In this current episode of BACKCHANNELedu, Lynn Lawson, a 2nd year K-6 principal at Crazy Horse Elementary School, which is located on a poverty stricken Native American reservation in South Dakota, discusses some of the difficulties she has had adjusting to her leadership role.
While she tries to identify and find similarities in her own background that may help to bridge the cultural differences, she stresses the importance of understanding how not only do communities have diverse needs but students do as well. She says that it's important to see the world through your students' eyes if your ever going to help them achieve success and to be flexible when it comes to individual growth.
Another issue she has encountered, is her own inability to listen attentively. For years, she says, especially in college, that her goal was to accomplish tasks, solve the problem, and move on as quickly as possible. Discussion was limited to what she thought was the best choice and the best course of action with little room debate. In college, this strategy was highly successful.
Finally, she emphasizes the significance of helping students see their potential, and as leaders, that it is imperative that we provide a bridge from classroom development to real world application and opportunity.
I agree with many of the key points that Lynn Lawson has alluded to. For one, without respecting the different cultures there can be no connection or common ground on which to build. With that being said, each student brings to the classroom a highly complex background of beliefs, customs, and other influences that need to be understood in order to appeal and engage him or her.
Developing listening skills is another critical component in effective leadership in that allows for thoughts and opinions to be shared which promotes mutual respect. This in turn opens up issues for debate and analyzing which can often prevent quick rushes to judgment.
Lastly, I feel more schools and curriculums need to provide career awareness so that students can see where their skill development can take them and the opportunities that can arise.
Unfortunately, many Native Americans will continue to lag behind the rest of society as a result of social policies and the lack of incentive for major corporations to help build the infrastructure necessary, as currently only 10% of American Indians have internet access.
(http://blog.nrcprograms.org/new-online-world-ahead-for-indian-reservations/)
I also agree with the key points that Lynn Lawson makes. Too often we make decisions as teachers or administrators based on our past experience as a student. We need to make a conscious effort to see the learning environment that we are in control of from the current student perspective. What are some ways that we can try to see the learning environment from the student perspective?
ReplyDeleteExcellent question, dear sir. Bill Cosby, the loveable Huxtable, is a big advocate of exploring the community in which you teach. He suggests patronizing its stores, attending community events, or simply walking through the neighborhood in order to gain an understanding of how the environment can shape your students' lives.
ReplyDeleteBrian, this is a great start, but much easier said than done for a new principal. It's something that has to be deliberate and thoughtfully planned. Do you have any ideas about how you'll accomplish that when you do become a principal?
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