Crisis often generates thinking

Why is it that times of crisis force individuals to think out of the box, creatively? Somehow, it must be easier to explain than simply a measure of comfort. Some psychologists suggest that when we are comfortable, we not only don't seek challenge but that we aren't wired to seek challenge. Few individuals continually focus themselves on excellence. The example to consider is that regardless of profession, the top performers on a regular basis are the best compensated. Regardless, among this top level, their are superior performers. So, connect this to times of crisis...when times are functional (not even excellent) status quo is acceptable. At schools, parents fundraise, have coffee with the principal...At my daughters school, an excellent school by many measures, parents support extraordinarily...in money, presence, participation, governance... However, it is no secret that, at this particular elementary school, that there are teaching weakspots and teaching strengths. With the current budget crisis, now there are meetings and concerns about protecting good teachers. Prior to this, test scores were good and less than exceptional teaching flew below the radar. A part of me thinks this is the great demise of our system, our culture.

In most organizations, average performance tends to get warnings, support, and potentially removal if performance is not met. Performance in most organizations is financial (units sold, houses sold, projects completed coupled with quality indicators). In schools, it is becoming increasingly clear that performance and accountability indicators are sorely in need. In addition, leadership needs support to truly learn how to hold individuals accountable.

These times we currently live in are challenging. But, the key is that we (as an educational system) learn lessons so that we are prepared to not only avoid these problems in the future but to enhance the ability of educators to do their jobs today.