Chapter 1: Too Good To Be True?
Chapter 1 sets the tone of the book and begins to explain how and why leadership principles are being used in schools around the world. Answer the following questions no later than Monday, October 8 at 12:00 Noon.
1. Dr. Covey says, "just entering the front doors of A.B. Combs can be quite an engaging experience." What examples did he give?
2. what skills do Dr. Covey and others assert that people will need to thrive in teh 21st century?
3. What is "primary greatnes" and how does it differ from "secondary greatness"?
Chapter 2: Discovering What Parents, Business Leaders, and Teachers Want from a School.
Muriel Summers, principal of A.B. Combs Elementary Magnet School, needed a new focus for her school. She approached stakeholders - parents, the business community, teacher, and students. Their responses led Muriel to change the direction of her school. (Students have different question to answer)
1. Why did Muriel need to "reinvent her school"? (ALL)
2. When asked what they wanted from a school, what was the response from parents and the business community? (REBECCA and VANESSA)
3. The teachers and students? (JAMEON & WILLIAM)
4. "To Develop Leaders One Child at a Time" is the mission statements A.B. Combs created. What is the message they hope each child will hear every day? (TRENICIA, APRIL & JeRhonda)
I look forward to reading this book and applying the prinicples into my teaching "bag of tricks"!
ReplyDeleteGood Afternoon Rebecca,
DeleteSeveral schools are reading or have read this book and their students are learning/living by the principles. It's an exciting time to be in education!!!
Chapter 1 - #1 What are examples "engaging experiences" of walking in the door at AB Combs? How impressive it is to walk into a clean building where student look you in the eye and welcome you! The walls are covered with colorful posters and murals with motivating statements! I would LOVE to attend International Food Festival and see, hear, smell, and TASTE a variety of cultures/heritages.
ReplyDeleteChapter 1 - #2 What skills do Dr. Covey and others assert that people will need to thrive in the 21st century? Twenty-first century skills need to thrive in the real world would include above-average creativity, strong analytical skills, a knack for foresight, and good people skills. Students need to know how to take responsibility for their actions, to treat people with respect, to analyze decisions, to prioritize, to plan, and to resolve conflicts maturely. In the Madison City Schools Board meeting recently, these same skills were mentioned as what businesses are looking for today in potential employers. One business man stated the students need “people skills”, such as how to shake hands with a firm grip and look people in the eye when speaking to them.
Chapter 1 - #3 What is “primary greatness” and how does it differ from “secondary greatness”? Primary greatness has to do with a person’s character, contributions, talents, creativity, and discipline. It is open to everyone. It is defined by a person’s integrity, work ethic, treatment of others, motives, and level of initiative. Dr. Covey says “it is humble”. Secondary greatness has to do with positions, titles, awards, wealth, fame, rankings, or rare accomplishments. It is obtained by a select few. It is largely determined by comparing one person against another.
Rebecca, The skills outlines in "TLIM" seem like common sense to me. Recently, (can't remember where) but I heard that we have lost a generation of people who have CONVERSATIONS!!!!! Think about it, everyone texts- even when they are sitting next to each other, across the room or even in the same house! I have to confess I do that sometimes myself. People skills--WOW!!!
DeleteI think it's a good idea to major on the PRIMARY GREATNESS!!! We are stuck on the secondary greatness. I hope you will continue to find nuggets of information for your own practice.
Chapter 2 - #1 Why did Muriel need to “reinvent her school”? Even though Muriel Summers was the principal at a magnet school in North Carolina, her school have very little enrollment and was not a high-performing school. She was eventually given one week (not much time at all!) to come up with a new theme and direction for the school or the school would be demagnetized. Fortunately for the students at AB Combs Elementary School, Summers had attended a professional development course with Dr. Stephen Covey and “leadership skills” were fresh on her mind. As she collaborated with teachers, students, parents, and business people, it seemed “leadership skills” were on everyone’s minds and so the new theme became “LEADERSHIP”.
ReplyDeleteChapter 2 # 2 – When asked what they wanted from a school, what was the response from parents and the business community? The parents said they wanted their kids to have the ability to get along with others and to be responsible citizens who were tolerant of people’s differences and could thrive in a global world. They also wanted their children to become problem solvers and to learn to be creative. The desires of the business community were similar. The business community wanted graduates to have strong communication skills, integrity, analytical, and technology skills, as well as the abilities to be creative, organized, and possess a strong work ethic. In addition, they viewed graduate with teamwork and collaboration skills as better candidates for employment than graduates who lacked these skills but had advanced academic skills.
As a parent I would agree with what these parents said. It does not matter what kind of grades you get on your report card if you cannot survive successfully in society as an adult.
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DeleteI often wonder if my philosophy of what educators were suppose to do was off but I feel better now. I often believed that educators were to prepare students for the workforce and/or be businessowners and public leaders.
DeleteLeadership -- simple yet profound.
Delete@ William- how would you make this applicable in your own practice as an educator. What research do you have to support this idea? Begin thinking about theorists etc to add to your "fund of knowledge" for the comprehensive exam.
We have to prepare our child for the world. some educator think that its all about academics but from 7:30-3:00 we are their role models. so we need to prepare our student from more than just academics.
DeleteChapter One: Too Good To Be True?
ReplyDelete1. Dr. Covey says, “just entering the front doors of A. B. Combs can be quite an engaging experience.” What examples did he give?
He talked about how the students would look you in the eyes and they greeted them in passing. There were signs of motivation everywhere and the students were respectful to each other. The diversity of the students was valued and celebrated.
2. What skills do Dr. Covey and others assert that people will need to thrive in the 21st century?
The people who will thrive in the twenty-first century will have to be creative, possess strong analytical skills, foresight, and excellent people skills. Just remembering facts will not be enough. People need to know how to optimize and maneuver the facts. Another key to thrive is the ability to work well with others.
3. What is “primary greatness” and how does it differ from “secondary greatness”?
Primary greatness is a measure of one’s integrity, work ethic, people skills, motives, and initiative. Primary greatness does not compared people to other people like secondary greatness. It is available to everyone and not just a select few.
Chapter Two: Discovering What Parents, Business Leaders, and Teachers Want from a School.
1. Why did Muriel need to “reinvent her school”?
Muriel Summers is the principle of A. B. Combs Elementary School in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school was a magnet school intended to offer something unique but it was not a high performing school and there was nothing unique about it. There was low enrollment and the superintendent had given her one week to come up with a new magnet theme or be demagnetized.
4. “To develop leaders one child at a time” is the mission statement A. B. Combs created. What is the message they hope each child will hear every day?
The hope is that this message will allow the students to take ownership for the school’s achievements. That they will be proud for their peers and themselves when they reach their goals. They will feel that they are important and someone cares about their well being, not only at school but in life. Also, this is a message that they are more than just a grade.
I often wondered....what are the differences between a magnet, private, charter and a traditional public school ? Why is there a seemed stigma on traditional public schools versus the others?
Delete"The hope is that this message will allow the students to take ownership for the school’s achievements. That they will be proud for their peers and themselves when they reach their goals. They will feel that they are important and someone cares about their well being, not only at school but in life. Also, this is a message that they are more than just a grade."
DeleteInteresting that you should say this because I was able to see this in action first-hand this weekend. My son's high school band hosted a band competition and each member of the band was required to work the event. When my son came home, he was excited to tell me about the different jobs he had worked. You could see the pride in his face and hear it in his voice because he had been a part of helping his band to earn money. Also, another job (i.e. leadership role) he had was to be friendly to ALL the other bands and guests at the competition. Their director coached them for three weeks on eye contact, smiling, be helpful, keeping the place clean, etc. My son took his role of being "host" to heart and went out of his way to be gracious. He can home very surprised that he had made several new friends from the other bands. I couldn't help but think that this was the Leader in Me training being put into action.
He went through the Leader in Me program in the 6th grade but we didn't really reinforce the “7 Habits” program at home and he has not been instructed in the 7 Habits since so I asked him if this was from his Covey training. He concluded that part of it was but that these same principles were basically the same ones he had learned in Boy Scouts, at church, and within our family and friends. Either way I was excited for him.
I really like the word “ownership”. I feel that this carries such a strong meaning. My parents always told me that one will place more value on something that they have paid for themselves or when they have earned it. I today use that same phrase and ethic with my own children (Not that they are always listening). Even as an adult one can not help but to feel pride or even excitement about their success and achievement that they have put so much time and effort. I also keep going back to Stephen G. Peters stating that all students need to experience success. The two are so closely related! My new catch phrase “Have Ownership of Your Success”!
DeleteDana reread the section on primary and secondary greatness to get a better understanding of this concept.
Delete@ William- You should respond to Dana not pose a question.
@ Rebecca - insightful comments--loved the personal connection.
@ April - I like your catch phrase. Think about how this will work in your own practice in your work and in your futurework.
April, I liked your catch phrase so well ("Have Ownership of Your Success"), I have printed it out and have it up on my bathroom mirror where my whole family can see it! Cool! How inspiring! (Is there a copyright on that yet?)
DeleteChapter 1 sets the tone of the book and begins to explain how and why leadership principles are being used in schools around the world.
ReplyDelete1. Dr. Covey says, "just entering the front doors of A.B. Combs can be quite an engaging experience." What examples did he give?
one example Mr. Covey gave is the international food festival. This gave the school a sense of inclusion and a sense of appreciation for diversity. The hallways had quotes and murals promoting high standards.
2. what skills do Dr. Covey and others assert that people will need to thrive in teh 21st century?He spoke of skills such as creativity, analytical skills foresight and good people skills.
3. What is "primary greatnes" and how does it differ from "secondary greatness"? Primary greatness is defined as having integrity, work ethic, the treatment of others, but ny adherence to timeless, universal principles. Where as secondary greatness is the symbols of fame and positions, wealth and awards. The difference is that secondary differences compares people against one another. On the other hand primary is open to everyone.
Chapter 2: Discovering What Parents, Business Leaders, and Teachers Want from a School.
1. Why did Muriel need to "reinvent her school"? (ALL)
She was advised by the superintendent that the school will demagnitized and become a traditional school because they were not attracting enough students.
3. The teachers and students? (JAMEON & WILLIAM)
The teachers want the tools to help the students thrive. The teachers want respect. The teachers also want control over what happens in their classroom. The students want as stated in the book the following:
a) the four basic needs met (physical, social-emotional, mental and spiritual). To sum this area up students want to have a connectedness to the environment and people around them. Students have needs that arent being met at home such as love and understanding. Not even the basics such as a proper amount of food.
b)students want to feel apreciated for their uniqueness and are weary of the pressure to fit in what society says what is acceptable to be "cool".
I have no idea who this is!!!! This is a professional blog so professional names should be used.
DeleteChapter 1 sets the tone of the book and begins to explain how and why leadership principles are being used in schools around the world.
ReplyDelete1. Dr. Covey says, "just entering the front doors of A.B. Combs can be quite an engaging experience." What examples did he give?
one example Mr. Covey gave is the international food festival. This gave the school a sense of inclusion and a sense of appreciation for diversity. The hallways had quotes and murals promoting high standards.
2. what skills do Dr. Covey and others assert that people will need to thrive in teh 21st century?He spoke of skills such as creativity, analytical skills foresight and good people skills.
3. What is "primary greatnes" and how does it differ from "secondary greatness"? Primary greatness is defined as having integrity, work ethic, the treatment of others, but ny adherence to timeless, universal principles. Where as secondary greatness is the symbols of fame and positions, wealth and awards. The difference is that secondary differences compares people against one another. On the other hand primary is open to everyone.
Chapter 2: Discovering What Parents, Business Leaders, and Teachers Want from a School.
1. Why did Muriel need to "reinvent her school"? (ALL)
She was advised by the superintendent that the school will demagnitized and become a traditional school because they were not attracting enough students.
3. The teachers and students? (JAMEON & WILLIAM)
The teachers want the tools to help the students thrive. The teachers want respect. The teachers also want control over what happens in their classroom. The students want as stated in the book the following:
a) the four basic needs met (physical, social-emotional, mental and spiritual). To sum this area up students want to have a connectedness to the environment and people around them. Students have needs that arent being met at home such as love and understanding. Not even the basics such as a proper amount of food.
b)students want to feel apreciated for their uniqueness and are weary of the pressure to fit in what society says what is acceptable to be "cool".
Wouldn't it be great to attend the food festival? Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!!!!! I think it is great there are some schools that are really making a difference in the lives of children and communities. That is what I REALLY want to do, make a difference, be a power for good.
DeleteFYI - The Festival is Dec 17-21 this year. Anyone want to go up? I have two brothers who live in Raleigh . . .
I also got to see the” 7 Habits” in action with my son. Decatur City Schools train the teachers and staff in this philosophy. When my son began third grade he would come home each week and tell me which habit they were working on for the week. He also had a list of the habits in his binder to refer to if needed. I really enjoyed seeing the motivation and excitement that he got from learning and using these habits.
DeleteChapter 1 set the tone of the book and begins to explain how and why leadership principles are being used in school around the world.
ReplyDelete1. Dr. Convey says “just entering the front doors of A.B. Combs can be quite an engaging experience.” What examples did he give? The first example that really stands out is just the feeling that is felt upon entering the building. A feeling that can be seen, heard and touched. Also he spoke of how happy the students were in the school. The students greeted the adults and made eye contact with them. Students treated each other with respect and celebrated diversity.
2. What skills do Dr. Covey and others assert that people will need to thrive in the 21st century? The skills that he feels are needed to thrive in the 21st century are strong analytical skills, above average creativity, foresight and good people skills.
3. What is “primary greatness” and how does it differ from “secondary greatness”? Dr. Covey defines primary greatness as having to do with a person’s integrity, work ethic, treatment of others, motives, and level of initiative. He also points out that it has to do with a person’s character and the person they are everyday. Secondary greatness has to do with positions, titles, wealth and it can only be attained by select few.
Chapter 2: Discovering What Parents, Business Leaders, and Teachers Want from a School.
1. Why did Muriel need to “reinvent her school”? (ALL) Muriel had to reinvent her school because there was nothing special about it. It was a magnet school which usually offers a strong and inviting character but this school was not very “magnetic”. There were only 350 students enrolled. The district superintendent gave Muriel a week to change the theme of the school or they would be "demagnetized".
4.” To Develop Leaders One Child at a Time” is the mission statements A.B. Combs created. What is the message they hope each child will hear every day? (TRENICIA, APRIL & JeRhonda) They want each child to hear that they are far more valuable than the worth that can be placed on a grade or test. They want every child to understand their personal worth and to never feel hopeless or desperate. They want each child to know that someone cares about them and their success.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeletePlease change your blog name--it's a professional blog.
DeleteThank you.
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ReplyDeleteEveryone,
ReplyDeleteCherokee Elementary School (Guntersville, AL) will be sharing TLIM principles on Thursday, October 11, 2012!!!! It would be worth the drive to see what's going on in a school in our area. Also, most of the schools in Decatur have been Leadership schools for some time. Finally, the following Madison County schools are beginning the process: Monrovia Elementary, Madison Elementary, Riverton Elementary, Riverton Intermediate. I hope you have a chance to visit one of the sites and talk to teachers, students and administrators.
Chapter 1
ReplyDelete1. Dr. Covey says, "just entering the front doors of A.B. Combs can be quite an engaging experience." What examples did he give?
Dr. Covey gave example such as how impressive the school was when he walked into the building. He also explained that the school was clean, the students would look you in your eyes when greeting you and the walls in the school had motivational quotes. He also talked about the international food festival that the school had , which showed the appreciation of the diversity at the school.
2. What skills do Dr. Covey and others assert that people will need to thrive in the 21st century?
Dr. Covey talked about the skills that is needed to thrive in the 21st century are strong analytical skills, above average creativity, foresight and good people skills
3. What is "primary greatness" and how does it differ from "secondary greatness"?
Primary greatness is defined as having to do with a person’s integrity, work ethic, the treatment of others. Secondary greatness is the symbols of fame and positions, wealth and awards. The difference is that a secondary difference parallels people against one another. Primary is open to everyone.
Chapter 2
ReplyDelete1. Why did Muriel need to “reinvent her school”? Muriel had to reinvent her school since there was nothing extraordinary about it. Her school it was a magnet school which usually offers a robust and appealing character but this school was not exactly a magnetic. There was low enrollment and the superintendent had given Muriel one week to come up with a new magnet theme or be demagnetized.
4.” To Develop Leaders One Child at a Time” is the mission statements A.B. Combs created. What is the message they hope each child will hear every day? The school wants each child to hear how valuable they are to the school. A child hearing “how important that he/she is to the school” can motivate them to strive to do their best. The school wants each child to know that someone is caring about them and their accomplishment.
1. Dr. Covey says, "just entering the front doors of A.B. Combs can be quite an engaging experience." What examples did he give? The school was clean, students looked at adults in the eyes, students treat one another with respect,and the walls are cheery, and motivational.
ReplyDelete2. what skills do Dr. Covey and others assert that people will need to thrive in teh 21st century? The skills people will need will be strong analytical skills,above average creativity, good people skills, and knack for foresight.
3. What is "primary greatnes" and how does it differ from "secondary greatness"? Primary greatness has to do with who a person is everyday and not with what they own. Primary greatness is different from secondary greatness because you don't worry about comparing yourself to any one. Primary greatness is about humbleness.
Ch. 2
ReplyDelete1. Why did Muriel need to "reinvent her school"? Muriel had to reinvent her school because the numbers at her school were low and they would have to go back to a traditional school.
2. When asked what they wanted from a school, what was the response from parents and the business community? Parents wanted children to learn to tolerate peoples differences, to learn how to be creative, to become problem solvers, and to learn to be responsible. The community wanted students to have character, competence, and basic life skills.