Vote Like Hell

A Trump acquittal means democracy is finally dead.  It has been heading that way for a very long time and the President's acquittal is the culmination of that journey. We have complained about politicians for decades, but fail to use the single power that we have to keep them honest.  Voting is our single biggest weapon against the erosion of what the founding fathers built.  Lets break this down.

Politicians from the last impeachment should not still be in office. Yes, I support term limits.  Their flip on witnesses from the Clinton impeachment should tell the voting public what they are truly interested in. The 51-49 vote does not match the public’s opinion. Who do they represent? The better question is what do they represent. Even a Fox News poll showed Trump should be removed.  In a representative democracy, their vote should have mirrored the people's voice.  I realize these and other polls show a slim majority leaning toward conviction, but it is obvious that the acquittal was voted on along party lines.  Voting will keep them loyal to voters and not the party issues they convince us are important.

This story does show a failure of the American presidency, but the bigger story is the failure of checks and balances.  Each branch does not work for each other.  The idea was for each branch not to have too much power and keep the others responsible.  This impeachment will for sure go down in history as the official end to another key desire of the founding fathers.  I used to joke in my classroom about how people will be written into the textbooks when my kids are in school.  Now, I'm not so sure how this fits in a history book.  Maybe it is the turning point for a political revolution in our country or maybe the beginning of a dark time in our history.

This shameful display will empower trump to behave worse and he will.  The lawyers argument that serving his interests is the same as serving the people's interests is dangerous.  If the people have elected Trump, then he is acting on behalf of the people to get re-elected.  This doesn't sound like an exercise in checks and balances, but rather an OJ style acquittal of a criminal.   Using this logic sends us a step closer to a dictatorship.  Yep, I said it.  What does it tell us that he is now firing those who testified and complied with subpoenas?  He thinks he is above the law and the Senate just gave him license to do that.

The only way to right this wrong is to vote like hell.  We have to communicate to candidates that we want public servants, not politicians.  Mitt Romney emerged as a hero in this regard, much like John McCain often did.  He's a Republican that voted the values of his constituency and himself (because he embodies the people he represents).  These are the people we should vote for.  Those who will publicly rise for what is best for the people he represents.  We have to demand more from both sides of the isle.  If we do, there might be no more isle and a different non-compliant Whitehouse official would be moving his stuff out this week.

I am happy to be a Democrat, but we have to recognize that this impeachment trial was a turning point for our country.  Vote like hell at every level.  Demand public service from our representatives.  Right now they are concerned about winning.  In the meantime, the people are losing.

A Coach's Mission

I miss my coaching days. I took it very seriously because I knew my mission was important.  I stepped away from coaching for a couple of reasons. My kid doesn’t need a dad coach. She needs to be inspired and motivated by others so she can find her own passions.  Also, with growing family needs and professional demands I didn't want to try to give from an empty cup.  I treasure those days.  I met some of the greatest people I know on the field and on the court.  I learned some of the hardest lessons too.  Coaching made me a better teacher and administrator.  I am very thankful for the opportunity I was given to impact others.

Now I spend a lot of time supervising and problem solving for kids and coaches alike.  I can watch a game objectively and evaluate what is going on.  It is not hard to see who the coaches are showing up for.  I always felt that I showed up for my players. I planned and worked for the kids because I knew they depended on me. If I didn't know how to teach something, I went a and learned it.  I took that relationship and dynamic very seriously.   I’m no expert, but that was my approach. I knew who I was there for and often I can spot this in other coaches. It shows up in their behaviors and their outcomes.

Not every coach is going to be a good one. Some are player centered without a clue how to work the Xs and Os. Some have the mechanics of winning down, but have no clue how to teach it. My hope for coaches that is they know who they work for. If you show up for kids, it shows. If you are only showing up for you. It shows. A coach’s mission has nothing to do with the coach. Their mission stands in front of them at every practice and every game.

When your kids are your mission, the following is obvious to everyone:

• EVERY kid has a strong foundation in basic skills. You are embarrassing them if they show up and don’t know how to play.
• A team culture is present by the unspoken habits of the players.  What they do without being told is a reflection of you and not them.
• Every player has a growth mindset. That is not built in. It is taught and nurtured by the adults in their lives.
• The kids want to win more than you do. They value their own success. Your job is to get them there. Your job is not to use them as a vehicle to your success.

I know this isn't enough to write a best selling book on, but it is a start.  I don't claim to be an expert, but after watching many successful and unsuccessful teams compete I can say its a good starter kit for a new coach.  Dare I say it might be a start to an effective evaluation tool?  Coaches, the kids are your mission.  They will respond positively and productively to you if they can see this in action.  The result is better team chemistry, learning more and of course it leads to a winning mentality.  When the kids are not your mission, they can see right through it and you will struggle to find success.  Please know what your mission is.

Danielson Thinks You're Proficient

If I could go back in the classroom, I would be a hall of famer.  Really, I think I would totally rock. I'm not thinking of going back into the classroom, but I am totally confident that I am way better prepared to teach now then I was back them.  I have one specific group to thank for this.  Every teacher I have ever worked with deserves credit for my love of classroom practice.

I heave learned more from my teachers in 13 years than I could ever know on my own.  Not just from the interactions, but also the evaluation and observation process that takes place every year.  I know what you are thinking and your wrong.  Evaluating teachers is not that bad.  Yes, the paperwork and formality of the process is not fun.  The act of seeing what your students see and the chance to help a teacher grow is a great thing to be a part of.  The mindset you carry into evaluation, sets the tone for your staff.  They will either be afraid of the result or better yet, not afraid to take healthy instructional risks.

The evaluation season is wrapping up for me, but as I complete all the rating paperwork and prepare for summative rating meetings all I can think about is the positive takeaways I get from the process.  I honestly feel that I have been blessed with great teachers, but that is who this process is really about.  If you use the evaluation process to control or intimidate your staff, shame on you.  I know a lot of awesome principals, but there are always those few horror stories that we have to learn from.  You have to use your process for growing people.  I often tell people that simply saying "Good Job" is not feedback.  Citing specific evidence for the purposes of teaching or improving is.  Principals, what kind of feedback are you giving?

Teachers, I know getting a "Proficient" feels a little icky.  I know a lot of good teachers that bust their tails for kids everyday and are always working on their craft that have been rated Proficient.  One thing I have realized is that we are all teachers and love to get good grades.  When we are not "Excellent" is feels like we got a B or heaven forbid, our first C.  That rating does not indicate your value to the school building.  It reflects how well you fit into the Danielson Framework.  Think about it, you have students in your classrooms that are far more competent than their grade in your class.  The next time your colleague feels down, cheer them up with this meme.

As we wrap up the evaluation season know that, just like your students, you are worth more than your rating.  I know that there are a lot of strings attached and it feels stressful.  Just because Danielson thinks you are proficient, doesn't mean that I do.  Good school leaders see what you bring to the students each day.  If they are lucky, they get to learn from the best like I have over the years.

I am Now a Critical Star Wars Fan

Caution: Potential spoilers might be found in this post.

Being a Star Wars fan is tough these days. Especially if you are one of the old timers.  I think our perspective is wildly different that those that got started with the prequels.  I started out when I was seven and have been a huge fan ever since.  While I eye roll and scroll past all the criticisms of the films on social media, I am now guilty of being a critical fan.  I did not like the story line for The Rise of Skywalker. 

I really feel like us old timers understand the Skywalker saga better than newer and younger fans.  Some of the critique flying around is that The Rise of Skywalker is fanservice and not true to the spirit of the story.  If it is fanservice, then what fans are they catering to?  If I were writing the last chapter in the Skywalker story it would look very different that what we were given.

It sounds like we will never know what the original script looked like so I may be in line with the what might have been, but I doubt it.  I am offering up a more radical approach to what the Rise of Skywalker should have been.  To me, the creators of this film were way off base.

The first six movies did well to show that the story of Anakin Skywalker is a story of redemption.  As we follow the character, we are taken on the journey that Obiwan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker had to take to be his catalyst for change.  A change from the dark side back to the light.  We are convinced that this is how we bring balance to the force and save everyone.  From Episode IV we are made very aware that Obiwan brings Luke to Vader to help facilitate this change.

Our hero in the new trilogy is Rey.  Her past is a mystery at first and it seemed that the episodes competed with each other to tell her origin story.  The new trilogy is focused around her being the heir apparent to Luke Skywalker.  You can see lots of parallel characters from old to new to keep the same dynamic.  My question is, why do we have to keep the same dynamic?  How many times now have we hidden vital information in a droid?  How many planet destroying space stations do we have to have?  I thought it was time to let old things die, to quote Kylo Ren.  To end the Skywalker story, you need to do the unexpected to give it a proper ending.

In my mind, the Rise of Skywalker would have ended like this.  Ben Solo would have become Ben Skywalker by taking the name, not Rey.  When Anakin found redemption, he did not live to see it out or use his life to make amends.  He died in Luke's arms shifting the burden to resurrect the Jedi to his unprepared son.  Rey would serve a legendary purpose in returning the last of the Skywalker bloodline to the light side and could have died an honorable death in pursuit of this.  How symbolic and fulfilling would it be for Ben Solo to defeat the emperor who had imprisoned his grandfather for so long?  That is a fight I want to see.  Why do I want to see a predictable movie ending when I could see the actual fulfillment of a legacy?  I guess I have to ask JJ Abrams that question.

Athletes are More than the Box Score

I'm sure you have heard the complaint.  All the school cares about is sports.  That's all we talk about.  That's where all the money goes.  If you're an athlete, you can get away with things.  I certainly do understand that perception, but I would like to shed some light on an angle you may be thinking of.  I do treat my student-athletes different from those that do not participate.  I actually expect more of them and that may sound unfair. The life lessons we have the opportunity to teach them are super valuable so yes, I do spend a lot of time on my student-athletes.  They are more than the box score.

Student-athletes are willing to put themselves under a micro scope.  This is a burden that has to be nurtured carefully.  Some little kid wants to be that athlete someday.  The athlete wears their community across their chest in every contest and everywhere they go.  When their behavior dishonors their team, their community and themselves, they will hear about it in more ways than one.  This is a great way to help them understand how blessed they are, but also of their responsibility.

Student-athletes are willing to take intense criticism.  Especially when they are not winning.  These kids, if done properly, put in a crazy amount of time and effort to play and compete.  When you are not winning or you are under performing, players can be the target of a lot of criticism.  More often than not, that can be unfair when you consider that there is so much that is out of their control.  That makes their time and effort seem to be a poor investment.  If you want more kids to go out for teams, you have to be willing to grow them and not tear them down.

Student-athletes are willing to be a part of something bigger than themselves.  I was impressed with the Hamilton County junior high boys basketball team when I saw all of them walk into the gym wearing ties and nice pants.  Kids make sacrifices, big and small, to acknowledge that they belong to a larger mission.  They are willing to put team before self.  Otherwise, they would not be there.

For student-athletes, everyday is a tryout.  Year around they are monitored to see if they are worth bringing back.  Many coaches don't want players that have baggage if it might hurt team culture.  Many coaches do not want players back that do not take care of themselves and work out in the off season.  That time investment that I mentioned is critical, but more so for those who play multiple sports.  They have to maintain a higher standard and that is worth recognizing.

I expect more of my student-athletes because they are willing to accept these conditions.  I give a lot time to these kids because they accept these conditions.  They are willing to do what it takes to weather the criticism, be a part of something bigger, and put in the work for their teammates and community.  In my business we call those people leaders.  If you are a coach, parent or community member don't be afraid to lift these kids up.  It is our job to nurture the next wave of change makers in our communities.  It's not always about the athletes, but we can't judge them solely on the box score.

Make the Impeachment About the Real Issue

This is not about Trump or an attempt to slam him.  I hope you didn't come here for that.

When I was a civics teacher, I loved teaching about the Supreme Court.  More specifically the idea that something has to go wrong somewhere before the court can make a game changing decision.  It was fun doing this with mock cases.  We read the facts of the case and got over our personal biases with the situation.  Once we could see things clearly, we applied statute and case law in an attempt to render a fair decision.  The main learning target was to understand that when the Supreme Court rules, it changes our way of life.

Our current impeachment proceedings are no different except we are dealing with the House and Senate.  If you are seeing this through the lens of being either for or against Trump, I wish you were in my civics class.  The impeachment is about the essential question of the case. Can we allow the president to use public funds as leverage over a country in return for help in damaging a political opponent?  This alleged conduct is and should be a defining moment for our Democracy.  Yes, it deserves a full and thorough process because the answer is too important to leave to simple politics.

This impeachment will help us decide what kind of democracy we want to live in. What we allow is what we become.  If we allow our president to use his office (allegedly) to influence an election or eliminate political rivals, what do we actually have?  If we say this behavior is okay, then we have to accept that we are no longer a democracy. One could argue that we are moving towards totalitarianism.  A far cry from what the writers of the constitution were hoping for.  Sure we are the great experiment, but I think this process is part of the same experiment.  The framers didn't intend for us to depart from democracy all together.

My only request is that you not make this process about who is winning, because we could all be losers depending on the outcome.  The decision made will surely change the political landscape and our attitude towards those who are elected to govern us.  Think back to your government or civics class.  It's all about checks and balances.  Let the process work and don't make it about the players.  It has to be about what is at steak.  Regardless of how I feel about the president, any president should be brought to impeachment for the same reasons.

The Clean Slate Protocol

You don’t want to be liked. You want to be respected.  I remember being told that in my teacher prep program when it came to classroom management. These were the days that we thought a quiet room was an engaged room.  As time goes on, we know differently.  We also know that as time has went on, we cannot approach students the same way have in the past.

I have current and former students tell me they like me all the time. They often report they get along with me better than all of their teachers. I don’t believe that’s true, but I know why students seek me out.  Sure, I'm nice and I like to have fun with my students.  A smile and a dependable interaction will always bring them back to you.  However, I think one habit that I have makes for great relationship building with the secondary students that I have taught and watched over for many years.

Every kid gets a clean slate every day. No matter what.  Even if they didn't behave at all the day before.  Even if their parents act like they hate you.  Even if they wrote your name on the bathroom stall.  Even if that school they transferred from told you awful things.  They get a clean slate.  If not, you risk severely disenfranchising your students and how then will they ever gain the skills they need to be successful?  Not wiping the slate clean leads to micro aggressions that jeopardize a relationship with a student.  I think we have all seen what James Comer says about learning and relationships.

I get it.  It is hard to wipe the slate clean every day.  Sometimes it is easier to make decisions based on our convenience.  Sometimes we just need a break and that kid goes to ACR so we don't have to have several of the same conversations with the same student in one day.  It is human nature and with our workload, we need a break for ourselves.  What I'm trying to sell is the idea that the payoff over the long run is worth it.  There are tons of experts that would endorse this if I am not enough.

If you are a Ruby Payne fan, this is an emotional deposit. If you are a Carol Dweck fan, this encourages growth mindset. It’s restorative for both of you.  When you show them that you can repair your relationship with them, they will be able to do it with their peers.  This is modeling an Achievement mindset if you are an Eric Jensen fan.  This simple act of kindness and forgiveness is central to my Christian faith.  I'm sure the list could go on with an official academic search.

I often tell people that I am not a poverty expert, but I am a poverty practitioner.  There are a ton of  great books being written in education and practices that are trending in research, but we say we don't have time to do all that fancy stuff. Sure you have time if you are willing to change your habits.  A change in your response and behavior does not cost you a minute of time.  Day after day, those habits become your official protocol for how you do things.  The clean slate protocol should be executed every day, for every kid, no matter what.  This doesn't mean that you change your expectations of them.  You are simply hitting the reset button the next day and starting the lesson over.