Principles, Tolerance and Success

J's version of reality got me thinking....

"You can content yourself with the fact that your kids are receiving a better education than the kids you left behind in that other school; that your schools are the "best of the worst." Or You can complain loudly and at length that your school is not all that it ought to be and that its failings are as follows, in a very lengthy list. "

Is he correct? or Is there a way to do both? What will be more productive and help your child to be more successful? Which behavior do you want to model for them?

Now, I am a huge fan of "How To Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. His theory is pretty simple regarding Influence. Develop a true concern for the other person's situation, share your concern with them, prove to them you are capable and then you can influence them to look at the situation differently, because they will trust you. It is not manipulation, it is influence because you are seeing things from their perspective and trying to help.

Of course, Sun-tzu and Michael Corleone had a different perspective. "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." Which probably is good if you want to manipulate or destroy them...

Sticking with Carnegie's healthier concept, I feel a person needs to spend time with those that they disagree with, work with them, develop empathy for them and strive to understand. Only then can you understand their perspective, and possibly get them to value your perspective and ideas.

Therefore I try to balance both of J's extremes:

• I work with the Teachers and Administration to help where I can. (ie funds, volunteer, etc)
• I am thankful for the good things that the district offers. (ie Facilities, Programs, Teachers, etc)
• I continually critique the key concerns I have regarding the District. (ie Tenure, Bldg retention, Monopolistic tendencies, etc) While posting ideas for improvement...

Is this failing to stand up for my Principles? Or is it living my Principles by showing Tolerance and Respect while continually working to improve a situation? It is an interesting thing to ponder. I hope my children are watching and learning as I strive to reach balance in this endeavor...

To me it seems like what most of us have to do everyday at work... Live and succeed within the company/system, while slowly improving it where we can. Probably a pretty good skill to learn.

Or.... We could go to the President of our company with a list of all the things we think are wrong within the company... I mean many of us are stockholders in the firm... How dare they mismanage our comapny... I wonder how that would impact our success? Or improve the company?

Where are the Parents?

Last night the wife and I attended a cool event at Armstrong High School. Between 6 and 8 PM, we got to walk through my 10th grader's day. We spent ~15 minutes in each classroom, where her teacher would tell us about the class, methods, priorities, expectations, etc. Also, they were open to answering questions. It was an excellent experience that will help us better support and coach our daughter.

Now... Why is the post entitled "Where are the parents?"

Each of the classrooms held 35 to 40+ desks, therefore I assume each class has 30+ students... Therefore there should be 30 to 80+ parents related to those students.... I think this a pretty straight forward and reasonable assumption.

Well the number of parents at each session varied from 2 to 10, with the norm being ~5. Two of which being me and my better half.

Any thoughts as to why attendance was so low ??? The Admin and Teachers did some great prep and work, however the Parents failed to show... Yet they'll be the first to complain the "THE SCHOOL" is failing when little Joey gets a poor grade.

WE NEED TO MAKE PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY A HIGHER PRIORITY... IT IS NOT THE SCHOOL'S JOB TO RAISE OUR KIDS !!!

Thoughts?

G2A Principles

I have my Trying For Balance graphic to the right. Here are the affirmations and related values that go with it. I often fail to meet these high standards that I set for myself ~4 years ago, however they do act as a solid anchor that keeps me from going too far adrift. They help me stay self aware, and are incredibly valuable when strong emotions surface or I am faced with difficult life choices. Finally , I hope they show up in my writing....

I owe the general concepts to TeachingValues.com and their discussion of Principles that appear across almost all formal religions and forms of sirituality. It seems if we get past all the human documentation, tradition, ceremony and interpretation issues, the core Principles are pretty unviersal. I have to wonder if God is laughing or crying over all the conflict that humans create in God's name.

My Principles have been stable for the last couple years, however I am always up for improvement ideas. Thoughts?

Integrity
I align my thoughts, words and actions with truth and have the courage to act with sincerity and honesty. This strengthens me and my relationships. (ie, impartial, objective, open/full disclosure, honor confidences, meet professional and personal responsibilities, loyalty, authenticity, trustworthy, due diligence, no conflict of interest)

Perseverance
I work and strive towards self-improvement, because wholeness is not realized in a moment. I need the confidence to endure all situations in order to reach my goals. (ie diligence, initiative)

Self Discipline
I restrain my lower desires through determination. And through obedience to my higher self, I develop inner control and greater confidence. (ie health, behaviors)

Devotion
I maintain a feeling of calmness and concentrate on higher thoughts. By focusing on higher thoughts and actions, I am better able to connect with the divine. I also take the time to go within my heart, where I find my true self and creative energy.

Surrender
I accept my present situation as a necessary part of a grander plan. This new freedom allows me to surrender my wants and desires and welcome whatever comes into my life. With this new awareness comes contentment and peace. (ie compliance, patience)

Moderation
I choose moderation in all aspects, because it brings balance into my life and helps maintain my inner peace and true reality. The alternatives would be burn-out, stress and illness, which would hinder my productivity and creativity. (ie abstinence, temperance, emotional/spiritual/mental health)

Faith
I maintain my trust and hope even though I live in the midst of uncertainty, because God pervades all things. Faith is my willingness to take the next step without fear or looking back, and yet have the patience to trust God and not try to force the results myself.

Gratitude
I am grateful and appreciative for what life has given me. I think magnanimously and act generously because abundance is the universal reality, therefore what I give to life returns to me. (ie family & friends, home location, financial security, great job, personal successes, health, hobbies, experiences, prestige, recognition, pleasure, joy)

Humility
I maintain an attitude of unpretentiousness and modesty, and realize that God in his own way and time will reward me with whatever I need. As long as I rid myself of pride and maintain an attitude of gentleness toward all life. (ie questioning, humble)

Synchronicity
I am alert to highly significant events that cannot be explained, because I then have an opportunity to go beyond the daily occurrences in my life. I am also receptive and have the courage to act on my inner promptings, thereby supporting my transformation into a higher self. (personal freedom/power, independence, creativity, experiences, spontaneity)

Forgiveness
I choose a new understanding of my situation, because forgiveness is a conscious act that frees me from the damaging image of myself as a victim and dissolves the poison of resentment. This frees me to extend mercy and compassion to myself and to those who have wronged me, which reconnects me back to my real self.

Attraction
I work to be discerning and self-aware, so I can distinguish between beneficial and destructive things that I attract into my life. I need courage to take the next step toward wholeness by eliminating the negative desires that attract chaos into my life. If I do not curb my destructive desires, life becomes increasingly difficult. (ie personal development, wisdom, expertness, self renewal, vision, values)

Purity
I choose to see the beauty of the simple things in life and perfection all around me, instead of complexity and distortion. Therefore I retain the innocence and joy of life that uplifts me and reconnects me to my true inner self. (ie chastity, live now, notice)

Cause & Effect
I am accountable for my every thought, word and deed, and recognize the wisdom of restraint and being aware of the intentions of my actions. For every action there is an equal reaction. (ie karma, awareness, consequences)

Love
I use positive inner dialogue to bolster my self-esteem and self-respect. This frees me to nurture all individuals by being the caring, compassionate, thoughtful and kind person I truly am. (ie empathetic listening, understanding, concern, affection, protect, friends, family, affirm, support)

Respect
I strive to treat all whom I meet with courtesy, tolerance and cooperation, because everyone is part of the divine family and deserves my respect. No matter their religion, sex, culture, age or status. (ie justice, fairness, win/win, trust, open minded, honor autonomy of others, acceptance)

Service
I came into this life with a special plan or purpose to help elevate humanity. I am responsible for successfully executing the plan and infusing my service with the creativity of my special God-given talents. (ie benevolence, leadership, community/society/environmental responsibility, interdependence, mentoring, contributing)

Harmony
I choose to be optimistic, cooperative and enthusiastic, rather than a victim of my negative emotions, so I remain in control of myself and maintain inner happiness. The alternative would be to choose negative feelings, which would make my life infinitely more stressful and complex. (ie praise, affirm, appreciate, congratulate, collaborate, motivate, cheer, empower, positive)

The Last Lecture

Well if you have not read this book or watched this video, I definitely recommend that you make the time to do so. If Randy can be this upbeat, positive and wise while expecting to die a painful death in < 5 mths, leaving behind his wife and young kids, what excuse do any of us have for being depressed, frustrated, hopeless, etc. We must put our challenges into perspective and look for those silver linings.

Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams (video)
Randy Pausch Last Couple Years
Randy Pausch Web Site
Randy Pausch Wikipedia

As for "Achieving Your Childhood Dreams". Randy did it right... He wrote his dreams down and kept them in front of him. I did this about 5 years ago and am slowly ticking off the ones that still interest me. It is very fulfilling and rewarding. So take some time, write them down and get going!!!

Thoughts?

ACT/MCA Difference Means ???

I realize this old news, however it is good news and worth repeating.

• ~75% of the students at Cooper and Armstrong took the ACT test !!!
• They scored (22.6) slightly higher than last year (22.4), even though the demographics continue to shift !!!
• The avg score (22.6) is just slightly below the MN state average. (22.9) However the differences are probably statistically irrelevant. (ie very small compared to noise factors)
• Minnesota scored (22.9) higher than the national average (21.0)
• Minnesota scored higher than all of our neighboring states (see MN Dept link below)

RAS 281 Students' ACT Scores Improve
Sun: 281 Students' ACT Scores Improve
MN Dept of Ed: MN Students Lead on ACT Scores
MN Office of Higher Education: ACT Scores
Insight: ACT Scores and College Readiness
ACT: National and State Scores by Year

Now for the thoughts and questions from a guy who thinks too much:

• 75% (~8,250) of the RAS students are interested enough in their education to take the ACT, and their average score is at approximately the MN state average
• The average MCA score of 100% (~11,000) of the RAS students is below the state average (G2A Data Manipulations)
• Does this mean that 25% of the RAS student body is dragging down the average score for the district?
• Does this mean that RAS is teaching the 75% differently/better?
• Does this mean that the 25% are not as teachable? (ie capability, interest, behavior, etc)
• Does this mean the 25% have non-school factors that are impeding their success? (ie minimal home support, shortage of academic resource, little for good role models, etc)
• What can we do to help the 25% reach the average academic success that is being attained by the majority (ie 75%) while enticing the majority students/families to stay in the district?

Thoughts, answers, more questions, etc are encouraged as always !!!

Have a great Labor Day Weekend !!!

Making Money Via Taxes

Here is the latest conservative link and email I have received. This one seems pretty rational and worth discussing. I am very close to the person who sent it and they asked me what I thought. So you will see my serious and not so serious comments below. Good luck telling the difference.

Yahoo Finance: Millions make Money

EMAIL Text
"This is an interesting article, to which I can testify. Last winter I was a volunteer with AARP, doing taxes at no cost for people. One of my early clients was a single mother, I'd estimate 30-35 years old. My impression is that she wasn't the brightest, but was honest and tried to do her best. She had one job, a cleaning lady for a local motel, sometimes working in the breakfast bar. It may not have been a full time job. Her W-2 showed income of just under $13,000, with about $800 withheld for IRS.

She was able to file as single, head of house hold. She received:

1. Making work pay credit
2. Earned income credit
3. Additional child tax credit
4. There may have been others, I don't recall anymore.

When I figured her final tax form, her refund was approximately $5,600, including the $800 withheld. She essentially received a "welfare payment" of $4,800 through the IRS tax system. Admittedly, her income was about the right amount to maximize some of the above credits. Now I felt good for this lady, as I felt she needed the help, that she had been working and trying, to the best of her ability. But I also realized what a welfare system our IRS tax code has turned into for may folks."

G2A's Serious and Smart Alec Replies/Thoughts
I would prefer that the money be transferred to these people via Social Services, just to keep the book keeping separate. (ie collections and expenditures) I enjoyed reading the Yahoo Finance explanation. It was interesting that much of it was a side effect of the Bush tax cuts. Including the "per child tax credit" with which citizens generously subsidize my raising my 3 daughters.... (sure kind of you)

As for whether, we should provide support for a single Mom who is making $15,000. My answer would probably be yes. Here are some reasons:

• Values basis: It sounds like she is trying and still can not earn a livable wage. (ie its only fair)
• Equity Basis: Sales tax, government fees, social security taxes, etc are a huge portion of her tiny income. (ie offsets these plus some)
• Christian basis: Jesus would want us to help the needy and the children. (ie rich in this life will suffer in the next... and vice versa...)
• Pragmatic basis: We need motel house cleaners, even if the job is low paying. (ie subsidize the industry and keep the rooms cheap...)
• Political basis: Keep feeding the destitute so they do not rebel or beg in the streets.
• Image basis: It would look bad if working people were starving or homeless in the richest country in the world.

So what do think regarding this topic?

Results: Comments From RAS

Now I have not watched the video yet to hear the discussions that occurred, however the presentation is pretty interesting. RAS Result of State and Local Tests There are many graphs, tables, summaries, etc.

The MCA slides and summaries can be compared to the graphs in these 2 links. Do they seem consistent or is there some spin going on? Maybe or maybe not... I am not sure.
G2A Results: One More Try
G2A Data Manipulation Gone Bad

The GRAD tests are given prior to graduation. If the student fails, they need to take some remedial training before they are given their diploma. Not sure if they have to pass their retest to get their diploma.(ie IEP or 504 Team review?) Please reference this page for more details. (MN Dept of Ed GRAD Pg) Including requirements, timing, relation to MCA tests, sample test questions, results, etc.

The MAP tests are national standardized tests that the district uses to gauge the capability of a student and how much they have learned over a period of time. (NWEA MAP pg) Often referenced to compare RAS results to National results. These are not mandated by the government, but voluntarily administered to help RAS gauge each child's status and needs.

With the District emphasing the high priority of closing the gap, and implying that other items may be sacrificed in order to achieve this. It will be interesting to watch which reductions and additions occur. "BY NAME BY NEED" is an excellent goal, however it is likely to move the funds to those with the most needs. Now, how to balance this against keeping those who are financially able to move happy??? That is going to be a fine line to walk. (SUN Sicoli Top Priority)

Side Note: I found Supt Sicoli's comment regarding the "Economic Gap" that is "Shameful" to be very interesting. Where did that fit into the discussion? A hint that the rich should maybe pay more taxes? Probably nothing, but it caught my attention.

RAS Board Mtg Agenda 16Aug10
RAS Board Video 16Aug10 via mtg page
RAS Board Unofficial Minutes 16Aug10

Snopes & Relativity

The other day I was labelled a Snopes Defender by someone more Conservative than myself. They believe that Snopes has a strong liberal bias. My reply was that at least they give a person links and data that allow the reader to verify or reject the Snopes opinion. Which is much more than we get from the "Please Forward" propaganda "pot stirring" emails that the Left and Right like to generate. Then later I added this thought.

"If you're in the far right of a theater (ie RR),

everyone else looks like they are to the left..."

Since then I have been fascinated by this concept, and thinking about how to display it simply and clearly. Below is my first draft. Some questions it raises for me are:

• Is there anyway for the Left Lefts, Left Moderates and Left Rights to ever truly see the Right side's TRUTH?
• Will the Left always say the screen is only GREEN and the Right is intentionally lying?
• Is there anyway for the Right Rights, Right Moderates and Right Lefts to ever truly see the Left side's TRUTH?
• Will the Right always say the screen is only RED and that the Left is intentionally lying?
• Is a Moderate Moderate actually a Left/Liberal to a Right Moderate, and a Right/Conservative to a Left Moderate?
• etc, etc, etc

It is amazing we stay at peace and get anything done given how biased the perspective is of the Far Right and Far Left... Any thoughts?

By the way... I see myself as a Moderate Right... Meaning I see and relate better to the RED than the GREEN. However I acknowledge that the Green is really there and study both sides before making decisions or taking action.

Finally, I put Snopes in the Moderate Left seat. Like all web content, don't treat their text as the Gospel. It was written by humans who have biases... As shown below.

If you are not familiar with Snopes or FactCheck... They are groups that research things and then post an opinion. OR They are Leftist propaganda machines... Check them out and form your own opinions like the smart people you are. Have a great weekend!!!
FactCheck
Snopes

The American Dream

Well, my oldest is doing some Summer English homework. (yeah... pre-work for this Fall... so much for Summers off) She had to read a fiction book from certain authors. The book needed to have characters and a plot that in some way related to the American Dream. Then she needed to interview people from various generations regarding their perspectives about the American Dream. Well, she wisely or unwisely asked her blogger Father for his thoughts. I think she got more than she bargained for.

See below for the questions and my answers. Please add your comments and thoughts regarding this fascinating topic. Maybe she and I can learn something new from this exercise.

What is the American dream?

• I believe the American dream is best stated in the first line of the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Where did it come from?

• The American colonists were people that had left their homelands in search of a New World where they would be free to practice their religions without being persecuted. Or where they had chance to earn more money and provide a better life for themselves and their family. Or where there were fewer laws that limited what they could do or how they could live.
• The New World provided the promise of this Life, Liberty and Happiness. The European governments then saw the money being made and wanted to tax it in order to help pay expenses in Europe. This was unacceptable to the colonists that sought to escape the European way of life. Therefore they chose to fight for the American dream.

How has it shaped our society?

• The American Dream has shaped almost every aspect of our society and our history. The immigrants that came to America were those that wanted to pursue the American Dream. They wanted to escape other countries where they could not pursue life, liberty and happiness.
• The country is based on capitalism, a system that encourages hard work and innovation. It also discourages people from free loading. (ie living off the efforts of others)
• The Constitution was written to protect the American Dream. And all laws that are written must be in alignment with the Constitution. This prevents the government from intruding too deeply into the lives of it’s citizens.
• Americans have fought repeatedly to support the American Dream, in American and in other countries. We have fought many countries that would like to take it away. (1776, War of 1812, WWI, WWII, etc) We have fought a Civil war to extend the American Dream to all people. We have fought for the rights of people in other countries. (ie Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, etc)

Is it a realistic dream to hold onto? Why?

• Yes !!! It is natural for people to seek an improved life for themselves and their children. Without this dream, conflict will increase and hope will decrease.

What are the obstacles to the American Dream?

• A significant increase in the number of free loading citizens. The American Dream is based on every citizen striving to better their lives and the strength of America. The analogy would be people in a boat that are trying to row upstream. (ie global competition) If everyone pulls at their oars, the boat moves forward and the people in the boat get closer to their destination. (ie the dream) However failure begins as more people choose to not row and the boat begins to slow in its progress toward the destination. Then when the number still working to fulfill their rowing responsibilities drops low enough, the boat begins to drift away from the destination/dream. At some point the few remaining rowers will become exhausted and the boat will be lost.
• The government potentially becoming too big and controlling. (ie stifling Capitalism and the Dream) Government is needed to facilitate the Dream, however the cost of Government is a burden on the dream. Because each of us take some of our success and send it to the Government in the form of taxes. It’s like a leak in the boat and as the leak gets bigger, more people need to drop the oars to help with bailing out the water. Too big of a leak and the boat drifts backward or sinks.
• Intolerance of other citizen’s beliefs. People refusing to let the mixing pot shift as people are added. Imagine if people start fighting in the boat…. Who is rowing?
• People refusing to jump into the American mixing pot. A single National language and solid belief in the American Dream is critical. How do rowers communicate efficiently with everyone speaking different languages? How do the rowers get to their goal, if the destinations/goals are significantly different?

Have you attained the American Dream? In what way? OR Do you still want to?

• I believe I have attained the Dream. I have a great family, a good job where I can contribute, and the freedom to pursue my happiness in many different ways.

How do you think young people define the American Dream today?

• I am not really sure… I think that Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness are still relevant for every generation.

Battle of the RAS Tabloids

In this corner we have "281Exposed". A blog that is typically critical of District 281 RAS and often of Public Education in general. The writer(s) stay anonymous . From my perspective, their posts have gotten much better with time. (ie less petty attacks and more useful comments/information) I hope this continues. I sometimes agree and sometimes disagree with them, however they always graciously post my comments and questions.

In this corner we have "281 Exposed Exposed", a brand new blog apparently dedicated to Exposing 281 Exposed. I'll let the writer(s) identify themself over time. They have also assured me that my comments and questions will be welcome. Let's see if the rookie has the perseverance to stay in the blogging business.

Now let's go back to our corners and come out fighting. And remember, no hitting below the belt, kidney punches, etc. This should be fun !!!!

Praise for RAS

Annie's following comment got me thinking:

"RAS, despite a lot of abuse it takes around these blogs, receives excellent ratings for its ethical, fiscally sound management, and that gives a good base to create an innovative program."

I admit it... I often post regarding concepts, beliefs, actions, etc where I see RAS going astray. This is an honest effort to make people aware of various facts, different paradigms, and maybe even to influence the hearts and minds of some people. Besides sadly, conflict increases hits, and hits mean people are reading... If no one reads, how can anyone be informed or influenced??? (ask CNN and FOX News why they only report bad news and scandal???)

One more note: RAS NEVER posts anything from a cold pragmatic fact based perspective. EVERYTHING they post is meant to show the glass half full and to downplay the problems. Or to explain why "those expectations" are unrealistic. The spin they institute is excellent and probably absolutely necessary. They need to do this in order to market themselves and keep morale up. Us bloggers and our affiliated commenters just reserve the right to question some of the spin. The Emperor will stay naked unless some naive person comments. What good will that do when the Emperor gets a severe head cold??? (side note: The SUN papers seem happy to support the opinions of our naked Leader. Is that doing him any good.)

With the above in mind, I agree that I do not express my gratitude to RAS and it's personnel nearly often enough. So, today I will focus on the 95% that I am thankful for and not the 5% that frustrates me... These are the things that keep my family in the 3 RAS schools that we currently attend and support. (ie ZLE, PMS, AHS)

• The majority of the RAS Admin,Staff and Teachers who are simply incredible. They work hard, care for their students, are organized, strive to communicate with Parents, etc.
• The regular and pre-AP/AP programs that allow students to remain challenged in specific subjects at their level.
• A High School that is small enough and has enough activities that most kids can find an activity to take part in.
• Great facilities that have been maintained, updated and are kept clean.
• Schools that are typically safe, and have serious lockdown procedures for when bad uncontrollable things happen.
• The small percentage of Parents that seriously volunteer and give often and deeply. They truly are a God send for our community schools, and help make sure "the extras" are there for the kids.
• The student body that has provided some EXCELLENT friends for my daughters.
• The School Board members who are incredibly dedicated to the District and its students.
• The Parent Portal which allows Parents simple and timely access to the Teacher's and their child's progress/results/records.
• The availability of District information. If they have it and you have the time, you can get it and they will help explain it to you.

So what other great things have I missed in this quickly composed list?

RAS Facility Divestiture Thoughts

I have been pondering what to say regarding the facility divestiture announcement. I spent time pondering the paradigms that would make that plan make sense. I mean it has already been 1.5 years since the closure decision, and not one sq ft of property has been divested. Now it looks like little or nothing will go for another 2 years, except Hosterman and possibly High View.

Therefore, here are the paradigms that I think the Administration and Board must believe are true:

• Capital is free, therefore there is no hurry to sell excess facilities.
• Alternative financing is their right and the citizen's tax bills are not their concern.
• Educational excellence and choice is great, as long as it is provided via District 281.
• Competition is to be feared because the competitors are too good or the game is unfair.
• District 281 needs to be big or bigger to be great.
• District 281 is responsible for preventing other schools from entering into and strengthening our community, and using the buildings that our citizen's paid for.

I guess that their decisions and presentation make a lot of sense when looking at the world through this lens. My lens of course is significantly different. Here was what I wrote to a committee member upon seeing the rough draft in June. I don't think I have anything to add given the final version, since little or nothing changed after the committee got feedback from different people. They plowed ahead with ideas that the "Group Thought" made sense. Well on the upside, let's hope property values and the capital increase over the next 2 years.

Thoughts? Are my opinions regarding their paradigms correct or incorrect? What am I missing or incorrect about?

“Hi _____,

Here are some quick thoughts, many you have heard before:

• Olson and Pilgrim should be sold rather than pursuing more Magnets.
• Restrictions should not be put in place to prevent other schools from buying the sold buildings. Do we lack all confidence in our school’s ability to compete???
• If Olson and Pilgrim are to be held, the Cavanaugh and Winnetka Learning Center programs should be moved there for 2 yrs. Or 287 should move to these 2 bldgs, and just bus the kids that need it to the pool. Either would open Cavanaugh and Winnetka for immediate sale and access to much needed capital. And it will take a couple years for them to gear up their magnet(s)…

Thank you for sitting on this committee, I am not sure I would have had the patience. I’ll post on this as soon as it becomes public info. Have a great week !!! John”

Group Think and RAS

After many years of leading cross functional work teams, I have become very aware of and sensitive to the likelihood, risks and consequences of group think. It is a very natural and insidious form of self deception. It happens like this:

• A team, group, committee or company is formed to accomplish a goal.
• These people often proceed through the natural team building steps of Form, Storm, Norm and Perform.
• Once they have hit Perform... They know their roles, responsibilies, goals, etc and become dedicated towards accomplishing them.

This all is absolutely great !!! Then enters the risk of Group Think and the potential disaster. Here are some forms that it takes:

• The environment changes and the team fails to notice that their goals or methods need to shift. Often they are too busy performing to pull their heads up and look around.
• Representatives that have a minority opinion stop challenging the majority because they don't want to be the only one rocking the boat.
• Representatives observe feedback that the project is going off the tracks. However they convince themselves that it is "just a one off" item. Statements go something like this: "that customer abused the machine, it won't happen again", "that citizen just does not understand", "we have to do it this way, the employees just don't understand", etc
• The team totally misses facts, feedback, etc, because the representatives often share similar beliefs, personality types, backgrounds, reward systems, etc.

There are many ways to prevent group think, the challenges is though that most "Performing" groups do not think they need that control mechanism. I mean they are moving and getting somewhere... Why would we:

• Assign opponents to the team and really listen to them
• Research opposing options, opinions and data more thoroughly and pragmatically than that which you "KNOW" is right.
• Set up oversight by a cross biased or unbiased party
• Use tools to evaluate all feedback (ie pro/cons, 5 why's, decision matrices, etc)
• Re-test the vision, goal, charter, etc on a regular basis against outside factors
• Re-score the solution or path against the critical requirements on a regular basis
• BE VIGILANT !!!! THE THREAT IS REAL !!!!

Now, why all this prelude? RAS has posted their Facilities and Budget presentations on the web site. And as expected, there are almost NO new ideas or solutions being considered. It looks like they could have been created by any Public School System in the state... (ie stereotypical) Now, I realize that they are a Public School System and that I should not be shocked, however I keep hoping something new and exciting will come out of these committees.

Well, you take a look at them and give me your thoughts on the presentations and my Group Think comments... And I will give you my thoughts in a day or two.

RAS Facilities Divestiture Presn
RAS Facilities Statement
RAS Budget Committees Presn

MCA Science Scores

Giving credit where credit is due, 281 Exposed Science Test notified me that the 2010 Science MCA results had been posted. Please remember that this is a pretty new Check addition to the State's "Plan Do Check Act" method. (ie PDCA) I assume this is why the proficiencies are pretty low. Hopefully the districts will now Act by reviewing the results and adjusting their Plan. Then Do things differently in the upcoming year.

Thoughts?

G2A PDCA G2A No NCLB?

Celebrate Teacher Firings?

Well I write about trying to be kinder, more understanding and more sensitive, then I blow it within a day or so... Check out my strong views regarding some Teacher firings in Washington DC at:

281 Exposed Michelle Rhee is Our Hero

The comments should not surprise my long time readers. I have rather strong beliefs that poor teachers must be removed from the classroom ASAP. We owe it to the Students, Parents, Good Teachers, Community and Tax payers...

I mean really..... The kid's don't get a second chance at school or childhood !!! We owe them good and great teachers a lot more than we owe poor/burnout teachers an income !!! Let's get our priorities straightened out !!!

Just like all firings, sometimes good people get caught in the cross fire... However unlike executions, the good teachers will brush themselves off, and get a new and possibly better job. This is how it works in the "non-education" world.

Thoughts welcome and encouraged as always ... Even if you think poor teachers should be kept in the classroom... I would really like to learn your rational.

Washington Post Rhee dismisses 241