I love professional learning days. 50% of you probably think that I'm crazy for that stance but that's about the amount that thinks that of me on a daily basis. Yes, it's a lot of work, planning etc. but I am always amazed at where the learning leads. Today was no different. I found myself in a session at the end of the day today discussing how we can embed study skills into our daily lessons. The takeaway for me was far greater than just study skills being embed into lessons.
The conversation two teachers and I found ourselves engaged in evolved over time. We talked about using the entire lesson cycle, how we don't have to start teaching a concept on grade-level from the word go. Then, the big "WOW!" moment of the day. Learning standards are where we are going, the ultimate objective of the learning and too often we approach them as if they were the point of origin for our teaching. The timing couldn't have been better for this reminder/realization for me. We talk so much about rigor, holding kids to high standards and using higher order thinking skills that we often times forget that Bloom's pyramid couldn't be built without a stable base. It's ok for us to scaffold. It's ok to start by teaching a concept below grade level. In fact, one of the best lessons I ever taught on note-taking (a study skill by the way) began with a hook and some modeling from me using "Green Eggs and Ham" as my model. Let go of the myth that learning standards are a point of origin. Let go of the myth that everything you do must be at or above grade level. Above all, remember that we have to meet kids where they're at and most of them don't come preprogrammed with all that they need. Learning standards aren't where you are, they're your destination. It's where you need to be at the end of the journey, not the gas that should already be in your car when you set out.
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Elected Officials of Texas,
My name is Jeff Lahey and I'm one of many people employed in Texas public schools. To be more specific, I'm a high school Assistant Principal in the DFW area. It seems that you and I have more in common than what can be seen on the surface. The majority of you will be elected to serve within the great State of Texas, and some of you will serve at the national level. The key here is that all of you, like all of us in public schools, will perform our duties by serving others. I have the highest respect for each of you, regardless of your political affiliations, beliefs or the position you take on the "issues." Your service is at the core of what makes the United States function. You represent the great people of this nation who come from all walks of life. You're asked to make decisions that you know will not meet with 100% approval and you will undoubtedly be subject to great amounts of public ridicule while serving as an elected official. It's unfortunate that this has become the reality of your job. The thing I don't understand is why it feels like there is such a giant disconnect between those of us who represent public schools in Texas and those of you who serve as elected officials. It seems to me as though we ought to be as close to "professional kindred spirits" as can exist. You see, we too serve in a role that is essential to the fabric of society and the American Republic. Our nations only hope for growth and prosperity lies within an educated citizenry. We, the dedicated professionals in Texas' public school systems answer that call every day much in the same way each of you aims to serve the great men and women of this country. I hear all the time that our inputs are not considered because by and large, educators are not actively voting in elections. While this may or may not be true, it misses the simple point that I made earlier; an educated citizenry is essential to the fabric of society and the American Republic. Education shouldn't be a political issue, it should be an issue of state and national prosperity. Yes, everyone in every profession should vote more often than they do, including me. Whether I do or don't shouldn't be a consideration when determining education budgets and policies, the future of our great state and nation should. With a new Texas Legislative session quickly approaching, I would like to challenge all of you, regardless of whether you have an (R), (D), (I), (L) or any other letter next to your name to do the following two things:
I'm not one to ask for something without giving in return. If each of you would be willing to work on those two things, I vow to do the following and get as many in our great profession to do the same:
Thank you for the time and effort you will give to our great state. Thank you for being willing to serve in a role that will always have its supporters and detractors. Above all, thank you for your consideration of a healthy public education system that will ensure we "promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity." Jeff Lahey Public Educator |
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January 2020
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