Posts tagged education

State of the Union – My Take

Jan25
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

I am not one for writing about political matters, as it is one of those hot topics that is normally best left to the political experts. I am just your average US citizen. I like to think that I am informed, but I know that I am not as informed as I should be. I watched President Obama’s State of the Union address last night. The President laid out how he wanted to address the topics that we all think are important. I am not going to debate what  each point was or where I stand on it… I have my views and they are mine. Not going to share them. You have your opinions as well… Those are not the point of this post… The point is going to be my observation of what I heard and saw during the address to the nation.

When I heard – most Americans feel that Washington is broken. Well, that is my opinion. I don’t care which side of the liberal or conservative beliefs you are on… The fact is Washington is broken. There is no what that anyone is going to get anything really done in the current way Washington is working today. When the President was talking to the very simplest ideas of how things could be better. We all got to see that many stood and applauded and others sat and did nothing. There were a lot of examples of this. For me, I wanted to know where my Congressional folks were sitting and to see if they were in support or just sitting idly on their soft spot.  Why? Would let me know if my elected officials were doing the job that “I” want them to do. I was someone sickened by the way the display of the Congress is showing support for making America better.

How I am going to make it better? Well, that is a tough one – as I am only one person. I believe that actions have to start somewhere. I believe that I need to do something on my part to make where I live a better place. I owe it to my kids, grand kids and the future that comes. Back to my question, how am I going to make it better!

  • I have to first educate myself better on the overall reality of what I hear. I know that there is more ways to report out statistics and facts can get shifted a bit. I need to understand reality. I need to know more! Time to be an informed voter…
  • Understand how my elected representatives are doing with their voices and voting on those important topics. I need to see who is doing what, by their actions.  Asking the all important question, “are they acting on my behalf or their own?”
  • When it is time to vote… VOTE. The only way my actions are going to be heard is by voting. Doing my homework on the candidates, their past actions, promises that they make (and have kept) and the stance on “my beliefs”. I am only one vote, but if we all get out their and do our part, then change can happen.
  • Get involved… Spend time meeting with or corresponding with your elected officials. Time for them to hear my voice… If I think they are doing a good job on something – let them know. If I think they are off base – let them know (with options).

I hope to never witness a sight like I saw last night. When we see the party lines being drawn in a State of the Union address. Has this been going on forever? Yes, but it is time to stop. The President used an analogy to the US soldiers and how they must work together to accomplish their mission – or it will fail and people could get killed. He was trying to call out each branch of government on this. We are at a crisis level on almost everything – it is time to really work together to insure that America is the best it can be.

So, I am putting on notice to all of my elected officials: I am going to learn more, review your performance and let you know my thoughts. You want to stay working for me – you better be doing what is in my best interest (I am just like every other 98% of America).

Step up or get out of the way…

Photo: Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

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Leadership Lessons from College Football

Nov11
2011 1 Comment Written by Steve

Over the past few years, we all have read the disturbing news about college football programs in the middle of a scandals. The latest one is Penn State. I never want to kick a person when they are down or perceived to be down. That is not my style. What kicked off this scandal is the worst thing imaginable. I have coached youth sports for most of my adult life and when I hear what happened, it make my stomach turn. Just terrible! I hope that the alleged victim’s get all of the help they need to get over these horrific acts. My intention is not to look at each set of scandals and place blame or point a finger at people. If we learn nothing from what has happened over the past 5 years, we should learn to how to handle leadership within the programs that most of America watches with a passion.

Here are some things that I believe that should be considered:

  • Setting up very discreet reviewed time limits. Most programs or employees have yearly review of performance. I think within that particular review the overall review should not just be able wins, loses and where did you end up within the BCS ranking. It is time to really demonstrate leadership… Develop a package that is about graduation rates, GPA for student athletes, social and moral code of conduct and really focus on life learning. It is all about accountability for everything a program should stand for. These reviews should be tough and really focused.  Stand up and celebrate your successes.. Work on those items that missed the mark.
  • Succession planning. It is time to make sure that within every program there is a real and developed succession plan. Setting up your program and keeping it for the long haul is really how well the program develops the talent that they have and attract. In this day and age, with coaches moving to head coaching positions all over, succession planning could be a difficult task. If you have the right people and take care of them, they will stay. If not, than they will take the lessons learned and apply those to another institution. Which if done right, just means another great program will start up. Everyone wins…
  • Hold everyone (up and down the organization) accountable for the overall organization! For college football, that is being accountable to the university and what the code the university stands for. The football team (players and coaches) are not the university, but need to be a reflection of the university.

It amazes me how many coaches have written books about leadership and then we watch them fall from their soapbox. Ever leader has to take a look deep into themselves and be proud of every aspect of their actions. From all indications, coach Wooden was spot on in his teachings and actions. That is one example that I have modeled my coaching after. Don’t get me wrong there are lots of fine examples out there. Some really recent coaches that are doing the right things, right. I just hope that they can keep their course and not let someone or something distract them from complete success.

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What is High School for?

May06
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

I found a great blog post from Seth Godin.. It was his “What is High School for?” Simple and powerful statements. Something needs to change. When I recently was hiring new employees – there has been a big change in the quality level. Below is that list..

• How to focus intently on a problem until it’s solved.
• The benefit of postponing short-term satisfaction in exchange for long-term success.
• How to read critically.
• The power of being able to lead groups of peers without receiving clear delegated authority.
• An understanding of the extraordinary power of the scientific method, in just about any situation or endeavor.
• How to persuasively present ideas in multiple forms, especially in writing and before a group.
• Project management. Self-management and the management of ideas, projects and people.
• Personal finance. Understanding the truth about money and debt and leverage.
• An insatiable desire (and the ability) to learn more. Forever.
• Most of all, the self-reliance that comes from understanding that relentless hard work can be applied to solve problems worth solving.

I’m pretty sure that we can all agree on those.. When I think back to my days of high school (that is a ways back), not all were covered, but many were. The ones that I took to heart were life long learning, scientific method, leading peers, relentless hard work and solving problems with focus. I would also like to challenge parents to instill some of these as well. I would like to add just a couple…

• Keeping sports and arts for mind and body improvements. Taking care of yourself. Also adding competition and drive for excellence…
• Help find that inner passion. What will fuel you to be great?

Anything you want to add? Or subtract?

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Teacher Appreciation Week! What I have learned…

May02
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve
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Today kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week! I thought I would take this opportunity to share with you the lessons I have learned from teachers that apply to leadership. My wife has been teaching for awhile now.. She has been an outstanding teacher for many years (I am not bias in anyway). This feedback comes straight from the parents, other teachers, her administration and the fact that year after year her students come back to say hi or update her on their progress. Looking at what she does and how she does it is amazing. It got me thinking about some of the teachers I had when I was growing up and in college. So, here is a list of the things that I think leaders could learn from teachers:

  • Believe in their students. When did you do your best work? Most of the time you did your best work when you knew that your teacher, your boss or coach believed in you. Knowing that the person of influence believes in you makes it special to you. Your potential is tapped! My wife has high expectations of her students and she knows that they can do it (even if others don’t think so).
  • Care about their students success. Completely vested in the students success. I watch and listen to how much my wife cares about each student making progress or better yet exceeding standards. When the test scores come in – she is really excited to see their success. She also is a little disappointed (well, more than a little) when success is only at standard. She has to be reminded that look at the overall progress.
  • Love what they teach. The passion for teaching does not come from the money that is made! The passion comes from teaching subjects that they love. Sharing their passion for what they are doing to those that are in the classroom. Ever just sit in the back of a classroom and observe? Let me tell you the great teachers really excel are sharing their passion of that subject.
  • Make learning fun. I look at the creative ways that my wife takes lessons and makes them fun for the students. Learning can be fun! It does not have to be drill or ground and pound. Getting the lesson to be fun for the students sets up the learning experience better. For me, the best working environment is a fun environment. I want to come to that place…
  • Make learning very partical and useful. One small disclaimer – some subjects are much easier to do this with. The best teachers really explain what they are teaching in a way that the students understand. Once that lightbulb comes on – then that teacher knows they have a student hooked.

Watching my wife and other great teachers over the years, has helped me be better at leading my teams. I look at her classroom from the beginning of the year and thoughout the year til the end – look at the progress of the students, look at the maturity improvements and teamwork that is demonstrated – and say well done! Really, well done!

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Az Government – Where To Begin…

Mar19
2011 2 Comments Written by Steve

I have written only a few posts that really get me fired, but up not in a good way… This one is one of those that I really have had to craft very carefully. I am a very long standing Republican and have been normally a supporter of what the party stands for and most of their actions, but no longer. I have been struggling with the party for sometime now. I am completely fed up with the Republican party. There are two reasons that just have sent me over the edge. Immigration reform legislation introduced has shown a side that I do not want to be associated with. Flat out wrong for even thinking  this stuff. I have had a long standing argument about cutting education and now I have to say that all but one Republican voted to cut more cuts in education from the Republican governor’s proposed budget. I believe now is the time for some real change…

Do those Republicans have kids in Arizona public schools? Maybe some of them have grand-kids – are they in Arizona public schools? Do they really think that cutting education in Arizona is a good move? Have they read how well (or not well) the students in Arizona do in comparison with other states? We may not be dead last, but with continued cuts we can be guaranteed to get closer. What were they thinking? What are they thinking? Do we have to continue to see party affiliation be the death of true change?

Here is a thought? You want to cut education’s budget, fine how about cutting the salary of the newly elected Republicans to their political seats? How about the new Education Superintendent take a leadership role, much like other business leaders in times of crisis? Take a salary of $1 until things turn around. Let’s add all of the state elected “leadership” take a $1 salary until they turn around the budget..

Why continue to cut education? Simple answer – they all know we will not let bad things happen to our kids or grand kids. We will do whatever we must to make sure that they are taken care of. School District’s and cities will have no choice but to put up bond proposals or increase to taxes to help offset the funding cuts. Hell, it has been happening for quite some time. It will continue if the state does not get their collective act together. Here is what it looks to me – the federal government has failed to really make anything done in education work.. They love to pass it to the state’s to handle… Now the state of Arizona is failing to make anything done in education to work… So, let’s pass it to the school districts, cities and their communities to make it happen. What next?

  • Pass it onto the teachers?  Well, my wife the teacher gets paid less per hour than minimum wage. She uses that salary to help fund her classroom. I doubt we can squeeze more there.
  • Pass it onto the parents? I mean, 100% home schooling with no help or oversight by the state. Have one administrative person send out all testing necessary. The total cost will be close to nothing.. Stop and think for a minute what you envision the future to look like.
  • Make public school pay per instruction? Wait, that is almost like private school. What I mean is no funding for any school (public, private or charter) from any of the state’s funds. Many countries have close to that situation – how well is it working?
  • Get smart and really refund education? Tough task and one that needs to happen. Are our leaders today capable of handling that? I truly doubt it.. They have yet to demonstrate any real ability to change anything.

Anyone else fired up? Anyone else really sick and tired of what is happening? I have some actions that I am going to do..

  1. Changing my party affiliation to independent.. I can not continue to say I am a Republican – when I do not support the party…
  2. I will continue to be active in education (site council, volunteer in classroom).. I plan on getting more active – by attempting to get myself more involved where I can make some changes… School board, city council and maybe state government. It is time to really make change – I am sick and tired of hearing it and not seeing it..

How about you?

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Change Is A Good Thing, Really!

Dec20
2010 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

How many times have we all heard, “I don’t like change” or “Change is never good?” I hear it all the time. Frustrates me to no end. People complain about what is happening today, but yet they don’t want to change. Why complain? How about doing something about changing the situation. Afraid that change will be good? Afraid a bad situation, may become better? People are funny sometimes. So, how do you make change happen? I have three things that I like to do to help with change (as a leader and workplace evangelist)

  •  Model the change. Demonstrate the way you want things to change through your own language and behavior. Often, seeing someone doing something first gives people the courage to try it themselves. Especially, if that change is bringing about some solid results.
  • Turn negatives into positives. Find ways to re-frame people’s resistance as opportunities for change. This requires that you listen carefully, understand the underlying reasons for the opposition, and address them directly.
  • Find allies. Chances are someone else in the organization wants the change as badly as you do. Find that person and pool your resources and ideas.
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Found It

Sep20
2010 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

I think I have found what truly gets me going! A little over a month or so ago, I was asked if I wanted to teach an internal training course. It is a “New to Management” Program that was developed in house for our brand new managers. Since I was down to my last 130 days of employment with the company (remember past post, I am retiring to kick off the new year) – figured why not. I have been experience and looked forward to giving back. I was completely excited about the opportunity and couldn’t wait to get started.

Two months later, I have completed 2 sessions of virtual training on “managing individuals” and “managing teams”! This experience has lived up what I was expecting. So much so, that I want to share my experiences to date:

  • After reviewing the material and looking for those opportunities to share my experiences with the material – I got to reflect on my years of service (28+) and the many experiences that I have had. Some of them were extremely good and some that were learning experiences. Walking down memory lane was awesome.
  • Getting familiar with the materials helped me to connect with many of the principles that I follow and some that I had forgotten. Managing is a learning journey that never stops.
  • Virtual classes are difficult to gauge how well everyone is doing with the concepts, examples and activities. From the questions and discussion in the classes – I can say that many of them were engaged. 25+ students and only one person scored the held my attention below a 5. Many comments from the students, centered on my excitement, energy and commitment made the virtual class better than expected.
  • I got to share a lot of my examples! I truly love telling stories and especially those “good old days” ones. I enjoyed sharing the stuff that has worked, what didn’t and what I learned.

I really felt like I was on top of the world when I completed each session. The classes went well, the discussions were rich and the class participation’s really seemed to enjoy themselves. Feedback afterwards was awesome to read! I am truly re-energized from the experience. So far over 25 new managers that I have shared my experiences with – I got to listen to what they are going through and the issues that they are facing. How can I not be excited about at least 3 more sessions each till I retire? I asked for more – if possible…

Maybe I will continue this – once I retire. I think I found something that truly hit home with me…

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Enough Talk, Let’s Do Something

Mar30
2010 1 Comment Written by Steve

Over the past few months, I have posted a few entries on education. During that same time the state government and the federal government for that fact has done very little to ease my concern on what is truly our future. It is the state of affairs around education. 

Facts (straight from Arizona Education Association)

  • Second in highest student-teacher ratio.  
  • Second fastest growing student population. 
  • Ranks 35th in the nation for average teacher salaries and is $6,536 below the national average.
  • Ranks dead last in per pupil expenditure.
  • Arizona ranks 49th out of the 50 states in the amount spent per student
  • Arizona expended $6232 per student which is $2741 below the national average.
  • Arizona would have to increase per pupil spending by 44% to move to an amount equal to the national average expenditure per student
  • The cost to move Arizona to the national average is estimated to exceed $2.7 billion.

There is not all bad news for our Arizona schools – I did read a few reports that have us in the bottom third ranking in overall scoring and test results. Most of them have us in the mid to upper 30′s ranking. In the high 40′s in spending and that gets you to the mid to high 30 ranking in results. Just think if we were to put a little more spending in that bucket – no telling where our results would far, maybe to half or top third… Something to think about.

With what is on the table today.. We all are having to really look to pass a sales tax in order to save this. What other choice do we have? Our government today, is looking at billions in cuts… As a parent, I am not pleased. I have to do something… Here are my actions:

  • As much as I hate to see an increase in sales tax – just another balloon squeeze. I will have to support that!
  • Next time we have our government up for re-election, time to do some serious revisiting of who should remind. In fact, it is about time to kick all of them to the curb. Starting over could not make this any worse than it already is. At the very least, the officials that really support education and what is needed – need to stay.
  • Get active in any and all education rallies throughout our state. Our voices have to be heard, but first you have to be in attendance. Thinking that there are already enough or that you alone can not change things – is not going to work. History demonstrated that active participation works, make it work now.
  • Tell you state government, your elected officials in your district and the education department – it is time to wake up… Time to really look at what is important today and in the future.

The real question is – “What are you going to do?”

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You’re Out of Here

Feb25
2010 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Photo by agilitynut via Flickr

Did you play youth sports? Did your kids play youth sports? If so, this post is for you. I want to address an issue that has been around much longer than we all care to say. For me, I participated in youth sports growing up; coached youth sports for over 25 years; sat on many youth sports organizational boards and have watched my two children play. I want to share my experiences and thoughts on how we bring back the “youth sports for the young player – only.”

As a player growing up, I had coaches that were in it to win it. They would do just about everything that they could to win. I am not a disgruntled ex-player, in fact I was an above average player in just about every sport I played. I was a three sport letter-man in high school. I was named to the all-state team for two sports. When you are a player growing up, you get lost in the moment of playing – you just don’t know any better. As time passes and you start to look back – you get a different view on what was going on. Not that I would trade anything, as all experiences have shaped the person that I am today.  Looking back, there were times when coaches were just flat out be abusive to players (physically and emotionally). Parents would car coach their kids – basically that coach knows nothing, do what I tell you. Other players would start to read their press clippings and forget that we play in a team sport. At the time, I did not notice or care - I just wanted to play and play well.

As a coach, I have spent over 25 years doing it, refining my style and trying to insure that I was making the overall experience positive for all involved. Early on, I used the role-model coaches I grow up with to shape my style. As time passed and I kept evaluating my progress – I knew I needed to change. Those that I learned from where not bad, just not what I wanted to be. Molding my style has been a life long process. One I have enjoyed. As the coach, besides the players you do have to interface with parents - either before or after games. Sometimes the interaction is a simple good job, the players played hard or tough lose.  There are times when the interaction will lead to a confrontation. Usually with a  parent(s) that want to criticize the coach, his tactics and his decisions. Coaches like to defend their position. If this happens after a tough lose, they could get ugly. What do you do? I would start off every season with a player and/or parent orientation meeting (sometimes together, sometimes separate) covering:

  • The coaching staff’s philosophy and the tactics we are going to use.
  • Ground rules for engagement – never before or after a game or practice (always a cooling off period). Contact me the next day.
  • Never contact an assistant coach – come to me. I am the head coach, my responsibility.
  • We are all here for one thing: improving every player; working hard and having fun!

When I was just dad in the stands, which was not often (I enjoyed helping out), I only came across some occasions where the parents were yelling back and forth at each other. Some times using profane language. Basically angry over something they have not control over. I read about the Pop Warner games that ended in fights from the parents. Or the hockey parent that hit another parent because that parents kid did something on the ice to his kid. Refs getting attacked during and after games.

I have held various positions on some youth organization boards. Those boards all have the best intentions – that is for the players. Everything is focused on the safety and well being of the players. The local youth board participants are parent and coach volunteers.  We all say that we are here for all players, but sometimes the actions do not match up to the overall intentions. I have watched some volunteers really work for what is best for their player(s) or team, rather than the league as a whole.

As I stated, I want to try to get back to “youth sports for the young player – only.” How do we do that? What will it take to make that happen? Especially in this overly competitive environment to get to become a professional athlete.

  • For Governing Boards:
    • Larger governing boards need to continue to stress the players first and only. Some of them do an outstanding job of describing, sharing and teaching those principles. Where the it breaks is in the follow-up within the lower governing boards. Need to hold them accountable.
    • Lower governing boards need to monitor and fix situations that are out of hand, before they escalate out of control.
    • Board members – check you personal filters at the door. You are there for all players!
  • For Coaches:
    • Vince Lombardi’s quote need not apply. This is youth sports. Winning is not the only thing. You are help teach your sport, help players get better, provide a positive experience and help with life lessons.
    • Set your season up for success for all participants. Orientation meetings, ground-rules, contact lists, practice plans and regular communications…
    • Be a positive role-model. Standing on the bench or in the dug out – yelling and screaming at the ref or players is just not good. It is extremely easy to get wrapped up in the moment – take a breathe and remember that it is still a game.
  • For Parents:
    • You are a spectator first - watch the game. Cheer for you son/daughter, their team and any good play that happens.
    • Remember that your son/daughters coach is the coach. If you want to get involved in coaching – get trained and certified. There always will be room for a positive, knowledgeable coach on any team.
    • Support you son/daughter. They are trying their best to make you proud. They work hard for you – just as much as they do for the coach. I would argue more. Tell them that you noticed their hard work; keep it up; or even I am proud of how far you have come.
    • If the temptation to get aggressive with the ref or other parents hits you – step away, remove yourself from the situation. Nothing good can come from it.

Parents only want the best for the kids. No question! Sometimes the actions don’t quite line up. Those above are my thoughts, do you have any others? Please share!

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March4Schools Rally

Feb22
2010 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

For those that read my last post – thanks! There is another opportunity to demonstrate our support for education. On March 4th! Catchy name for the rally – March4Schools…

This time the sponsor is the Chandler Education Association. The location is Tumbleweed Park, in Chandler (located on Germann between Arizona Ave and McQueen). From 4-6pm.

What can be done? Come learn about the state budget, issues and some follow-up actions. If you have not registered to vote, well – you can do it there. Nothing like voting for the individuals that truly represent your wishes or not voting for those don’t.  There will be guest speakers to share their thoughts and ideas. Get informed, get educated and make the legislature and governor know we are not happy with being 49th in the US when it comes to spending on education. It is time of actions, not words.

I saw a flyer that said - ”Free T-shirts” to the first 100 Attendees. 

Hope to see you there! If not, follow my tweets from the event.

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