Missed Opportunities

I can remember the day as if it were yesterday.

I was in my second month in my new position as a school administrator.  The day was no different than any other day.  The foot traffic in and out of my office was consistent with days prior.  Sometime in the middle of the afternoon, a sophomore girl visited me.  I knew this girl fairly well, as she and her family were about to be our new neighbors.  I could tell from the minute she walked in that she was quite distraught.  I proceeded to quiz her about what was bothering her.  She eventually told me that she was getting picked on, but would not give me any names or particular instances.  I offered guidance and was empathetic to her emotions.  She, however, would not tell me the who, what, and when the misbehavior towards her was occurring.  I made a few phone calls and was able to connect her with our school counselor, yet I also advised her that my door was always open.

Fast-forward to later that evening. My family and I were about to spend the first night together in our new home.  I was cooking supper when a knock came to our door.  It was the sophomore student who I had visited with earlier that afternoon.  She was crying.  She told me that she was ready to give me names and specifics on the negative behavior she was facing.  I asked her to come by my office first thing in the morning, and we would get it all straightened out for her. I was conflicted as to whether I should have allowed her to come in and talk.  My education preparation was telling me I did the right thing, but my conscious was telling me differently.    As she walked down the stairs of my deck I wondered if I had done the right thing.  Questions filled my head.  Should I have let her into my home?  Was she going to hurt herself before tomorrow morning?  I had these conversations with my wife, and I called the superintendent at the time to let him know what had happened and to receive his guidance.

I went to bed that night worried, but yet ready to help this girl in the morning.  As I was getting ready for school the next day, I received the call that I will never forget.  It was the school superintendent.  He informed me that this particular student had taken her own life early that same morning.  I started to cry, and I could not stop.  I cried myself to school.  I called my brother as I knew he could talk me through this.  I got to school, shut my office door, and continued to cry.  Questions began to fill my head.  My heart was aching for her family and friends, and my mind was in a million different places.  What could I have done to ensure this did not happen?  Should I have let her in my house?  Did I miss an opportunity to help a child?

There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my actions.  That occurrence has completely changed who I am as a person and as a school administrator.  It is precisely the reason I blog.  I can’t help but wonder how many students and opportunities we miss.   How many students are fighting internal battles but look completely fine on the outside?  How many students would like to reach out, but have no one to grab on to?

We need to realize that mental illnesses are diseases like any others.  Just because they cannot always be seen does not mean that they don’t exist.  Sometimes we get carried away with our daily routines and become fixated on taking care of ourselves.  We forget about the people around us.  I’m telling you today, and I’ve said it in previous blogs – take some time to help others.  Sometimes it takes us helping others to ultimately help ourselves.  Every one of us has a story.  We are all fighting something inside us.  What if you could be the one to alleviate that burden for someone else?  What if you took the time to have a simple conversation with someone?  Take the time to hear somebody else’s story, and you never know, it may help you write yours.  You might also save a life.  

I think back to the eleven years I’ve been in education, and I’m reminded of many instances in which a student was trying to reach out to me.  I also know that many of these times I did not give the situation as much attention as I should have.  I have no excuses for that.  I can’t take those moments back.  I now know that every child is worth my time.  I also know that as educators, we make differences every day in the lives of our students, and we often don’t know we’re doing it.  Every moment of every day we need to treat kids as if they are our own.  We need to let students know that we care about them.  We care about their schooling, we care about their dreams, and we will help create possibilities for them.  

This blog has been written with permission from the family of Cassidy Andel.  It has also been written in her memory with the hopes that it encourages people to make a difference in someone’s life.  Please share this message with your colleagues, friends, and loved ones.  Help bring awareness to mental illness.  Don’t miss out on the opportunities to hear someone’s story.

If you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness and/or is contemplating suicide – please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Travis Jordan

Superintendent

Twitter: @Supt_Jordan

Email: travis.jordan@k12.nd.us

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Belief: Christmas Challenge

Some of the greatest memories I have come from my childhood during this time of year.  I can remember watching out my window on Christmas Eve night hoping to get a glimpse of Santa.  I remember lying in bed and trying ever so hard to sleep with one eye open.  Take a guess on how that went for me.  I usually made it to the point where anxiety would sit in, as I laid worrying if he was ever going to come. 

I was completely inspired by the possibility that someone was going to come down my chimney with a sack full of toys.  My beliefs that Santa existed created a number of wonderful memories that I will never forget.  Belief (much like most of you I’m sure) has been the foundation for my life.

We go through life, living many beliefs.  Our country was formed on a fundamental belief of freedom.  Belief is all around us.  It motivates us in every aspect of our existence.  The belief in the possibilities of tomorrow have allowed me to walk with my head high and full of confidence today. 

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.”  What would our purpose be without the power of belief?   We are all in a position to instill belief in others.  As and educator, I try to exercise this each and every day.  Can you name someone in your life that believed in you when you were younger?  If we don’t foster belief in every child we are doing a disservice to our existence. 

The greatest resource the world offers is the human being.  What are we doing to protect this resource?  What are we doing to ensure we are getting the most out of every person?  Do we encourage others?  Do we inspire others?  Do we lend an ear or a hand?  Albert Einstein probably said it the best when he said, “the mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.”

Whether it is believing in Santa or believing in a child or ourselves; the power of belief drives us.  We must believe that we can improve the world around us.  This must start with believing in each other.  I can remember many times during my life that my beliefs began to fade.  In these moments, a number special people came into my life and gave me a renewed sense of hope.  Can you relate?  We must be dream drivers, and not dream killers.  

We have 25 days until Christmas and I challenge each and every one of you to give the gift of “belief” to somebody new for the next 25 days.  If you are in the field of education – find a different child everyday and let them know that they matter.  Tell them that they can change the world.  Maybe you have a colleague that could use a lift.  Take a moment and let them know they matter.  The beauty of this challenge is that it costs nothing to give, and in the end could prove itself…priceless.

The caption below is my two boys.  The boy on the right (Tayten - 6) is making a Bronco’s sign for Sunday Night Football.  He believes that someday he will be a QB in the NFL, and he is patiently waiting for Santa’s arrival in 25 days.  The boy on the left (Jeter - 4) is drawing a picture for his little sister.  He is also patiently awaiting Santa’s arrival.  He will be the one sleeping with one eye open consumed with anxiety.  He believes that he will someday become a farmer and help his Grandpa.

I challenge you to spread "belief" this Christmas Season.  Do you accept? 

Travis Jordan

Superintendent

Twitter: @Supt_Jordan

Balancing Act

Wouldn’t it be nice if for one day we could be Marty Mcfly and jump in a time machine?  We could travel to the future and get a glimpse at what life will be like in the years ahead.  Maybe we would go back and rewrite our past.  We could know today what tomorrow will be like.  We could get a glimpse at future technologies and come back and educate our students accordingly.

Technology is the application of knowledge for practical use.  What good though is technology without the driving force of human beings behind it?  Steve Jobs said “Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.”

I cannot think of a better quote that summarizes my beliefs of technology than that of what you just read above.  As an administrator, I fight a constant battle in my head each and everyday about the use of technology in our school building.  I read articles about 1:1 schools and BYOD schools.  I read through polices on the usage of cellphones in school.  I’m in constant contact with individuals on whether or not my school building can continue to handle the bandwidth allotted to us. On top of all this, I’m also in charge of the school budget.  How do I balance technology and the budget while maintaining an education system that produces College and Career Ready students?

It is a difficult task but the key word in the equation is “students.”  The decisions we make, as educators, must be based on what is best for our kids.  A decision that is not made in the best interest of our students is a bad decision.  What technology can we bring into the school that will engage our students and invoke creativity?  What technology can we bring into the school that will help students explore the world at their fingertips, and entice them to think critically?  What technology can we provide to our students that will enrich communication, and provide for collaboration across all barriers?

The questions above need to be the driving force for school districts.  Every profession both currently and in the future will need to have individuals that can think critically, be creative, work well with others, and communicate.  These are the characteristics schools need to build on within their walls.  If current technologies can help propel this, then school districts need to budget accordingly.

We cannot however, lose site of the value of the human being.  Steve Jobs is right.  We must value and put faith in our people.  Humans have made technology possible.  We need to continue to foster the building of relationships within our organizations.  If you put this as priority number one, and supply them with the tools (technology) to be successful as priority number two, you will have created an atmosphere conducive for success. 

As the world around us continues to change at a rapid pace we must not become complacent.  We need to continue with a sense of urgency and act like sponges in a sink full of opportunities. I read a quote recently that compared technology information to that of someone drinking from a fire hydrant.  As funny is that may be, it is completely true.  We cannot consume it all at once, and trying to do so would completely drain us as individuals.  We must take it little by little, and keep the best interest of our students in our hearts and minds. 

Now if you will excuse me, my Marty Mcfly paragraph gave me the itch to go watch the movie for the 25^th time of my life.

Travis Jordan

Superintendent

Griggs County Central School District #18

@Supt_Jordan

Homework

Homework

A few days ago I took part in an educational chat on Twitter via the hashtag #wyoedchat (Wyoming Education Chat).  The topic for the evening was “Homework.”  I love taking part in educational chats via Twitter.  It gives me a chance to not only share my ideas, but learn from others as well.  Beings this chat inspired me to blog, I think it is fair to say that it was quite inspirational.

I know what your thinking…what exactly is it about “homework” that would be inspirational.  Well, you see, that’s just it…nothing in my eyes in regards to homework is inspirational.  To get us started let me lead with this question.  The question is directed at educators.  Do you give homework for the sake of meeting a deadline, or do you give homework for the sake of mastering a skill?

There is a big difference between the two; one being productive and the other being the mirror opposite.  I recently read an article that stated that on average a high school teacher assigns 3.5 hours of homework a week for a student.  If you break it down to a typical student with a typical class load, you come up with approximately 3.5 hours per night that a student does homework.

That is an enormous amount of time doing homework.  How many of you get the opportunity to sit down and eat as a family?  How many of you have family game night?  If you do, keep doing it.  We have so much going on these days that we rarely ever get to have family time.  Family time is important and limited, as those of you that have or have had children in school already know.  We must embrace each and every moment we get to spend time with our loved ones.

Teachers; please make sure that the work you send home with your students is for enrichment and to enhance a skill.  Some work outside of the classroom setting is healthy, but it must be an extension of the learning that is taking place in the classroom.  Assigning students to read is completely appropriate and healthy.  Assigning a worksheet for the sake of students meeting a deadline is counter-productive.  Homework should be an extension of the learning environment in the classroom and it should look different for every child. 

If you took a poll of every person in the world that has received a worksheet and you simply asked, “how many of you liked doing the worksheet?”  What do you think the response would be?  The point being; we must engage our students.  If the curriculum in the classroom is real, relevant and rigorous (the new 3 r’s in my mind), then the work at home must also reflect this. 

As we enter the Thanksgiving Holiday I can’t help but be thankful for the moments that I was able to sit down with my family each and every school night and have supper (dinner – correct terminology).  I can’t help but be thankful for all the times I spent with my family when I was growing up.  These are moments that we can not get back.  These are the moments that we can only re-create with our current families.  But this is nearly impossible if we have to add in 3.5 hours of homework into a family schedule that is bombarded by piano recital, basketball practice, church activities, after-school club, gymnastics, 4-H, parent work schedule, etc.  The list goes on and on and on and I could keep writing but it’s time for me to go have supper with my family.  

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.  And like I've alway said - If you are feeling stressed this time of year.  If you are having bad days, and nothing seems to go right.  Just think what it would be like if you were a Turkey.

Travis Jordan

Superintendent

Twitter:  @Supt_Jordan

  

Behind the Data

Behind the Data

I can’t help but think our focus in education seems to be in the wrong place some times.  I know that this is a bold statement to make – especially coming from a school administrator, but I’d like to give you some thoughts as to why I think we need to shift our focus.

Standardization seems to be a word that is talked about often in the educational setting.  Students take standardized tests to measure achievement towards Adequate Yearly Progress.  Tell me this.  How many standardized students do you know?  What is a standard student?  Are all students the same?

As I attend conferences and meetings in my field I constantly hear what needs to be done to close achievement gaps.  We talk about data, and get asked the question; what does the data say?  We have gone from data poor to data rich in education in just a few short years.  Don’t get me wrong though, having data is much more of a benefit that not having it.  Data gives us something to go by, however, data in itself is just information, the faces behind the data must be our focus.

A school can choose any curriculum that it wants.  It can implement a million programs, but the reality of these is that they do not come with a magic wand, that (if waved), will automatically produce soundly educated students.   We must focus on the child first.  What makes a student learn?  How do we motivate students?  Once we have done this, then we can bring in relevant curriculum and programs that focus on critical content.

Howard Gardner (Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education – Harvard Graduate School of Education) is a guy that I have come to admire in recent years.  He has written several books that focus on the various different intelligences that each of us possess.  His Theory of Multiple Intelligences surrounds the idea that each of our students learns in a different capacity.  Some students are linguistic, others might be mathematical or logical.  In any event, we must allow our children to learn in a way that caters to their needs.

If you are not motivated, how likely are you to learn?  Bad example time…I attended Lamaze classes with my wife as we were eagerly anticipating the birth of our first child.  Although, I was motivated to become a dad for the first time, I was not motivated to breathe heavily for practice.  Needless to say I wasn’t much help to my wife.  The point being, if you are not motivated you will not learn.

We must shift the focus.  Education must be deeper than data.   We live in a world that is currently on a technology fast track.  The world will look much different five years from now.  Our Elementary children will take jobs that haven’t been invented yet.  We must teach critical content and real world competencies.  We must do this in a student-centered environment where today’s students have control of their own learning and todays teachers offer guidance and support.

Teachers today must be able challenge students to think outside of the box.  They must allow children to think critically and work together.  Teachers must allow for communication and innovation.  We need to ask the tough questions and then give students the tools they need to find a solution.  When it comes to assessments and achievement tests, we need to allow children options to show mastery.  I could write an essay to show mastery, or maybe I could act it out.  Maybe I could write a song, sing a song, or build a structure.  The point, we can take many different directions to get to our destination, why don’t we allow children to do the same in school.

I’m not a standard person and neither are you.  I’m unique and so are you.  I’m good at some things and not so good at others.  You can reciprocate that back to me as well.  We all have the things inside us that drive us and motivate us.  If we allow our students to tap into their strengths – we will see achievement gaps narrow.  The data will look better, and it will be because we focused on the face first.

I believe that we are making strides in the right direction.  We are starting to individualize education.   Classroom desks are being replaced with Maker Spaces.  “Sit and Get” education is becoming a thing of the past.  We must continue with a sense of urgency.  College and Career Ready students are those that are well rounded in content and equipped with adequate social skills. 

As we move forward, we need to make it a priority that achievement tests are offered to our students through a variety of different mediums.  Let the students pick the assessment, and I guarantee you positive results.  

Travis Jordan

Email:  travis.jordan@k12.nd.us
Twitter: @Supt_Jordan
Facebook:  Search Mr. Jordan's Blogs