Mindset Works’ Blog

"One thing you need to know is that they are really chatty," said the teacher's email.  I'd been invited to do a demonstration lesson in a 5th grade class.  Previously, I had asked the teacher about the logistics of her classroom (SMART board? yes.  Popsicle sticks? yes. Rows or paired seating? chatty.).

"OK," I thought, "I guess I need to teach them my strategies."  I went through my mental rolodex of classroom management acronyms, picked one and made a poster.

Arriving with the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in 40+ U.S. states is tremendous pressure for schools to get results and to be masters of the Core as quickly as possible.  Invoking the Growth Mindset as we accept the challenge of the Core standards will help our schools maintain the momentum and stamina we need to develop expertise.

How can schools set themselves up to cultivate Common Core experts?  None of us is currently an expert in the CCSS.  Expertise will emerge with classroom practice and experience implementing these standards with real students.  It will emerge with the willingness to take responsible risks and to participate in collective reflection.  It will emerge with strong collaboration and compassionate patience.  These qualities are only gained in a risk-tolerant system through strategic, purposeful effort which includes timely, formative feedback.

Risk Tolerance

3.3 million teachers will be asked to change their practices, routines, and lessons this year to align with the Common Core State Standards.  That is a staggering number when you think about that many Americans essentially experiencing a major job change at the same time!

It is inevitable that with all this change, some of us will fail.  We will mess it up.  We will get it wrong and forget some essential component (of a standard, a lesson, a concept).  Our central offices will mess up too.  Trainings will go awry, resources arrive late, and support will be well-intentioned, but spotty.  Are we prepared to tolerate this process and allow ourselves to take the necessary responsible risks to LEARN and grow?

I hope so.

We lead because we have a passion for our work. But leading in a complex system can get confusing, overwhelming, and discouraging sometimes. Rather than resort to seductively easy ways to manage there are times we can choose to truly lead, capture people's hearts, and reignite passion!

It is finally summer, and I am ready to enjoy all the wonderful things that come with this season.  Many educators, although we continue to work here and there, also get to use these weeks for play, rejuvenation, and growth.