Expectations

Mr. Findley would not do well in today’s school environment. He taught Problems of Democracy and was the head football coach. One seldom spoke to him without using both Mr. and sir in the same sentence. Yes, sir, Mr. Findley. But times have changed.
To address some of those changes and some yet to come, you might watch one of Governor Strickland’s 12 forums on education. Ours in Marietta is being conducted Monday, August 18 from 5 to 6:30 and will be broadcast live on public television. Check www.conversationeducation.org for more information.
Mr. Findley both commanded and deserved respect in a day when the expectation was to give everyone respect until they proved it was not deserved. The culture both in schools and in society has changed. Respect now is given only after earning it.
We do our students no favors by accepting this change in culture and lowering our expectations. Two recent stories related to me by local employers bear this out.
One new hire came with top grades from his college. He had great references. His performance on the job, however, was marred by his near constant text messaging. His unwillingness to change this habit netted him a pink slip.
Another new hire was given a job with a good deal of autonomy. He had a company vehicle to travel to jobs. He also had a habit of disappearing for periods of time to conduct his own errands and chores. He did not comprehend this was not part of his job description and his employer’s expectations. He was fired.
This year will see changes of expectations at many of our schools. Notably at the Middle School and High School. Parents will be notified in several ways. Please look for those notices.
A NO ZERO Policy will be in effect at MMS. No homework, OK. But you’re staying after school to complete assignment(s). Parents will be notified by phone and bus transport will be provided on a limited basis. The minimum expectation is that you do the work and attempt to learn the lessons.
Backpacks are back at the high school, but they have to stay under desks and out of walkways for safety purposes. Students were the originators of this change. They have earned the respect to have their request honored.
Then there is the cell phone policy at MHS. OK to bring them; but keep them in the locker during school hours. Mom’s text message is just going to have to wait till later. No need to cover the many other disruptive abuses of phones in recent past. This is a school. The expectation is study and learning. Parents can pick up confiscated phones by arrangement with the principal. Mr. Findley would have made you come to football practice to pick them up.
Progress Book is a service being expanded through the district. Parents will be able to view homework assignments, messages from teaching staff, attendance information and more via the internet. You should experience a reduction in grade card surprises and find it easier to keep up with your student’s progress.
A retired teacher with whom I spoke recently told me of his observation about himself and other teachers regarding expectations. He noticed that his minimum expectations soon became his maximum effort. His students noticed and lived down to his expectations. It worked the other way as well when he raised his expectations.
Our recent academic achievements should be applauded and appreciated. We owe it to our students to raise the bar of expectations. The grades in life come after graduation. It is easier to do the homework now.