In 2008 I graduated from Endicott College with a Masters Degree of International Education. Our graduating class consisted of 50 teachers working in over 20 countries around the world. The variety of experiences of my classmates, and the global perspective that influenced every group discussion was both enlightening, and inspiring. Over the course of my program I was fortunate to form lifelong friendships with some incredible teachers, with contagiously optimistic views on life and leadership. One of these friends is Dan Kerr, who shortly after graduating from our program became the Principal at the Shanghai Community International School in China. Dan writes a blog called Monday Musings and posts his weekly thoughts for his teaching community. Following Dan’s blog has become a weekly inspiration and breath of fresh air. I am pleased to share with you below his thoughts on defining success of athlete students.
Athlete Students: Defining Success
Inspiring athlete students
So I’ve been tremendously inspired lately by our athlete students…….Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been blown away by what many of our kids have accomplished, and the various and very different ways that they are finding success. It got me thinking about how we measure success as educators and adults, and it got me wondering about whether or not we differentiate and prioritize what goes into our idea of a successful student. During last week’s student led conferences I asked a number of parents and students what their idea of success was, and I got some very interesting answers……
The majority of parents that I interviewed got stuck on the idea of grades, or academic achievement as the most important factor in determining success for athlete students, whereas the students (Middle School kids) that I asked thought that things like friendships, learning from their mistakes, academic growth, and whether or not they were liked by their peers were the most important factors……..I found myself siding with the kids answers honestly, but looking back I wish I had asked them the following follow up question…….what message are we sending to you as teachers? Do you think that the teachers or the adults in your life believe that grades, or making the honor role, or scoring better than your peers academically is the true definition and measure of success? I wonder………
Over the past few days I have watched our athlete students’ succeed on the soccer field, in the pool, on the volleyball court, on the stage in the ridiculously good drama performance of Oliver, with their service learning responsibilities, and with the showcasing of their electronic portfolios during student led conferences. All in all, hundreds of young adults succeeding in so many different ways, and growing so immeasurably in ways and areas outside of the classroom. I guess for me, the idea or definition or measure of success cannot be simplified down to a single thing……..it incorporates so many things…….so many aspects of a young person’s life……..and so many variables that go into shaping a young person’s character.
I think we need to be careful as adults and educators not to place too much of a priority on any one aspect of athlete students’ growth, and look to develop and celebrate the areas where a student athlete is showing success in their lives. Kids, as you all know, go through various stages of maturation and development, and a students “time” may not be Middle School, or High School, or University for that matter. It’s no secret to the people who really know me, that I was very much a late bloomer when it came to academic success, but I found successes socially and on the athletic field which set me up for the person that I’ve become. I guess the true measure of success in my opinion, is whether or not a student is growing and learning. Is a student getting better academically? Socially? As a Teammate? As a person? If so, then we’re doing our jobs and we should celebrate these successes with each individual student……if not, we need to find out why and get those students on track.
Look at your students this week everyone, and measure them against themselves…….not their peers, or someone’s packaged idea of success…….and celebrate them. I cannot wait to speak with the “Oliver” kids, and to let them know how amazing they were up there on stage yesterday. They showed courage, teamwork, personal growth, academic growth, and self confidence…….that to me is true success. Have a great week everyone and remember to be great for our students and good to each other.
Quote of the Week……..
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful – Herman Cain
Article Attachment #1 – Nongognitive Factors As levers for Improving Academic Achievement (Marshall Memo)
Article Attachment #2– What Habits of Mind Do Students Need to Be Successful (Marshall Memo)
Article #3 – On Being a Student (Donald E. Simanek)
http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/
TEDx Nevada Talk – Logan LaPlante (Amazing 13 year old….please watch this!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
TED Talk – Richard St. John (Secrets of Success)
http://www.ted.com/talks/
The Dictionary definition of Success:
The favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one’s goals.
Daniel A. Kerr
Middle School Principal
http://www.mondaymusings.org/
Shanghai Community International School
