogical Situations" is "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller. While not directly related to education, the novel is a satirical exploration of the absurdities and contradictions in wartime bureaucracy. The phrase "catch-22" itself represents a paradoxical and illogical situation, illustrating the challenges of applying conventional logic in certain contexts.

Effective communication becomes paramount in illogical situations. Leaders must not only convey information clearly but also inspire confidence, address concerns, and navigate through the emotional landscape. Communication strategies should be tailored to the specific context, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by illogical scenarios.

In the journey of school leadership, leaders will inevitably encounter situations that defy logic. Recognizing the limits of logic, embracing emotional intelligence, staying adaptable, and mastering strategic communication are key components of successfully navigating these uncharted waters. By doing so, leaders can transform seemingly illogical challenges into opportunities for growth, learning, and positive change within their educational communities.

Until next time...

The Golden Rule

Leadership is often seen as the pursuit of results, the drive for progress, and the endless quest for improvement. However, an element sometimes overlooked is the foundational principle of treating employees with respect and kindness. This approach, deeply rooted in the Golden Rule – "Treat others as you would like to be treated" – can transform the workplace into a thriving hub of productivity and positivity. Remember those wise words from the 80s? "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears might just be the anthem for leaders aspiring to create a harmonious work environment. So, let's break down why this isn't just a nice idea but a crucial one for successful leadership.

First, consider the workplace as a reflection of those epic 80s movies like "The Breakfast Club." Spoiler alert if you haven't seen the film. Maybe pick it up from Blockbuster on your way home tonight. Great movie but I digress. In this cinematic gem, a group of high school students from different cliques are forced to spend a Saturday in detention. Throughout the day, they discover that despite their differences, they share similar struggles and desires for acceptance and respect. This lesson is just as applicable to modern workplaces. A leader who treats their team with respect and kindness fosters a sense of belonging and unity. Just as the characters in "The Breakfast Club" broke down their barriers, employees are more likely to collaborate effectively when they feel valued and respected.

Moreover, kindness and respect are the secret ingredients to employee engagement. Imagine you’re living in a world where "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds plays every time you walk into the office. In this world, each employee feels recognized and appreciated. When leaders show genuine respect, it boosts morale and motivates employees to go above and beyond. This is not merely a feel-good sentiment; it has tangible benefits. Research consistently shows that workplaces with high levels of employee engagement see lower turnover rates, higher productivity, and better overall performance.

On the flip side, the absence of respect can lead to a cascade of negative outcomes. Think of the classic 80s villain, Biff Tannen from "Back to the Future." His character embodies what happens when leaders, or in his case, bullies, rule with an iron fist and a lack of empathy. Such an environment breeds fear and resentment, which stifles creativity and initiative. Instead of looking forward to coming to work, employees dread it, and the quality of work inevitably suffers.

Furthermore, the Golden Rule isn’t just a moral guideline; it’s a practical strategy. When leaders treat their employees as they would like to be treated, it creates a culture of reciprocity. This mutual respect leads to better communication, as employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback without fear of retribution. The result is a more innovative and agile organization, capable of adapting to changes and overcoming challenges.

Adopting the Golden Rule in leadership isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the wisdom of the past. It’s a powerful, effective way to build a successful and harmonious workplace. By treating employees with respect and kindness, leaders can cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and engaged. So, channel your inner 80s hero, watch The Breakfast Club, and lead with kindness. After all, in the words of the great Cyndi Lauper, "Time After Time," the best leaders are those who respect and uplift their teams, creating a legacy of success and fulfillment for everyone involved.

Until next time...

If you get in the middle of a mud fight...

My Father always told me, "If you get in the middle of a mud fight, you are going to get dirty." This has proven to be true throughout my career. 

A mud fight is a chaotic and messy affair, where participants are embroiled in a battle to fling mud at one another. Similarly, the educational landscape can be a figurative mud fight, with diverse stakeholders having different perspectives and expectations. The administrator, occupying the central position, must constantly face multiple challenges.

As the primary player in the fight, school administrators must advocate for the interests of students. Each student comes with unique needs, aspirations, and backgrounds. To cater to their academic, emotional, and social growth, administrators must strike a delicate balance between discipline and empathy, ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all.

Add to the mud fight the parents who are critical stakeholders in a student's education. They often have strong opinions about the school's policies, curriculum, and disciplinary actions. As an administrator, they must act as a bridge between parents and teachers, addressing concerns while maintaining the institution's integrity.

Then we add to the mix the school's teaching staff that represents another dimension of the mud fight. They may have varying teaching styles, methodologies, and personal beliefs. Navigating these differences requires administrators to be effective leaders who inspire collaboration and foster a shared vision for the school's success.

Many times, the administrator stands between a student and a teacher. Not in defense of either one, but it still positioned in the middle. Much like a referee in a mud fight, they are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that all parties involved in the education ecosystem coexist harmoniously. However, their job is not without challenges, as they often find themselves in the middle of various conflicts, controversies, and complexities. 

Like tightrope walkers, school administrators must maintain equilibrium amidst the swirling chaos. They face the risk of getting "dirty" from the mud flung from all directions if they do not employ tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.

Until next time...

Mindfulness

Attached to the epidemic of mental health in education is Mindfulness. In the late 1990’s this term began to rise in popularity with the merging of Buddhism and Western Psychology. In a nutshell, Mindfulness means living in the present moment. Simply put, it is being intentionally awake and more aware to each moment and your surroundings, with out judgement. For kids, that last past is where the project ends. 

Before mobile phones, there was plenty of mindfulness. Many adults can remember the days when a waiting room was a different place. Today, everyone is engaged in a device yet, when I was young, I had to be alone with my brain. Every now and then I may have seen a magazine to thumb through, but mostly, it was a bore. I was stuck with myself, having to wait. 

The point was, before the term ‘mindfulness’, there was plenty of time to be mindful. When you were told to wait, you waited. If there was nothing to read, then you people watched. Simple. On the other hand, today kids and adult are glued to the powerful device in their hands. They are getting the latest update by some insignificant social media personality or following some storyline of an online drama case. In other words, engagement in fantasy worlds.

This lack of mindfulness, in my opinion, is the root cause of many of our mental health problems in the youth today. That of course coupled with the violent video games, television shows, or news programs that focus on negative. Look at the television line-up on any given night and you will see shows like The Kardashians, Locked Up Abroad, Trafficked, Love is Blind, To Catch A Smuggler, Making a Murderer, CSI, Cops, Jail, and America’s Dumbest Criminals. The list is endless and could continue. With a lineup of shows like this, it is no wonder that mindfulness is lacking and we have challenges in our system today.  

Until next time...