I'd like to be part of the discussion of the 7 Habits survey results, so I thought I would post my response to Kathy's questions here.
What stands out? After reading all the results I think what stands out is that we have been able to establish the framework and culture of the 7 Habits program at Winchester. I notice students using the language, and some of them really participating in the habits, but I think most of the students need the habits to become part of the fabric of their existence, they need to believe in the 7 Habits. In my opinion that hasn't happened yet, but it will come with time and more persistence on our parts.
Nothing really surprised me about the survey but I do have a concern. My concern is how do you overcome the anti-leadership culture that some students live with at home? In the survey most agree that kids come to school ready to learn, yet most would agree that last year's kids are not likely to be future leaders in the next year or beyond. Granted this program was not in place for those kids, but we do struggle with opposing lifestyles in some of our population. Its hard for a student to have one set of rules at home and one set of rules at school. Which one wins out? For most, I think its the rules at home. Now that we've established the 7 Habits here at Winchester I hope we see results that can break this anti-leadership cycle.
Where do we focus and how do we get better? I feel its just a matter of time and more repetition of the 7 Habits, telling the kids the right thing and leading by example. Maybe we could have assemblies for the kids in a "motivational speaker style", where we get them all really motivated and excited with cheering and celebrating. Maybe in this assembly kids could be recognized for their leadership qualitites above and beyond the norm. I just think we need to keep driving it home, with persistence and hard work we will get our students to change the way they think of themselves. Make them truly believe they are LEADERS... and not just talk the talk.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments Karen.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I totally agree with your thoughts and comments. You are so right, if it doesn't come from home, students will not feel the importance of these habits. Hopefully, as we keep teaching this to our students, parents will realize the impact of these simple principles. I do believe we need to do more at school as we continue the journey. I like you idea of motivational speakers which is an interesting direction to explore. You gave me a lot to think about...
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