High Expectations Getting You Down? Work the Circle!

We all say we believe in high expectations, but sometimes the challenges of the classroom cause us to re-think what we mean by "high."

Don't Re-think.  Re-work!  Learn to "Work the Circle!"

When students are not achieving in the classroom at a level of content mastery, there is a reason.  Reasons are myriad, but they all fall into one of four categories:  Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, or Spiritual.

Physical causes of underachievement include problems with vision, blood sugar, allergies, hearing...the list goes on.  If it affects our bodies, it affects our performance.

Emotional causes of underachievement include our home environment, our relationships, our feelings of safety...the list goes on.  If it affects our hearts, it affects our performance.

Intellectual causes of underachievement include need for study skills, coaching, more information...the list goes on.  This is usually where we educators look.  If it affects our mind, it affects our performance.

Spiritual causes of underachievement include our dreams, goals, and values.  Everyone isn't religious (although that is spiritual), but everyone has dreams, goals, and values.  If we compromise our inner self, it affects our performance. 

Every intervention we make that is outside of "root cause" is a band-aid.  Band-aids are good; band-aids are necessary; band-aids help us heal quicker...but band-aids are not enough!

So..."Work the Circle!"  Try an intervention that is physical, then emotional, then intellectual, then spiritual...and do it again.  Do it until the student reaches content mastery.  Then get our of their way!  They have wings, and they love to fly!


Years ago, we taught teachers the "dragnet" style of teaching:  "Mind and body."  "Just the facts, Ma'am."  We now know, based on brain research, that we cannot teach half a child.  In fact, we believe that minimal learning occurs outside the realm of the emotional and spiritual.  We are charged with the task of infusing these elements into the classroom without violating a child.

We educators have a wonderful profession.  We are charged with molding the minds and hearts of the next generation.  Be brave!


Need help?  Contact us!  Lockett Learning Systems