" Change starts with me''

The reason things stay the same is because we stay the same.  For things to change, we must change.  ~


     Lately, I have been struggling with the issue of change.  Specifically, I am looking at one area of our school that I believe has become a vicious cycle of despair for both our staff and students — homework.  Teachers assign it.  Students don’t complete it.  Grades drop.  Frustration levels rise.  It is a system that is not working.  My purpose in writing this post is not to address ideas related to my “homework” quandary (although I would be appreciative of your suggestions).  Instead, I would like to focus on reflection and change, and the role that a professional learning network plays in this process.Both tweets allude to an inherent danger in the change process…the tendency to assume that change begins with someone else.  It is so easy to believe that “we” are doing the right things and that it is “them” that needs to change.

    These are not easy questions — being brutally honest about our practices and committment level can cause some discomfort.  In fact, I have spent a good part of the last several months scrambling to feel like anything is working, and believe me, I have been pushed and challenged on many issues.  But, I also know that meaningful change begins with me…and with you.  For things to change for the better, we must change.