Parma Plan It: The Attitude Gap

We spend so much time considering the Achievement Gap. We spend a great deal of time developing interventions for students who are academically behind. One of our keynote speakers this week at the MEMSPA conference was Baruti Kafele @principalkafele. His message was titled and focused on "The Attitude Gap." He defined this gap as "the gap between those students who have the will to strive for academic excellence and those who do not."

His message really made me think about our kids. One of his statements continues to echo in my mind. He said, "We have to make the assumption that those students are brilliant." So, what is it that makes them not want it, and how can we make them WANT it? We have to close that gap!

Kafele said that there are four essential questions we have to ask as a school toward closing the Attitude Gap.

What do our students see when they come in our school, our hallways, our classrooms?

What do they hear when they come in our school, our hallways, our classrooms?

What do they feel when they come in our school, our hallways, our classrooms?

What do they experience when they come in our school, our hallways, our classrooms?

Is every child being encouraged to show his/her greatness? Are we seeing every child as brilliant and addressing the gap in attitude? Does our school talk to everyone who enters our doors as a school where all students are performing at high levels, as a vibrant school, as a school that has it going on? This needs to be happening in every hallway, bulletin board, classroom, at every corner. Our message should be evident every where our students or our guests look. Excellence is expected, we Learn, Love and Lead well. Having an attitude that is anything less than that cannot be accepted at Parma Elementary. Our school is about children, about students performing at high levels.

Yes, we focus on academics. However, addressing the attitude gap is necessary. Principal Kafele stressed the importance of building relationships and connecting with our students. It is this relationship that may help us close the attitude gap and motivate students to want to learn. We know that positive interaction, a hug, a high five or a handshake may be the only true connection our students have on some days. Kafele stated that there is nothing more important at the beginning of the school day than for teachers and staff to be in the hallway greeting students, making sure they feel welcome and cared about, making a connection with a hug, handshake or high five. There is nothing any of us have to do that is of greater importance.

Unfortunately, not all of our students come to school with the will to strive for excellence. However, I love that the staff at our school is able to have an impact on that attitude. Principal Kafele reminded me that we are able to close the attitude gap by building a relationship with our students. I know that each of you do that every day. Continue striving for excellence and helping our students want to learn and excel.