In preparing for the next school year, I am constantly confronted with 'yes or no' decisions regarding pilot projects, curricular changes, instructional ideas, etc. from teachers, central office, students, and others. As I've been thinking about some of them, I've pondered which is easier/less stressful to say - yes or no? Which is best for kids - yes or no? Which will move my school forward - yes or no? Which will continue to improve our culture - yes or no? While it is impossible to generalize completely, I've come to the realization that many times it's harder to say 'yes' than it is to say 'no'. Maybe it isn't 'harder', but it feels more 'dangerous'. Human nature is to make decisions based on what is most convenient and/or easiest to manage. Saying no may be hard initially because of the disappointment or disagreement with the individual that made the request, but saying yes is usually harder in the long term because it upsets the status quo. Maybe the status quo needs some upsetting.....
What kind of culture do you want in your building? Do you want a culture where teachers and students push to improve constantly or one which values routines? Do you trust your teachers and students to have student growth and creativity as their ultimate goal? Do you believe students should have a voice in their learning or that adults should set all the parameters in which students are to learn? Do you want teachers and students to look for solutions to problems or simply complain that problems exist?
As you ponder these and other questions that come to your mind, think about the answer you will give when individuals or groups make requests to try something new - that answer will say a lot about the culture you want in your building.
