Don't Say That!

I am currently finishing up my ninth year as an elementary school administrator. During these nine years, I have had countless conversations with classroom teachers. Some of these conversations were formal pre/post conferences, but the majority were what I’d call “shoulder conversations”. These are casual conversations that take place in the hallway, teacher’s lounger, outside on the playground, standing in bus duty, etc… Every year, it seems like it never fails that during one of these casual conversations, I hear the one comment that makes me grind my teeth until my jaw twitches… ”These kids just can’t learn!” That mindset goes completely against everything I believe as an educator. I believe every student can learn and grow. Heck, our school vision states, “We believe ALL students are capable of learning, achieving or surpassing proficiency, and succeeding in a safe and nurturing environment.” Now, I am a realist. I know every student in my school is not going to be proficient. However, I do believe that every student can grow…and growth leads to proficiency! I have learned that most of the time, when a teacher makes such a comment, the teacher is just expressing frustration because the latest data shows their students are not progressing as expected. As an administrator, when I hear this comment, I hear more than just a teacher expressing frustration over bad results. What I actually hear is: “I’ve done all I know to do!” - “I need help!”

Instead of saying, “These kids just can’t learn”, struggling teachers need to ask themselves two questions: What exactly is my student data showing me? What can I do differently? You see, the problem is not that the students can’t learn. The problem may not be the students at all! This is hard to communicate to a teacher, but the first action taken should be self-reflection. I say that gently (because I don't want to hurt a teacher), but with confidence. I have seen students struggle to make any progress one year, but the same students show major growth (many students reaching proficiency) over the next year or two...with a different teacher. In most cases, the difference maker(s) is/are: teacher mindset, expectations, a deeper understanding of the curriculum/standards, and the implementation of highly effective teaching strategies. As an administrator, it's my duty to help the teacher identify the area(s) of refinement, and help them build capacity so that they grow professionally.

In conclusion, don’t ever say, “These kids just can’t learn!” Instead, do some reflection and find a highly effective peer, a supportive academic coach, or go to your administrator to ask for assistance. This is not a sign of weakness. It’s quite the opposite! Asking for help and seeking to improve is a sign of maturity and professionalism! We should always desire to grow professionally, especially when we see that our ways are not effective. After all, the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over expecting a different result!

Thank you for reading! Until Next Time...Wilds Out!