1. Is failure a real and regularly option and experience for kids at your school?
Failure is not an option at HSHMC. Instead of offering D’s and F’s as grades, students poor grades are reported as an Incomplete. In this instance, it is “Never Too Late To Learn” means that the work can be made up and the grade changed. At the end of the day, this references “Choice Words.” Instead of using negative language, pertaining to a student who is struggling academically , the language used is encouraging. The positive language helps communicate that while the student has not actually done what is required of them, the opportunity to complete the work is still present.
2. If so, what impact do you believe that is creating? If not, what structures have been put into place to accomplish alternatives?
I think that The concept of “Never Too Late to Learn” can be interpreted in two ways. First, it offers those students the support to make up the work that they have fallen behind on in school. On the other hand, I believe that the greater concept of you should always be learning is supported in this ideal. I think the greater good is in the fact that students need to understand the life concept that no matter how old you are learning is a positive experience. I think that this offers students a great insight into life and how to be more successful for the future.
3. What conditions exist that make it too late to learn and reach competency in your school? Can you give an example?
HSHMC is a supporter of the “Never Too Late To Learn” philosophy and I strongly believe that all teachers at the school support this concept. I believe that the entire staff makes the effort to support all the students, ensuring each student is working towards mastery of all subject content.
4. What would you do, if anything, to introduce/enhance “never too late to learn” structures in your school if you were the school leader?
I would share my personal experience with this Masters Program. What better way to connect with others than to share a life experience. I am thankful that the program directors and instructors have been understanding and supporting of my current situation. I found out that my wife was pregnant four weeks into the first semester of this program and that made things a little complicated. Time is short and things are crazy. While my wife's pregnancy has been a wonderful challenge and experience, our students have their own challenges and sometimes life gets in the way. It is important to recognize what is going on with each individual student. As teachers we must support them and help guide them to become the successful person they aspire to be. Through my life experience, I can draw parallels to our students and hopefully bring awareness to this amazing philosophy.
5. What can you do in your present position to create “never too late to learn” structures into your current practice and those of your peers? Are those things in your sphere of influence?
To always listen and offer support and advice, while collaborating with other teachers to create a support plan for the student.
6. Commit to five things you are willing to do this semester that will make your school have increased learning opportunities:
Failure is not an option at HSHMC. Instead of offering D’s and F’s as grades, students poor grades are reported as an Incomplete. In this instance, it is “Never Too Late To Learn” means that the work can be made up and the grade changed. At the end of the day, this references “Choice Words.” Instead of using negative language, pertaining to a student who is struggling academically , the language used is encouraging. The positive language helps communicate that while the student has not actually done what is required of them, the opportunity to complete the work is still present.
2. If so, what impact do you believe that is creating? If not, what structures have been put into place to accomplish alternatives?
I think that The concept of “Never Too Late to Learn” can be interpreted in two ways. First, it offers those students the support to make up the work that they have fallen behind on in school. On the other hand, I believe that the greater concept of you should always be learning is supported in this ideal. I think the greater good is in the fact that students need to understand the life concept that no matter how old you are learning is a positive experience. I think that this offers students a great insight into life and how to be more successful for the future.
3. What conditions exist that make it too late to learn and reach competency in your school? Can you give an example?
HSHMC is a supporter of the “Never Too Late To Learn” philosophy and I strongly believe that all teachers at the school support this concept. I believe that the entire staff makes the effort to support all the students, ensuring each student is working towards mastery of all subject content.
4. What would you do, if anything, to introduce/enhance “never too late to learn” structures in your school if you were the school leader?
I would share my personal experience with this Masters Program. What better way to connect with others than to share a life experience. I am thankful that the program directors and instructors have been understanding and supporting of my current situation. I found out that my wife was pregnant four weeks into the first semester of this program and that made things a little complicated. Time is short and things are crazy. While my wife's pregnancy has been a wonderful challenge and experience, our students have their own challenges and sometimes life gets in the way. It is important to recognize what is going on with each individual student. As teachers we must support them and help guide them to become the successful person they aspire to be. Through my life experience, I can draw parallels to our students and hopefully bring awareness to this amazing philosophy.
5. What can you do in your present position to create “never too late to learn” structures into your current practice and those of your peers? Are those things in your sphere of influence?
To always listen and offer support and advice, while collaborating with other teachers to create a support plan for the student.
6. Commit to five things you are willing to do this semester that will make your school have increased learning opportunities:
- For me, I do best under tight deadlines and pressure and know that some students at school are the same. Maybe work on lighting a fire under their backside to improve results in achievement.
- Meet with students and have them be proactive in creating a support plan
- Help with organization of tasks by creating lists. I believe that when you check something off a list, a sense of accomplishment occurs and can often be a positive when students are behind on work
- Discover why the students are falling behind.
- Communicate with the other classroom teachers, asking for help in supporting the student. 1 + 1 = 3