State Nicknames

Some state nicknames are interesting to say the least.  Minnesota is the “Land of 10,000 lakes.”  Does that include large ponds?  New Hampshire is called “The Granite State”.  It may be changed to “The Countertop State” soon.  New Jersey is “The Garden State”.  Vegetable, flower, or octopus? (You will not get that unless you are a Beatles’ fan).  Arizona is often called the “Italy of America State” although it is not shaped like a boot.  Connecticut is “The Constitution State” even though the document was signed in Pennsylvania.  Hawaii is “The Aloha State” – just don’t know if that is a greeting or a farewell. Oklahoma is the “Sooner State”.  Apparently, the “Later” state is just west of it.  Utah is “The Beehive State”.  I am unclear if this refers to womens’ hairdos of the 60’s or honey-making insects. New York is “The Empire State” – didn’t know they sold carpet.   Arkansas is “The Natural State”….clothing optional?  Illinois is “The Prairie State”. I thought they may be “The State with the Most Incarcerated Governors State”. Florida is “The Sunshine State” – like they have a monopoly on this.  Missouri has arguably the best nickname – “The Show Me State” and that is what I want to work from in this message.

One of my Dad’s favorite words of wisdom to tell his four kids was, “Don’t tell me what you have done, SHOW me what you can do!” He never let any of us rest on ourlaurels; boasting was unacceptable and complacency was not allowed. My sister and two brothers have done some remarkable things in their lives, but you’ll never hear about it from their mouths.   In this time of increased accountability in education, the bottom line is results.  Our school has been named a Four Star School two out of the last three years.  That is great and needed to be celebrated, but it is time to move on.  We have to continually SHOW the results.  You have established the essential understands; those "Big Ideas" that you want your students to accomplish. Much like a finish line in a race, you can only do the measurement once they arrive. Sort of.  What you do leading up to this summative date really will determine the results. So, when you post your daily goals for your classes, make sure that you have a purpose for that goal. It should tie directly to the long-term goals. If not, then why would it be a goal along the way? Use the informal and formative data to plan your instruction. Will you have to make adjustments along the way?...yep! Good teaching requires that teachers use the formative data to "form" their instruction so that the kids are on the right path to achieving the long- term goals. If not, you are just shooting in the dark and any chance of desired achievement would be coincidental. Work smart so that when it comes time to show, there will not be any doubt that your teaching was pretty darn effective.  “Show Me” is not just a state nickname; it is the bottom line in what we do.  However, and this is a big however – not everything that is counted counts and not everything that counts is counted. While there are no bubbles, charts, or graphs for things like words of encouragement, pats on the back, positive comments, the giving of time and talents, and countless other acts of doing the right thing -  these things are major contributors to the bubbles, charts, and graphs.  Strive each day to make a difference as you SHOW others the way.

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The Browns play this Sunday on the shores of Lake Erie vs. the Miami Dolphins.   Could this be the year? I have been waiting for decades!