The Great Conversation

 

    Jamie Vollmer spoke about his own evolution of thought about education.  In the beginning, he believed the problem was with the people involved, yet 90% of the problem has nothing to do with the hardworking teachers or staff within the schools. He concluded later, after being invited to spend a day as an employee of the school in various roles, that the problem is a system issue. As a business owner, himself, Vollmer thought all problems with education could be solved if simply schools and districts were run as businesses. He later learned his vast assumptions were grossly failing his own perceptions of reality. He uses the story of blueberries in a store as a product example in business. A store has the ability to send back defective product, but the product in schools, the students, are not returnable and difficult to manage. They come from varieties of backgrounds and experiences and care.  Now educators are expected to not just educate and teach the basics of education, but to teach morals and hygiene along with many other life lessons.

    The great conversation includes strategic planning and leadership that is predictive and preparatory. Students coming to school are not cookie cutters of each other. They have individual talents and gifts, and yet come to school with the same potential to succeed but less exposure to homes that well support them. Strategic leadership in education is so much more complicated than before. It is no longer curriculum choice and faculty hiring, but also accommodations for learning differences and family situations. I agreed with Vollmer's suggestions that centered on positivity and perspective change. To begin by simply "stopping and shifting away from" negative conversation is a great start. So many times, we forget how we create perceptions for others simply while venting our frustrations.  Sharing with the community and stakeholders the positives and good things happening fills the questions and guides the narrative. Sustaining the momentum of change and making efforts in the opposite direction blesses kids!