Colleagues,
Language is important. Last week I bought five cubic yards of mulch for the garden. We are planning to mulch between our raised beds instead of growing grass and weeds. Well, mostly weeds. The landscape people asked me which mulch I wanted, the bark mulch or rough mulch. The bark much was more expensive but sounded better so that’s what I ordered. A couple days later a truck dumped five cubic yards of mulch in my driveway. Unfortunately, the mulch is too fine for my needs. To the landscape person, “bark mulch” was a specific term that described particular properties associated with the type of mulch. To me, “bark mulch” meant mulch made of bark. Beyond that, I didn’t have a clue. Shared language is important. If this idea makes sense to you and you are an educational leader (P, AP, IC), I need your help! I have developed specific language to describe four patterns of teacher observation. Using common language with teachers and leaders can lead to significant improvements in observation quality and impact. I have put together a 45-minute video training on the four patterns of teacher observation. If you could spare an hour (45 minutes for the video, 15 for feedback) between May 3-17, and want to help me make it better, please email by clicking this link and I’ll give you further instructions. No pressure. Cheers! Frederick
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Colleagues,
I was waiting to meet someone last week on the Campus of Western Carolina University. I took in the sights and sounds, and then noticed a small plant peeping out from behind a bench. Curious, I walk around to the back of the bench and discovered a striking plant with rich velvety purple leaves and a bright white flower with a yellow center. It was gorgeous and brought a smile to my face. Hundreds, maybe thousands of college students walk past that plant every day, but most of them never see it. That beautiful plant is hidden. Here is my challenge to you this week: look for the good things. Look behind the benches, within the shrubs,. Study the meadows and fields of your organization and find the good things. Name them and point them out to others. It is easy to miss many of the special and good things. Change that this week. Cheers! Frederick |
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