Standards & Expectations – Our Focus, Our Direction – Easier than we think!

By Kathryn Kee, PCC

South Bend Community School Corporation has made it very clear to all employees:

“Quality Learning. Every Student, Every Day.”

This phrase, heard throughout the corporation from Superintendent Carole Schmidt, is a clear standard and expectation that will be the focus of every conversation and every instructional lesson.

As the new school year begins, and new goals and outcomes envisioned and expected, September offers the perfect time for school leaders to reflect on the expectations and standards of their work. Teachers have created inviting environments in their classrooms with desks marked by student names and faces. Parents are coming for “back to school” meetings and principals have high hopes of students being fully engaged in learning and for achievement scores to climb. As a coach leader, Superintendent Schmidt has learned that one of the most critical actions of the school or district leader is to clearly define and articulate the standards and expectations for this school or district community.

There are many expectations and standards for schools. The most common are:

• High levels of learning for students with highly qualified teachers
• Continuous improvement for students
• Teaching, monitoring, and assessing the mandated curriculum
• Using high yield, research-based ‘best practice’ instructional strategies
• Ensuring high levels of student engagement for high gains, transfer, retention and acceleration of learning
• Creating and maintaining safe and trusting learning environments
• Working as collaborative teams and communities of learners (PLC)
• Building partnerships and trust with parents and community
• Adhering to the “Educator Code of Ethics”

All are simply words, but they are words that require constant focus and reinforcement. Conversations, and the language used in those conversations, become the magic carpet we ride to meet these expectations and achieve these standards. Winston Churchill once said, “It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You must succeed in doing what is required.”

Teachers and principals alike hear constant messages about what is required of them. With all of the documents, reports, attendance at never-ending professional training, meetings, compliance requirements and new initiatives that present themselves on a daily basis, it is very easy to lose focus and direction trying to get everything done. It is no wonder we often get overwhelmed and exhausted from the mental and emotional demands of it all.

So let’s utilize the Magic Carpet to seamlessly and eloquently have those conversations. You know the language…let’s put it to work for us this year.

“Ms. Jones, I know you have been learning and planning for your students a lot during the summer. What are your critical first steps to implementing in your classroom, ‘Quality learning. Every student. Every day.’?”

“Mr. Martinez, as you have reviewed the student data from last year, what are you pumped up about doing with your kids to exceed your results?”

“Mr. & Mrs. Simpson, your feedback is always so valued. What are the most appreciated ways that you receive communication from the school? We certainly want those things continued. What additional approaches would be appreciated by you?”

“Ms. English, this is a critical testing year for your students. What three things do you think will focus your attention, helping to accomplish those history making AP scores you want?”

“Miss Carol, you are so aware of the critical nature of this Kindergarten year. What have you planned for your precious students that will create an environment that is so supportive that they are learning like rocket ships and as happy as honey bees?”

Standards and expectations are everywhere and they can be a part of our everyday language as easily and gently as asking about a healthy snack. Coach leaders and teachers keep their focus on the most important drivers of achievement – standards and expectations – and use them to create safe and reward focused direction where, indeed, ‘Quality learning. Every one. Every day.’ is the norm!

What standards and expectations have been clearly articulated in your learning community that will guide your language and powerful conversations?

Kathryn Kee, Professional Certified Coach, is a founding member of Coaching For Results Global, serving as Co-Chair of the Teaching and Learning Division of CFR. She is the lead author of the best selling book Results Coaching: The New Essential for School Leader, and is both a CFR Coach and Instructor in the CFR Coach Training Program. To read more about Kathy and other CFR coaches, go to www.coachingforresultsglobal.com and click on coaches.