More Than A Number

What does the term “student-focused” mean? It seems like a pretty self-explanatory concept, doesn’t it? As a teacher, being student-focused means ensuring that the needs of students are prioritized when establishing a classroom. This goes beyond just the physical environment (decorations, seating, etc.) but also includes the routines and procedures implemented. From the moment students arrive in the classroom, they must feel welcome and safe. Teachers have to navigate any issues that occur before a student arrives at the classroom door. Are they tired, hungry, mad? Teachers understand that students cannot and will not learn unless their basic needs have been met.

School leaders work to ensure a school is student-focused by taking the classroom concepts discussed above and implementing them school-wide. School leaders work to ensure that routines and procedures are implemented consistently throughout the building, that a common language is created among the routines and procedures, and that there is a common understanding of the routines and procedures among all staff. Just like teachers work to ensure students feel welcome and safe from the moment they enter the classroom, school leaders do the same thing from the moment students enter the building. They are there to greet them when they arrive and welcome them with smiles, hugs, and a fresh start every day. Additionally, school leaders work to ensure that the school is welcoming and safe for families. This is done by creating experiences and traditions that allow families to be part of the school community. They should feel welcome to ask questions and engage in conversations that support student learning.

Being student-focused for a school leader means respecting teachers’ time so they can prepare engaging lessons. It means checking in with teachers and staff to ensure they are okay. Do they need help with a student? Do they need a bathroom break? Do they need support with some aspect of the curriculum? Being student-focused means engaging in dialogue with staff to ensure the needs of students are being met. It also means that as a school leader, you advocate for your teachers and staff to provide a safe environment. Teachers should not come to school and have to be hit, kicked, or spit on. School leaders must know the difference between a teacher struggling with classroom management and one with a student who has significant behavior problems, but can support both. Teachers have to be okay to be able to maintain a focus on students!

As I left my previous position, I was accused of not being “student-focused”. I was accused of perceiving students as the problem. As schools are faced with increasing mental health concerns and behavior issues, it is difficult to know how to handle these situations. There are no easy answers. Accusations and lies will not solve our problems. Placing blame on others will not solve our problems. Ignoring the issues will not solve our problems. What has to happen involves conversations, collaborative thinking and problem-solving, as well as a willingness to acknowledge the reality of the situation. Schools need to be judged on more than test scores because when you a truly “student-focused”, you know that a student is more than just a number.