Tell Us What to Expect

On Tuesday, July 3^rd, I had the privilege of fishing on Willow Slough with two veterans who suffer from post- traumatic stress syndrome.  Ironically, this is the same day that Andy Griffith passed away, so being out on a 1200 acre lake seemed most appropriate.  It was a very hot day (remember that stretch of 100+ degree days?) and we didn’t have to share the lake with too many others.  We fished for six hours on a rather quiet day.  Since only electric motors are allowed on this little piece of heaven, any sound carried well.  In the distance, people had begun their fireworks celebration a day early.  I noticed that both of these men would flinch terribly with each blast of whatever explosive was being detonated.  After the fifth or sixth bang, Bob, a former Army sniper, blew off some of that tension with an expletive-peppered litany to no one in particular.  Once he composed himself, he said, “If only they would tell us what to expect, then we would know what is coming and be ready for it.”  That just tore me up.  To see two decorated servicemen having to cower because of what they had been through in a place they refer to as “Their time share in the desert”, well, it just makes you want to do all you can for them. On rare occasions, my brother-in-law will share some events that he was part of or bore witness to during his six tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.  None of them have been pretty.  I cannot imagine how terribly this plays out in one’s mind day after day and night after night. While we can never repay these men and women who suffer from PTSD, it is vital that they receive our support.  I could go on and on with this, but I want to focus on what Bob said – if only they would tell us what to expect, then we would know what is coming and be ready for it.

In the classroom, it is vital that we tell kids over and over again as to what is coming.  If you want your kids to be ready, then they have to know what is coming. Do you have the learning goals (not activities) posted?  Do you refer to those goals on a regular basis?   If you want them to prepare, then they have to not only know what to prepare for, but how to prepare as well.  You see, just who teaches them proper ways to study?  It’s not a gene.  It’s guidance from their parents or their teachers.  Assume that they are not getting those lessons at home, although many certainly are.  Tell the kids, “here’s what I want you to get smarter about.” Post your objectives up on the board…or the wall…or on cutsey-dutsey little note cards.  Just what is it you want them to get smarter about?  Just what is it that you want them to learn?  The kids need to know that too!  It should not be a secret.  As we are discussing what teachers need to do to establish and communicate learning goals, use the strategies that are outlined in the Marzano book.  Set some goals.  Allow some little victories – these go a long way.  Use your formative assessments for the intended purpose – to plan instruction.  Reinforce student effort.  Help them see the connections.  Work toward an intrinsic reward system because that’s where the lifelong gains will be.  Let them know what is expected so they know what is coming and are prepared for that.  Please, no fireworks.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Alive Heroes is an organization dedicated to servicemen and women who have come back from their tours of duty after saving the lives of others.  The Bob Woodruff Foundation is the benefactor of this organization.  You may know Bob Woodruff as a television reporter for ABC News.  Bob was severely injured by a mortar that hit him in the head while on assignment in Iraq.  The team who saved his life that day included Major David A. Cox, USAF, my brother-in-law.  Alive Heroes sells rubber wristbands with the name of a military hero for $5 with all of the proceeds going to those who suffer from PTSD.  Please consider a donation today at ALIVEHeroesChallenge@aol.com   

Here we go…Eagles at Browns along the shore of Lake Erie.  In many parts of Cleveland, dogs are in a panic.  On a related note, Vicks vapo-rub has been removed from the shelves in the greater metropolitan area.