Mind Set: Reflection

After a night of reflection, I have questions about yesterday and concerns. My big take-away is that differentiating instruction AND equity both hinge on MIND SET. They will not automatically be successful if I simply change teacher PRACTICES by giving them strategies! I have to cause change or be a catalyst for change in their THINKING processes. By and large, thinking process and mindset are invisible and difficult to assess. (Javius said there was a survey in the materials, which I'll have to look for today.)

I can go to a class and OBSERVE a strategy being utilized. I can't go in and assess mindset. In the long run, I guess that mind set, to a large extent, is communicated by a person's words and actions. To assess this will take time. Bottom line is are we even aware of our own mind set and biases?

Then there is the slippery slope of what the best MIND SET truly is. Yesterday, we learned to be "color blind" in the classroom, seeing all children equally, is NOT the mind set. We must view all children as different. To respect a culture, linguistic group or race we must first be aware and informed about differences and take actions based on what we know and understand. To respect a student we must also respect their learning profile which includes: readiness, interests, learning preferences, etc. So, we don't act BLIND to the differences; we embrace them and build upon them.

Equity is not about treating all students the SAME. It is about  giving all children what they NEED, so that all opportunities will be EQUAL.

The other key piece goes beyond the beliefs we act upon relating to race, linguistic group or culture. It strikes at the heart of our conception and definition of INTELLIGENCE. What do we believe that SMART looks like? What choices do we make based on this belief? I think most educators know the work of DWECK and the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset, in theory. However, I do not think the choices we make reflect what we know to be true.

I'll never forget when a guidance counselor told my daughter, "You're a 111; you can't get any more average than that." This was a personal experience, so it stands out in my mind. They can't be in HONORS classes unless they score in the 98th%ile on the NWEA..... We reserve the "goodies" for a select few and don't hone in on the mind set belief. EFFORT and HARD WORK will lead to success when coupled with quality instruction. How often do we limit options, opportunities and "goose bump curriculum" from students based on a number on tests that are agreed upon by all to be biased?

Javus contends that teaching for equity and having a growth mind set are 80% of what we need to close the achievement gap. Twenty percent is based on strategies.

Summary: All can learn, and all have something to teach. Changing mind sets is the Holy Grail.