Classroom Conversations with LaShona Dickerson

As we guide young people to adulthood, I can't help but observe the behaviors and expectations on the journey. On this journey, there will be plains, plateaus, hills, valleys, and mountains of varying depths, heights, and distances. Each journey with different expectations. Each journey personal. Now if we know all of this to be true or possible why do we set expectations for children on a path filled with plains and plateaus according to a path of hills and mountains. That makes no sense! We set them up for failure before their journey begins. I get it, there are a set of common expectations in life, those essential qualities, and skills we need as humans, but that's foundational. School systems, schools, and teachers are using one measurement for all students. Why? Why do you , as school system leader , demand that schools perform according to only the state metrics? Celebrate growth no matter how small. Why do you , as principal , evaluate teachers using a prescript

I recently had the opportunity to listen to Angela Maiers speak about bravery. As I received the message I began to ponder about what that looks like in my life, the lives of my children and in the classroom. Brave is not some adjective on reserve for the superhero you see in the movies, doctors, firefighters, or civil right activists. Although these individuals display bravery, it's not the picture we should paint for our children. We all have the capacity to be brave. In order to demonstrate it or bring it out, we have to first define it. What does brave mean to you? How can you display bravery? Watch the link for my definition and example. Share yours in the comments..... Be Brave