Chapter Eight Reflections

After beginning the school year and introducing the staff to what we have learned in our study of The Leader in Me, what do you consider the next most important step?

Respond to Covey's description  of the 4 Imperatives of Leadership and how relates to our situation.

"Don't boil someone else's water" was advice given by Muriel to David George.  How does this apply to us since we have several schools in our area that are implementing or are considering implementing the Leader in Me model?

Point to remember ...schools should only move forward at a pace that matches people's ability to absorb change, all the while maintaining a pace that lets people know that "this is here to stay".

Chapter Seven Reflections

Just a brief two this time.  Kinda been busy.  How about you guys?

From the examples listed of high schools, middle school, and foreign countries, what practice did they have or lesson that they learned stuck out to you?

I was encouraged by the comment Mr. Covey made about Roosevelt MS, "no, Roosevelt is not yet paradise but, one by one, students' lives are being changed".  What are your thoughts on this comment and the reality that it describes?

Chapter Six Reflections

Great comments so far.  This group can seize the momentum created so far and help make positive changes at MMS.  Keep reading and thinking and prepare to be leaders!!

What are some common characteristics of the process English Estates, Chestnut Grove, Adams County, and the others took in implementing the Seven Habits?   What are the most important lessons to be learn from them that we could apply to MMS?

In our discussions on rewarding students we have differing thoughts within our staff sometimes.  What are your thoughts on what Crestwood Elem did with its "catch somebody doing Covey" program?

Chapter Five Reflections

Hope you are still having a great summer.  With the recent events in Colorado, I remind you to cherish your family and friends.  You never know when you will have your last opportunity to tell them how much they matter to you.

On to the reflection request...

When attempting to analyze the culture of leadership at AB Combs Mr. Covey used the five factors of behaviors, language, artifacts, traditions, and folklore.   First of all, do you agree with using these factors to analyze a school’s culture?  Secondly, what are some of our strengths and areas for growth using this analysis method?

In the section on language Mr. Covey writes of the positive message the students receive each day.  Some of the quotes mentioned are “you are wonderful”, “we focus on what they can do not what they can’t”  “we tell them we love them every day”, “I respect you”, etc.  Mr. Covey himself says at the end of this chapter “the world needs more models and fewer critics; less focusing on what is wrong with today’s youth”.  If we could focus on this aspect of culture how big of a difference would it make in our school?

Chapter Four Reflections

Does AB Combs’ situation remind you of our situation?  …some teachers have lost their passion, teachers working in isolation, numerous academic programs in place but those programs not tied to a common school-wide vision or objectives, everyone doing his/her own thing.

Of the four “midsized” arrows spoken of which of the first three do you think would be the most difficult/easy for us?  Explain.

Respond to the statement about “celebrating successes”…”one of the most complex systems for any organization to align is the reward system.  No one ever seems to be entirely happy with whatever reward system is in place”.  What are your thoughts on how we could best do this?

In the next to the last paragraph of the chapter it states how the effort was made before implementing the process to align the important pieces, “midsized” arrows.  Respond to the statement that ‘absence this step taking place is one of the most, if not the most common reasons why change efforts fail in schools, businesses, and homes”.    

Chapter Three Reflections

First of all, it is great to see all of your comments.  They are thoughtful, sincere, and action oriented.  Keep it up.  Happy 4th of July!!!

React to student Arlene Kai's comments in the section on "a 7 Habits Fit?

After reading the section on "A ubiquitous Strategy", comment on how that approach would be received differently that "another thing to do" to a busy middle school teacher.

How would the concept of Data Notebooks work at the middle school level?

Would you be able to react and work with the problem child who transferred in to A.B. Combs as Muriel did?

The last page or two describes how the Combs model is built on a firm mix of caring and love.  It is see throughout the school when teachers interact with students and when teachers (any staff) interact with each other.  Wouldn't that be GREAT!!!

Chapter Two Reflections

When Muriel gathered the focus groups of parents they responded that they wanted their children to gain from school the ability to get along with others, be responsible, be tolerant of peoples' differences, to become problem solvers, and to learn to be creative. Page 23 Not one said anything about academics.  Do you think a focus group of our parents would respond in that manner?

As expressed on page 28 sometimes educators have wished quietly or even openly that business people would not meddle into our affairs.  We are the experts.  What is your feeling on this and how can we consider what the business leaders think and still do what is best for children?

What strikes you about the AB Combs framework outlined on page 35?

After reading the section on "what students want" respond to the statement on page 39 "Many teachers underestimate the role they play in either nourishing or draining students' spirits".