Shadow a Student for a Day!
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A practice that seems to be making some traction, at least in the increasing number of mentions in the literature, is that of Shadowing a Student for a Day!
This is something that every administrator should do, and it would be an excellent experience for classroom teachers, as well! Spend the entire day with the student - from the bus stop to the final bell. Leave your Walkie Talkie in the office, and do not check your email or do any texting, etc.. This is not an evaluation of the teacher; it is an opportunity to understand the experience of the student. |
When you do your shadowing of a student for a day take note of how it feels - physically, emotionally and mentally.
After your experience, think back about how students in your school are developing skills such as creativity.
Can students learn to be:
Read my article, "Children are not supposed to sit still and be quiet!" which also has links to several excellent articles related to shadowing students for a day.
The continuing pressure to perform on standardized tests has forcibly transformed schools into test prep and testing centers.
What organizational structures are in place in your district or on your campus which prevent the school from providing the most effective environment and experiences?
Here are some hints on obstacles you may discover and some suggestions on how to overcome them.
Making Time for What Matters Most in Schools
Organizational Structures
Obstacles to Overcome
Creating an Oasis in the Desert
Overcoming the Obstacles of the Daily Bell Schedule
Overcoming the Obstacle of Curriculum Pacing Guides, i.e., Marching Orders!
Overcoming the Obstacle of a Lack of Planning Time
- Did your body ache from the constant sitting and not moving as teachers lectured?
- How easy was it to stay focused on what the teacher was saying?
- Were you fighting the urge to take out your phone and check email, make personal notes of things you wanted to remember to do later, text someone in the office to see how things were going?
- Did you find the information presented by the teacher to be interesting? (Remember, not to focus on evaluating the teacher during this experiment - you are simply trying to replicate and understand what a student experiences in a typical day.)
- How did you feel by the end of the day?
- How do you feel about having to go through that experience five full days per week?
- Was the experience meaningful?
After your experience, think back about how students in your school are developing skills such as creativity.
- Do your students have an environment conducive to developing these skills?
- Do they have experiences which provide continual opportunities to practice these skills?
- Do you feel that the daily grind of marching through the standards supports or prevents the development of 21st century skills?
Can students learn to be:
- Creative
- Innovative
- Entrepreneurial
- Leaders
- Curious
- Imaginative
- Collaborative
- Agile
- Adaptable and will they
- Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills . . .
Read my article, "Children are not supposed to sit still and be quiet!" which also has links to several excellent articles related to shadowing students for a day.
The continuing pressure to perform on standardized tests has forcibly transformed schools into test prep and testing centers.
What organizational structures are in place in your district or on your campus which prevent the school from providing the most effective environment and experiences?
Here are some hints on obstacles you may discover and some suggestions on how to overcome them.
Making Time for What Matters Most in Schools
Organizational Structures
Obstacles to Overcome
Creating an Oasis in the Desert
Overcoming the Obstacles of the Daily Bell Schedule
Overcoming the Obstacle of Curriculum Pacing Guides, i.e., Marching Orders!
Overcoming the Obstacle of a Lack of Planning Time
Get Started Today!
Are you ready to re-imagine and totally transform your campus or district into one that is truly 21st century, but you aren't sure how?
21st Century Schools is ready and willing to support you in that mission! Contact Anne Shaw, Director at 21st Century Schools, to find out how we can help you!
In the meantime, please see our Products and Services!
Are you ready to re-imagine and totally transform your campus or district into one that is truly 21st century, but you aren't sure how?
21st Century Schools is ready and willing to support you in that mission! Contact Anne Shaw, Director at 21st Century Schools, to find out how we can help you!
In the meantime, please see our Products and Services!
