A New twist involving Student Voice

We often discuss the importance and significance of “student voice” in our schools today. This term can truly embrace several different components.  We know that students thrive when their voice is heard and their ideas incorporated within building practices, classroom protocols, and class lesson activities. What follows is the work to include student voice in building practices.

Last spring we began talking about ways to restructure, revamp, and revise the way we select our school’s Teacher of the Year and our Support Staff of the Year. Our Climate Committee met. And one idea that quickly surfaced included student voice in the new selection process. The Committee finalized the revised format and unveiled the new protocols this past August (’14). 

Our middle school decided to include students in the nomination process. So student, certified staff, and support staff can all nominate teachers for this honor. Within the student voice facet, the committee determined that 8^th graders would be included in the nomination process. As the 8^th grade students would be the group of students who would have had exposure to all grade levels, they would have the best student perspective for this process. Nominations concluded in December.  Finalists were selected from the nominations (top five in each category) and voting just concluded. Again 8^th graders and our staff voted. We will announce our 2015 Teacher of the Year and our 2015 Support Staff of the Year on Wednesday January 21, 2015.

The most exciting thing is how our school has honored student voice in an area where recognize outstanding work and contributions made by our certified and support staff personnel. So why not include student voice in this selection process? During the past few  years, following the announcement of our staff members of the year, students have been asking the question, “Why don’t students have a vote in our Teacher of the Year?” That question has been answered and now our students have a voice in this selection process.  Student voice consists of 1/3 of the final vote and staff voice consists of 2/3 of that voting process.

I am looking forward to the committee making these two announcements later this month. It will be the culmination of work from our Climate Committee and the voiced requests from our students.  What an exciting way to kick off second semester and 2015! 

Say goodbye to the “New Year’s Resolution”…

Each December, usually on the 31^st, I would create my list of resolutions for the new year. Needless to say, by the end of January, I have broken most of them or I’ve tossed them by the wayside.  One year ago today I was watching the Today Show with Al Roker and Natalie Morales. They interviewed Jon Gordon ( @JonGordon11) author of One Word that will change your Life. Jon shared his “One Word” initiative or project. Jon tells us to select one word that will guide and direct us throughout the new year.  For many that “one word” jumps out at you, for others it takes some soul searching. Jon explained the three step process: 1. Look In, 2. Look Up, and 3. Look Out.

Look In: What do I need? What do I want? What do I need to focus on?

Look Up: Look to God. There is a word that is meant for you. When you are “open” you will find this word.

Look out: Live your word. Make this word a part of your life.

So after watching the interview I selected my word for 2014 (Character). As a National School of Character I wanted to keep “character” at the forefront or top of my daily agenda. I wanted to make it intentional and purposeful. I wanted a simple daily reminder. Then I met with my administrative team and they each selected their word. We introduced the One Word initiative to our staff. This has helped each of us stay focused throughout the year. We even had teachers lead out the initiative in their Character Connection Classes.

So, now it is January 1, 2015, and my One Word is Dilgence (careful and persistent work or effort. Synonyms include: conscientiousness, persistence, rigor). This single word will help me achieve both my personal and professional goals. It worked for me in 2014 so I know it will do the same in 2015!

Here is the link to Jon’s One Word Website: http://getoneword.com/

This link takes you directly to the Poster creating site: http://getoneword.com/share/

Watch Jon’s Today Show interview: http://www.today.com/video/today/53957503#53957503

So my challenge to you today is to revisit how you use the New Year’s Resolution and rethink how “One Word” could transform your focus for 2015. Say Goodbye to the New Year's Resolution and say Hello to One Word.  Allow this very simple concept help transform and redefine how you can use a single word to provide direction and focus in all that you do! 

I look forward to hearing how “One Word” impacted your year.