Reflection was the theme of 2 weeks ago and now I have been in reflection since my UIL rating on Wednesday. The band got a 123. 2 Overall which is excellent. Over 40% of the band failed 2 weeks before contest. 5 students walked out stating that "it was not fun anymore and I was being too hard on them". Although we did okay considering all the distractions. The remaining 20 kids I had relearned the entire show and performed well.
I now am taking a step back and reflecting. It is getting to the point I can't use the excuse card of "the kids wont pass their classes". So at what point have we done all we can do as leaders before it is time to make the hard decisions? I believe my reflection has been now is the time not later. In the business world or even education for that matter if we have sub par performance changes are made. The sub par faculty are put on growth plans. The mistake I do not want to make is...these are kids I am dealing with not adults. So I have to look in the mirror and find what I can change first. I am selecting an easier show for next year. I am writing the drill not a 3rd party as I have used in the past. However, what can I do about the lazy attitude towards classes? What can I do about kids just not caring? Answer, I can only change what I can change. Make the program fit the ones who want to succeed and count on my reliable students. Do not worry about the things we cannot change. We have enough to worry about with classes.
This is profound reflection, and the questions are ones we all must face and SEEK to answer. Some answers are just not evident when we are in the middle of the challenge. You are right to be the best you can be, to be a learner yourself (as you have testified to), and take care of the kids who do care and want to succeed. I have to remind myself from time to time to care about those who don't seem to care, but to focus on and serve first those who do care. Thank you for sharing, Brad. I will be praying for you, and I will be one of your cheer leaders.
ReplyDeleteBrad, I remember in the Bible when God said he was save the City of Sodom if he could just find one honorable man/woman... and no "one" honorable man or woman could be found and the city was indeed destroyed. Sometimes we have to find those who are ready for our leardership and lead them to and through our vision. Those dedicated students you are working with are the foundation of the future for your band members to come. Use them to build the legacy at your campus. It may not happen today or even tomorrow, but with strong leadership and a clear mission or vision your goals will be readched. Do not compromis your program to attract those who will not commit anyways. Build on what you've got and celebrate your successes no matter how small.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about asking the kids who are "giving up" what they feel needs to change??? I do that sometimes with my patients when they feel that treatment is too difficult and that has helped me a lot. I recently did that with my own students who didn't do so well on their first test and I have been able to change some of my teaching methods but I also had to put responsibility on them. Let me know how it works out!!
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