This is the third installment of “What Not To Do If You Want to Maximize Student Achievement” I usually try to focus on the positive, but sometimes it’s important to identify what not to do.
Initiatives come and go--typically when district or campus administration changes. However, it is never a good idea to just pretend to go along with grade level, campus, or district initiatives, even it you think “this too shall pass.” Although, it is relatively easy to just shut your door and be autonomous, this can create a divided, unhealthy campus and/or district culture that could have a negative impact on student achievement.
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This is the second installment of “What Not To Do If You Want to Maximize Student Achievement” I usually try to focus on the positive, but sometimes it’s important to identify what not to do.
- Never teach straight from the book. There is an art to teaching that requires the teacher to teach standards and strategies that are matched to teaching and learning styles. We simply can’t rely on a textbook publisher or program developer to know our standards and our learners’ needs. Besides, teaching straight from the book is one of the easiest ways to disengage learners, particularly those who are below or above the level of instruction provided in the book.
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This is the first installment of “What Not To Do If You Want to Maximize Student Achievement” I usually try to focus on the positive, but sometimes it’s important to identify what not to do.
- Never talk negatively about a student-- Anywhere or anytime. You just never know who is listening. Just a few words can change a life (yours and the learner’s). This applies to talking negatively about other staff members as well. Use the Thumper rule (from Bambi): If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
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