Monthly Archives: January 2024

The Achievement Gap – Why does it start with a zip code, continues with testing and puts students to sleep…?

26 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in Achievement Gap, Fair and Equitable Education, Leader, Leadership, Students, Teachers, Value

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I’ll start this week’s blog with a quote. In his TedTalk, the late Ken Robinson said this with regard to educating students, “We shouldn’t be putting them to sleep; we should be waking them up to what they have inside of themselves!”

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For those who read my blogs, you have often heard me say that I believe education is one of the last facets of good that we can help right society. However…

While education is often characterized as a cornerstone of progress and helps shape the future, there are significant challenges in meeting the needs of students in the United States. The scope starts with disparities of inadequate funding and spans to outdated teaching methodologies. Look no further than our own educational region or state.

Until education can become fair and equitable, a local achievement gap will continue to exist. Our educational funds “seem” to be unequally distributed among schools. We can see that just in differrent school districts and counties across our own state. The achievement and funding gap between affluent and low-income populations is an issue many have questions about but never seem to have answers to. Think of it this way… Why should the zip code of where a person is born be a contributor of the impact of the education they will receive?

I also have often said that until education gets back to educating the whole child, we will continue to, as Ken Robinson said, “… putting them to sleep.” Is it too much testing? Testing has its merits, but at some point, I believe it becomes a hindrance. If testing is not high on Bloom’s Taxonomy, then all it does is create a narrow focus on memorization rather than “… waking them up to what they have inside of themselves!” But I need to digress here…

Let’s go big and talk quickly about the global achievement gap that exists. Yes, there is one, and it seems that many have their heads in the sand on this topic as well… our national K-12 education system is perceived to be failing. Other countries that have witnessed significant achievement gains prioritize equity and invest in education to bridge educational divides with their teachers and students.

Now, there have been recent strides, but I believe it’s more about how we teach instead of what we teach. If we do not have teachers who are motivated to teach, how will we ever get students motivated to learn? Until we begin to value a student for being a student, instead of a label based on their test scores, we will limit our ability to teach them and limit their ability to be valued. An opportunity to cultivate their learning experiences is what we should be striving for.

Yes, we have achievement gaps here and there, far and wide. We need education to be what it is intended for; to educate. Let’s help students learn, give them a reason to learn, “… waking them up to what they have inside of themselves!”

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

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The Value of Mercy…

19 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in Actions, Compassion, Educational Leadership, Empathy, Empower, Leader, Leadership, Mercy, Teachers, Trust

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With two days out for winter weather, we have been binge-watching the TV series Suits. The other night, this statement was made… “Mercy is from a position of strength.”

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As I heard that, I wondered how often leaders, even educational leaders and teachers, understand what that statement means. I often see many leaders who want to “flex” their leadership because they see it as their strength from the position without knowing how weak it makes them look.

Mercy is often regarded as a virtue associated with compassion and forgiveness. It is often seen as a leadership weakness. However, mercy holds a profound leadership characteristic. Leaders who are “flexing” emphasize authority, control, and managing mindsets. They never seem to understand mercy as a powerful testament to their leadership.

True leadership strength is not just making tough decisions; any “leader” can do that. But the ability to extend understanding and forgiveness shows power. Leaders who exhibit mercy understand the complexities of human nature and the inevitability of mistakes. Most people I know do not mess up on purpose. Why would they? Understanding mercy fosters a culture of empathy, creating an environment where others feel supported rather than fear-driven.

Extending mercy also builds trust. When leaders demonstrate a willingness to forgive and guide, it establishes a culture where others are more likely to admit errors and seek help. Sweeping things under the carpet quits happening, and transparency leads to an openness that contributes to continuous improvement. When members under your leadership feel secure, they are empowered, which helps the entire organization. No one likes walking around on eggshells in fear their ideas don’t agree, fearing severe consequences for every misstep.

Mercy also creates a connection with leadership. Weak leaders do not want this. They have no desire to connect on a deeper level and love their unapproachable mentality. They want loyalty and commitment, but not foster it… And when a conflict comes around…

When leaders choose mercy, a person’s rough road becomes much smoother. This is where growth and possibly healing take place. Not only for the person but for all who are watching, and guess what… they are watching. Mercy given for the right reason, wanting nothing in return, shines the light on the success leadership should be about.

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

“The Boys in the Boat” Leadership Movie Review

12 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in Circumstances, Leader, Leadership, Relationships, Team, Trust, Unity, Value, Vision

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Christmas Day evening, we went to the movies to see The Boys in the Boat, and I am glad we did. It was an absolutely great movie. Outside of reading the book or being an Olympic Trivia person, the story is somewhat new for many…

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First, a little history… The Boys in the Boat is a book by Daniel James Brown in 2013 that tells the true story of the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team and their quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The focus is on Joe Rantz, one of the rowers, and his background, who becomes a key crew member. Also, the team’s coach, Al Ulbrickson, shows the crew members the importance of teamwork and determination. While a “David vs Goliath” sports movie, it is much more than that. It’s a historical event that exposes the impact of the Great Depression and what drives people to achieve and find value. Overcoming odds from all directions, the end result of the story is the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, where the University of Washington’s crew faces competition from other countries, including Nazi Germany’s rowing team, with Hitler watching.

As I sat there watching, I was consumed and fascinated with the leadership that takes place throughout the entire movie. Many movies will have leadership spots here and there, but Boys in the Boat, for me, had it from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend the watch.

So, here are a few takeaways that I found…

  1. Teamwork and Trust – Rowing is a sport that requires exceptional teamwork and trust among team members. There is much focus on this… Each rower must synchronize their movements perfectly with the others to achieve success. This highlights the significance of building trusting relationships and instilling a sense of unity within a team. Suppose our leadership environment does not carry this mindset. In that case, team members only trust and rely on themselves to achieve common objectives.
  2. Vision and Goal Setting – Al Ulbrickson, the coach, had key leadership qualities in his ability to understand and manage team dynamics. This is crucial in our leadership world. He had to navigate the different personalities and backgrounds of the rowers, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among them. He also allowed them to believe in something beyond themselves, a common goal for future accomplishments.
  3. Behind-the-scenes Leaders (I believe there are two)
    • George Pocock, who was the team’s boatbuilder. He reminded me of an old sage, providing more than just technical expertise in building crew shells. He had a deep understanding of rowing, a commitment to perfection, and an ability to inspire and motivate the rowers, tapping into the emotional components of each rower.
    • Bobby Moch, the coxswain (the guy who shouts instructions from the front of the boat). A key figure for the team, he was responsible for steering the boat, coordinating the rowers’ movements, and providing motivation and strategy during races. Moch also had a deep understanding of the personalities and capabilities of each rower. His ability to motivate and unify the team and his strategic insights during races contributed significantly to the crew’s achievements. He was a cheerleader that we all need.

All in all, it is one of the better movies I have seen in a good while. It makes you feel good coming out and walking back to the vehicle. The Boys in the Boat gives you thoughts to reflect on and the ability to see leadership that can transcend into our lives today.

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…