Viewing Students Through An Asset Model Lens
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to facilitate a leadership retreat for Silver Creek School Corporation here in Indiana as they begin a year-long strategic planning process. It was a very inspiring day, and I was reminded of just how complex education is. Every child we serve comes with different experiences and different aspirations. It is our job to make sure each of personal journeys can be pursued and is successful. Each individual should be able to pursue their journey without interference or obstruction. We need to recognize and build upon the unique strengths and talents that each student possesses.
Our students are filled with aspirations, goals, dreams and desires – we should facilitate and learn from these. Our students are rich with experiences and should be viewed through the lens of an asset model instead of a deficit model. By using an asset model, educators can create a positive and empowering learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential. This approach involves identifying and nurturing the skills, interests, and talents of each student and providing them with opportunities to develop and succeed. Viewing students through an asset model lens helps to create a more inclusive and equitable education system that values diversity and promotes success for all students.
To Say Or Not To Say
In Season 10, Episode 233 of M*A*S*H, Hawkeye (Alan Alda) gave Colonel Potter (Harry Morgan) an incredible compliment saying, “He not only knew what to say, he knew what not to say.” This compliment referred to Colonel Potter’s great communication skills. It meant that Potter had the skill and wisdom to choose his words carefully, knowing when to speak and when to keep silent. A person with this skill understands the impact of their words on others, and has the ability to communicate effectively without causing offense or misunderstanding. The character of Colonel Potter in this great show had incredible emotional intelligence as a leader. This emotional intelligence helped him to be articulate and tactful. His leadership was a valuable asset in the chaotic situations of war and leading an army hospital, where communication is important.
Have you ever noticed that it is much more difficult to know what not to say? In fact, sometimes those we serve just need for us to listen and not say anything. To say or not to say, really is the question.
Move With It
I love the phrase “Life moves in one direction; you should move with it.” Life is constantly moving forward and changing, and it is important to adapt and evolve with these changes instead of resisting or trying to go against them. We can use the past to inform our journey moving forward, but we can’t go backward. We cannot control everything that happens in our lives, but as the saying goes we can control how we respond and react to those events. We can apply this to the various aspects of our lives, including personal growth, career development, and relationships.
Furthermore, by embracing change and moving forward with life, we can better navigate the ups and downs, ultimately living a more fulfilling and satisfying life. We need to stay open-minded, resilient, and adaptable to whatever life throws our way.
The Best Plans
You all know I love the television series, Lethal Weapon. There are always lots of little lessons and things to reflect on. During Season 1, Episode 17, Riggs told Murtaugh that, “the best plans never feel like they are the best plans.” Murtaugh pushed back on that, but the more I thought about it the more I believe that is sometimes the truth. Actually, more than sometimes; a lot of the time. Often, the best plans require effort, sacrifice, and hard work. They may involve making difficult decisions, taking risks, and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. These actions can be uncomfortable, and even scary at times.
The bottom line is that whether a plan feels like the best plan or not may depend on our perception and attitude towards it. We must always make sure our plans are well thought-out and executed properly, so they have potential to result in success. It is important to remember that the journey to success is rarely easy, but the rewards can be worth the effort.
Byron's Babbles 
leave a comment