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Teaching Beyond the Ceiling | Chad Chenowith | TEDxValparaisoUniversity


so it all began in 2002 I was on the

so it all began in 2002 I was on the campus of Valpo and I’d met a girl now

campus of Valpo and I’d met a girl now

campus of Valpo and I’d met a girl now at the time I was a political science

at the time I was a political science

at the time I was a political science major pre-law she was a business major

major pre-law she was a business major

major pre-law she was a business major and things went really well in fact she

and things went really well in fact she

and things went really well in fact she loves Scrabble that was a huge plus and

loves Scrabble that was a huge plus and

loves Scrabble that was a huge plus and we clicked really well but that next

we clicked really well but that next

we clicked really well but that next semester I had to break the news to her

semester I had to break the news to her

semester I had to break the news to her my terrible secret actually I wanted to

my terrible secret actually I wanted to

my terrible secret actually I wanted to be a teacher now for those of you it

be a teacher now for those of you it

be a teacher now for those of you it doesn’t take a business major to

doesn’t take a business major to

doesn’t take a business major to understand that from being a lawyer to

understand that from being a lawyer to

understand that from being a lawyer to being a teacher that’s one-fourth of the

being a teacher that’s one-fourth of the

being a teacher that’s one-fourth of the income in fact I charted it out over 40

income in fact I charted it out over 40

income in fact I charted it out over 40 years of working that’s a net loss of

years of working that’s a net loss of

years of working that’s a net loss of four million dollars now my fear was in

four million dollars now my fear was in

four million dollars now my fear was in pain in fact she smiled her mom was a

pain in fact she smiled her mom was a

pain in fact she smiled her mom was a teacher a very good teacher and things

teacher a very good teacher and things

teacher a very good teacher and things went really well in fact I graduated

went really well in fact I graduated

went really well in fact I graduated from Valpo with degree in classics in

from Valpo with degree in classics in

from Valpo with degree in classics in Latin and a degree in education I became

Latin and a degree in education I became

Latin and a degree in education I became a Latin teacher and then a few months

a Latin teacher and then a few months

a Latin teacher and then a few months later I got married a few months after

later I got married a few months after

later I got married a few months after that I became a teacher and I can tell

that I became a teacher and I can tell

that I became a teacher and I can tell you because of her and because of

you because of her and because of

you because of her and because of teaching the last 12 years have been the

teaching the last 12 years have been the

teaching the last 12 years have been the best of my life now I’ve learned a lot

best of my life now I’ve learned a lot

best of my life now I’ve learned a lot in the past 12 years about teaching in

in the past 12 years about teaching in

in the past 12 years about teaching in general in fact I’ve been in a lot of

general in fact I’ve been in a lot of

general in fact I’ve been in a lot of circles I coach I talk to a lot of

circles I coach I talk to a lot of

circles I coach I talk to a lot of teachers there I go to conferences I

teachers there I go to conferences I

teachers there I go to conferences I mean with teachers and I find that in

mean with teachers and I find that in

mean with teachers and I find that in teaching in general it’s a great skill

teaching in general it’s a great skill

teaching in general it’s a great skill to have it’s universal I look around

to have it’s universal I look around

to have it’s universal I look around here I’m sure all of you have had to

here I’m sure all of you have had to

here I’m sure all of you have had to teach someone something in the past year

teach someone something in the past year

teach someone something in the past year is that fair yeah because it’s just

is that fair yeah because it’s just

is that fair yeah because it’s just natural whether you’re a parent a coach

natural whether you’re a parent a coach

natural whether you’re a parent a coach working with someone else in your job to

working with someone else in your job to

working with someone else in your job to train them it’s something very natural

train them it’s something very natural

train them it’s something very natural that we all have to do and what I found

that we all have to do and what I found

that we all have to do and what I found these past 12 years there’s some very

these past 12 years there’s some very

these past 12 years there’s some very basic lessons about teaching and I think

basic lessons about teaching and I think

basic lessons about teaching and I think we could all benefit from them things

we could all benefit from them things

we could all benefit from them things were doing wrong things we can fix I’m

were doing wrong things we can fix I’m

were doing wrong things we can fix I’m gonna start talking about some of those

gonna start talking about some of those

gonna start talking about some of those today so the first thing I want to talk

today so the first thing I want to talk

today so the first thing I want to talk to you bout is a Latin quote I am a

to you bout is a Latin quote I am a

to you bout is a Latin quote I am a Latin teacher so please indulge me what

Latin teacher so please indulge me what

Latin teacher so please indulge me what you’re looking at behind me as they

you’re looking at behind me as they

you’re looking at behind me as they quote from Caligula that is a real rough

quote from Caligula that is a real rough

quote from Caligula that is a real rough customer here actually it’s not a quote

customer here actually it’s not a quote

customer here actually it’s not a quote from him but it’s actually one of his

from him but it’s actually one of his

from him but it’s actually one of his favorite well

favorite well

favorite well we learned this from the historian

we learned this from the historian

we learned this from the historian Suetonius and it really does show a

Suetonius and it really does show a

Suetonius and it really does show a discipline strategy some teachers are

discipline strategy some teachers are

discipline strategy some teachers are using now Caligula he inspired fear in

using now Caligula he inspired fear in

using now Caligula he inspired fear in the people and they followed him and I’m

the people and they followed him and I’m

the people and they followed him and I’m willing to bet you know some teachers

willing to bet you know some teachers

willing to bet you know some teachers that inspired fear in you and it was an

that inspired fear in you and it was an

that inspired fear in you and it was an effective strategy for discipline

effective strategy for discipline

effective strategy for discipline perhaps but I worry that in education

perhaps but I worry that in education

perhaps but I worry that in education we’re putting discipline above teaching

we’re putting discipline above teaching

we’re putting discipline above teaching and I know I’ve seen in fact a friend of

and I know I’ve seen in fact a friend of

and I know I’ve seen in fact a friend of mine on the first day used to tell

mine on the first day used to tell

mine on the first day used to tell students if you talk too much I’m

students if you talk too much I’m

students if you talk too much I’m throwing you out that window now I don’t

throwing you out that window now I don’t

throwing you out that window now I don’t think I ever did that we probably would

think I ever did that we probably would

think I ever did that we probably would have heard about that but imagine that

have heard about that but imagine that

have heard about that but imagine that as a disciplined strategy no learning

as a disciplined strategy no learning

as a disciplined strategy no learning too can take place if we look at

too can take place if we look at

too can take place if we look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs if a student

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs if a student

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs if a student feels unsafe is not fed or have other

feels unsafe is not fed or have other

feels unsafe is not fed or have other needs they can’t realize

needs they can’t realize

needs they can’t realize self-actualization learning cannot take

self-actualization learning cannot take

self-actualization learning cannot take place so my first thing I want to

place so my first thing I want to

place so my first thing I want to indulge you just earned

indulge you just earned

indulge you just earned I’m sorry impart upon you if you’re

I’m sorry impart upon you if you’re

I’m sorry impart upon you if you’re going to teach make sure the students

going to teach make sure the students

going to teach make sure the students aren’t afraid it’s the most effective

aren’t afraid it’s the most effective

aren’t afraid it’s the most effective strategy don’t put discipline above

strategy don’t put discipline above

strategy don’t put discipline above teaching now I want to go to the other

teaching now I want to go to the other

teaching now I want to go to the other side of things here I haven’t been in

side of things here I haven’t been in

side of things here I haven’t been in education for 12 years I have seen this

education for 12 years I have seen this

education for 12 years I have seen this quote all too often probably about 20

quote all too often probably about 20

quote all too often probably about 20 times at conferences meetings and it’s a

times at conferences meetings and it’s a

times at conferences meetings and it’s a great quote but I find it’s probably

great quote but I find it’s probably

great quote but I find it’s probably miss applied as often as it’s

miss applied as often as it’s

miss applied as often as it’s misattributed in fact Maya Angelou never

misattributed in fact Maya Angelou never

misattributed in fact Maya Angelou never said those words she said it was her

said those words she said it was her

said those words she said it was her favorite quote the original author was

favorite quote the original author was

favorite quote the original author was Carl Buner a high-ranking official for

Carl Buner a high-ranking official for

Carl Buner a high-ranking official for the Church of Latter day Saints now not

the Church of Latter day Saints now not

the Church of Latter day Saints now not the source you would expect but I think

the source you would expect but I think

the source you would expect but I think it’s still great advice the problem I

it’s still great advice the problem I

it’s still great advice the problem I see is that an education and we often

see is that an education and we often

see is that an education and we often look at this and think man if the

look at this and think man if the

look at this and think man if the students are feeling good I’ve done my

students are feeling good I’ve done my

students are feeling good I’ve done my job in fact I spoke to one teacher and

job in fact I spoke to one teacher and

job in fact I spoke to one teacher and he even said you know this semester but

he even said you know this semester but

he even said you know this semester but the students aren’t really learning

the students aren’t really learning

the students aren’t really learning anything but we’re having a good time so

anything but we’re having a good time so

anything but we’re having a good time so I feel like I’m doing my job

I wished I’d said I’m going to say to

I wished I’d said I’m going to say to you now no you’re not in fact if all we

you now no you’re not in fact if all we

you now no you’re not in fact if all we worry about is making students feel good

worry about is making students feel good

worry about is making students feel good we’re not teaching them we’re

we’re not teaching them we’re

we’re not teaching them we’re entertainers at that point I think

entertainers at that point I think

entertainers at that point I think entertaining is a great tool and our

entertaining is a great tool and our

entertaining is a great tool and our toolboxes teachers if we can keep the

toolboxes teachers if we can keep the

toolboxes teachers if we can keep the kids happy and entertained it’s a great

kids happy and entertained it’s a great

kids happy and entertained it’s a great conduit for learning because when

conduit for learning because when

conduit for learning because when students feel happy they feel creative

students feel happy they feel creative

students feel happy they feel creative they can express themselves it’s a safe

they can express themselves it’s a safe

they can express themselves it’s a safe environment but again all of education

environment but again all of education

environment but again all of education is about balance

is about balance

is about balance not too much discipline not too much

not too much discipline not too much

not too much discipline not too much entertainment but hitting that sweet

entertainment but hitting that sweet

entertainment but hitting that sweet spot in between now my time at Valpo I

spot in between now my time at Valpo I

spot in between now my time at Valpo I also have the opportunity to take a

also have the opportunity to take a

also have the opportunity to take a course on the teachings of Paul one of

course on the teachings of Paul one of

course on the teachings of Paul one of my favorite quotes is behind me here

my favorite quotes is behind me here

my favorite quotes is behind me here it’s from second Corinthians I adore

it’s from second Corinthians I adore

it’s from second Corinthians I adore this I think any institution of learning

this I think any institution of learning

this I think any institution of learning should have this inscribed on a wall

should have this inscribed on a wall

should have this inscribed on a wall somewhere look at the aspects of it

somewhere look at the aspects of it

somewhere look at the aspects of it number one I’ve become all things to all

number one I’ve become all things to all

number one I’ve become all things to all people that I might save some all people

people that I might save some all people

people that I might save some all people I know in education every day the kids

I know in education every day the kids

I know in education every day the kids to walk through that door I have kids

to walk through that door I have kids

to walk through that door I have kids with behavioral emotional needs who are

with behavioral emotional needs who are

with behavioral emotional needs who are visual learners who are audio learners

visual learners who are audio learners

visual learners who are audio learners kinetic learners you see those kids are

kinetic learners you see those kids are

kinetic learners you see those kids are always kind of moving around they need

always kind of moving around they need

always kind of moving around they need to do that to learn I have kids from

to do that to learn I have kids from

to do that to learn I have kids from different races from different religions

different races from different religions

different races from different religions I have kids from all sorts of

I have kids from all sorts of

I have kids from all sorts of backgrounds and all sorts of personal

backgrounds and all sorts of personal

backgrounds and all sorts of personal baggage every type of kid will walk

baggage every type of kid will walk

baggage every type of kid will walk through that door and I have to teach

through that door and I have to teach

through that door and I have to teach them all at once and that’s why I like

them all at once and that’s why I like

them all at once and that’s why I like the other aspect of this I have to

the other aspect of this I have to

the other aspect of this I have to become all things in fact good teachers

become all things in fact good teachers

become all things in fact good teachers know this we call this differentiation

know this we call this differentiation

know this we call this differentiation what that means is we differ our

what that means is we differ our

what that means is we differ our teaching strategies over the course of

teaching strategies over the course of

teaching strategies over the course of each day sometimes in the course of each

each day sometimes in the course of each

each day sometimes in the course of each class period I may teach my audio

class period I may teach my audio

class period I may teach my audio learners at one point flipped around my

learners at one point flipped around my

learners at one point flipped around my visual learners I may be more personable

visual learners I may be more personable

visual learners I may be more personable get down to someone’s level and then

get down to someone’s level and then

get down to someone’s level and then maybe I’m more sterner I have two very

maybe I’m more sterner I have two very

maybe I’m more sterner I have two very things that’s what good teachers do I

things that’s what good teachers do I

things that’s what good teachers do I become all things and then finally we’re

become all things and then finally we’re

become all things and then finally we’re only gonna save some I think an

only gonna save some I think an

only gonna save some I think an education we put too much pressure on

education we put too much pressure on

education we put too much pressure on ourselves sometimes that we have to save

ourselves sometimes that we have to save

ourselves sometimes that we have to save everyone in fact I’ll tell you one story

everyone in fact I’ll tell you one story

everyone in fact I’ll tell you one story for my early days of teaching this young

for my early days of teaching this young

for my early days of teaching this young girl she was a troubled child she would

girl she was a troubled child she would

girl she was a troubled child she would come in she would talk back to me and

come in she would talk back to me and

come in she would talk back to me and I’d have to kind of deal with that her

I’d have to kind of deal with that her

I’d have to kind of deal with that her grades were subpar at best and then

grades were subpar at best and then

grades were subpar at best and then something happened

something happened

something happened midway through the semester her grades

midway through the semester her grades

midway through the semester her grades turned around she was interacting in

turned around she was interacting in

turned around she was interacting in class positively she was kind and then

class positively she was kind and then

class positively she was kind and then one day she came by to ask me a question

one day she came by to ask me a question

one day she came by to ask me a question I couldn’t help but ask what had I done

I couldn’t help but ask what had I done

I couldn’t help but ask what had I done what differentiation hi employ that

what differentiation hi employ that

what differentiation hi employ that saved her I asked her I said so so

saved her I asked her I said so so

saved her I asked her I said so so what’s happened you’re doing a lot

what’s happened you’re doing a lot

what’s happened you’re doing a lot better now and she simply hooked up and

better now and she simply hooked up and

better now and she simply hooked up and kind of smiled she said my other parent

kind of smiled she said my other parent

kind of smiled she said my other parent has custody now

has custody now

has custody now an education we can’t control some

an education we can’t control some

an education we can’t control some things we have to let that go no matter

things we have to let that go no matter

things we have to let that go no matter what we do or what we try some students

what we do or what we try some students

what we do or what we try some students we can’t do things to save them and I

we can’t do things to save them and I

we can’t do things to save them and I think there’s a spirit of forgiveness

think there’s a spirit of forgiveness

think there’s a spirit of forgiveness that permeates education that needs to

that permeates education that needs to

that permeates education that needs to we need to let some of that stuff go

we need to let some of that stuff go

we need to let some of that stuff go however I do find right now that in

however I do find right now that in

however I do find right now that in education there is a certain demographic

education there is a certain demographic

education there is a certain demographic we’re not differentiating for a certain

we’re not differentiating for a certain

we’re not differentiating for a certain group of students that in fact surveys

group of students that in fact surveys

group of students that in fact surveys have shown over 70% of teachers say they

have shown over 70% of teachers say they

have shown over 70% of teachers say they feel like these students aren’t getting

feel like these students aren’t getting

feel like these students aren’t getting what they need and those teachers don’t

what they need and those teachers don’t

what they need and those teachers don’t know what to do

know what to do

know what to do those are gifted and talented students

those are gifted and talented students

those are gifted and talented students now I have to give a few caveats here

now I have to give a few caveats here

now I have to give a few caveats here when most people think about gifted and

when most people think about gifted and

when most people think about gifted and talented students and in Indiana we

talented students and in Indiana we

talented students and in Indiana we actually call them high ability students

actually call them high ability students

actually call them high ability students people think I wants the smart kids he

people think I wants the smart kids he

people think I wants the smart kids he wants to tell us to say that they’re

wants to tell us to say that they’re

wants to tell us to say that they’re fine no no they’re not

fine no no they’re not

fine no no they’re not in fact I’ll tell you a few things about

in fact I’ll tell you a few things about

in fact I’ll tell you a few things about if you look at the definition this

if you look at the definition this

if you look at the definition this stretches beyond math science leadership

stretches beyond math science leadership

stretches beyond math science leadership creativity being high ability is more

creativity being high ability is more

creativity being high ability is more than just being the smart kid I should

than just being the smart kid I should

than just being the smart kid I should know I was one when I was in elementary

know I was one when I was in elementary

know I was one when I was in elementary school I found myself being very bored

school I found myself being very bored

school I found myself being very bored in the back of the class I did act out a

in the back of the class I did act out a

in the back of the class I did act out a little bit at medically but more or less

little bit at medically but more or less

little bit at medically but more or less I just want to do more than what was

I just want to do more than what was

I just want to do more than what was being done in the class now I found out

being done in the class now I found out

being done in the class now I found out later on had to test myself for a class

later on had to test myself for a class

later on had to test myself for a class what my IQ was unsurprisingly I was

what my IQ was unsurprisingly I was

what my IQ was unsurprisingly I was average I still have I’m not one of the

average I still have I’m not one of the

average I still have I’m not one of the smart kids but I was high ability they

smart kids but I was high ability they

smart kids but I was high ability they tested me I was high ability and

tested me I was high ability and

tested me I was high ability and creativity which is why I love being a

creativity which is why I love being a

creativity which is why I love being a teacher the creative lessons each day

teacher the creative lessons each day

teacher the creative lessons each day that I can employ it makes me very happy

that I can employ it makes me very happy

that I can employ it makes me very happy but what we’re finding as many of these

but what we’re finding as many of these

but what we’re finding as many of these high ability students aren’t getting

high ability students aren’t getting

high ability students aren’t getting challenged in the classroom like they

challenged in the classroom like they

challenged in the classroom like they need to if you look at the final part of

need to if you look at the final part of

need to if you look at the final part of this definition it’s not about changing

this definition it’s not about changing

this definition it’s not about changing everything to meet the needs of these

everything to meet the needs of these

everything to meet the needs of these students it’s offering them something

students it’s offering them something

students it’s offering them something differentiating the curriculum to offer

differentiating the curriculum to offer

differentiating the curriculum to offer them something that will help them I

them something that will help them I

them something that will help them I want to give you an example from The

want to give you an example from The

want to give you an example from The Fountainhead if you’ve not read the book

Fountainhead if you’ve not read the book

Fountainhead if you’ve not read the book don’t worry I’m not gonna spoil anything

don’t worry I’m not gonna spoil anything

don’t worry I’m not gonna spoil anything but I’ll give

but I’ll give

but I’ll give a few notes about it it’s about an

a few notes about it it’s about an

a few notes about it it’s about an architect named Howard Roark when he was

architect named Howard Roark when he was

architect named Howard Roark when he was in school the Dean calls a man and the

in school the Dean calls a man and the

in school the Dean calls a man and the Dean says you’re not going along with

Dean says you’re not going along with

Dean says you’re not going along with the curriculum the curriculum has you

the curriculum the curriculum has you

the curriculum the curriculum has you drawing certain things and doing certain

drawing certain things and doing certain

drawing certain things and doing certain thing he refused to do them in fact

thing he refused to do them in fact

thing he refused to do them in fact you’re willing to go beyond the

you’re willing to go beyond the

you’re willing to go beyond the curriculum well Howard I already knew

curriculum well Howard I already knew

curriculum well Howard I already knew the curriculum and he was wanting to go

the curriculum and he was wanting to go

the curriculum and he was wanting to go beyond that at this point and the Dean

beyond that at this point and the Dean

beyond that at this point and the Dean simply looks up and says who’s going to

simply looks up and says who’s going to

simply looks up and says who’s going to let you go beyond the prepared

let you go beyond the prepared

let you go beyond the prepared curriculum we’ve given you and he gives

curriculum we’ve given you and he gives

curriculum we’ve given you and he gives this as his response it’s not a matter

this as his response it’s not a matter

this as his response it’s not a matter of who’s going to let me it’s who’s

of who’s going to let me it’s who’s

of who’s going to let me it’s who’s going to stop me and all too often in

going to stop me and all too often in

going to stop me and all too often in education is the teachers who are

education is the teachers who are

education is the teachers who are stopping students from learning because

stopping students from learning because

stopping students from learning because we’re slaves to curriculum we don’t want

we’re slaves to curriculum we don’t want

we’re slaves to curriculum we don’t want to go beyond it because we want to make

to go beyond it because we want to make

to go beyond it because we want to make sure all the students are learning at

sure all the students are learning at

sure all the students are learning at the same pace now keep this in mind as

the same pace now keep this in mind as

the same pace now keep this in mind as we consider that right now high ability

we consider that right now high ability

we consider that right now high ability students in kindergarten enter knowing

students in kindergarten enter knowing

students in kindergarten enter knowing 35 to 40 percent of all the material on

35 to 40 percent of all the material on

35 to 40 percent of all the material on day one now you imagine how frustrating

day one now you imagine how frustrating

day one now you imagine how frustrating that must be sitting there knowing all

that must be sitting there knowing all

that must be sitting there knowing all the material but being forced to go

the material but being forced to go

the material but being forced to go through it because that’s the process

through it because that’s the process

through it because that’s the process that’s the assembly line that education

that’s the assembly line that education

that’s the assembly line that education has become is any wonder that many of

has become is any wonder that many of

has become is any wonder that many of these high ability students what they

these high ability students what they

these high ability students what they decide to do then they act out they’re

decide to do then they act out they’re

decide to do then they act out they’re bored they’re frustrated some then think

bored they’re frustrated some then think

bored they’re frustrated some then think I’m gonna bother doing this and that

I’m gonna bother doing this and that

I’m gonna bother doing this and that giftedness that’s in them and Nate

giftedness that’s in them and Nate

giftedness that’s in them and Nate we don’t see it at all so that’s the

we don’t see it at all so that’s the

we don’t see it at all so that’s the issue I see in education and a don’t you

issue I see in education and a don’t you

issue I see in education and a don’t you consider this image an education right

consider this image an education right

consider this image an education right now I see a lot of floors and a lot of

now I see a lot of floors and a lot of

now I see a lot of floors and a lot of ceilings now if you don’t know what I

ceilings now if you don’t know what I

ceilings now if you don’t know what I mean when I say floor and ceiling

mean when I say floor and ceiling

mean when I say floor and ceiling consider this the floor is typically the

consider this the floor is typically the

consider this the floor is typically the minimum amount of achievement a student

minimum amount of achievement a student

minimum amount of achievement a student needs to pass so let’s say we’re all

needs to pass so let’s say we’re all

needs to pass so let’s say we’re all taking say a quiz on the countries of

taking say a quiz on the countries of

taking say a quiz on the countries of South America now maybe the teacher

South America now maybe the teacher

South America now maybe the teacher decides that 60% is the passing rate if

decides that 60% is the passing rate if

decides that 60% is the passing rate if you get 60% of those countries you’re

you get 60% of those countries you’re

you get 60% of those countries you’re passing that’s the floor the ceiling

passing that’s the floor the ceiling

passing that’s the floor the ceiling well you get all of them what about

well you get all of them what about

well you get all of them what about going beyond the ceiling

going beyond the ceiling

going beyond the ceiling are we accounting for those students the

are we accounting for those students the

are we accounting for those students the one in the countries of Central America

one in the countries of Central America

one in the countries of Central America that may want to talk about the

that may want to talk about the

that may want to talk about the political disparity in some of these

political disparity in some of these

political disparity in some of these countries the poverty that afflicts them

countries the poverty that afflicts them

countries the poverty that afflicts them we don’t account for the ceiling in

we don’t account for the ceiling in

we don’t account for the ceiling in education and in fact if you look at the

education and in fact if you look at the

education and in fact if you look at the definition of ceiling in the dictionary

definition of ceiling in the dictionary

definition of ceiling in the dictionary it says it’s an imposed top limit what

it says it’s an imposed top limit what

it says it’s an imposed top limit what kind of imposed limits are we putting in

kind of imposed limits are we putting in

kind of imposed limits are we putting in education right now I think it’s not we

education right now I think it’s not we

education right now I think it’s not we have a conversation about some of those

have a conversation about some of those

have a conversation about some of those limits one all mention is identifying

limits one all mention is identifying

limits one all mention is identifying our high ability students right now many

our high ability students right now many

our high ability students right now many schools they’re identifying their

schools they’re identifying their

schools they’re identifying their students with teacher recommendations

students with teacher recommendations

students with teacher recommendations now that’s okay but who are they gonna

now that’s okay but who are they gonna

now that’s okay but who are they gonna recognize the teacher pleasers are they

recognize the teacher pleasers are they

recognize the teacher pleasers are they gonna recognize the kids with a high GPA

gonna recognize the kids with a high GPA

gonna recognize the kids with a high GPA s consider this a student from a poor

s consider this a student from a poor

s consider this a student from a poor household who doesn’t have all the setup

household who doesn’t have all the setup

household who doesn’t have all the setup the structure that maybe a more affluent

the structure that maybe a more affluent

the structure that maybe a more affluent child has who has that support system

child has who has that support system

child has who has that support system maybe their giftedness can’t show

maybe their giftedness can’t show

maybe their giftedness can’t show through the way a student from a more

through the way a student from a more

through the way a student from a more affluent population can’t consider the

affluent population can’t consider the

affluent population can’t consider the statistic among high ability students

statistic among high ability students

statistic among high ability students those were minority or from low

those were minority or from low

those were minority or from low socioeconomic backgrounds are two and a

socioeconomic backgrounds are two and a

socioeconomic backgrounds are two and a half times less likely to be identified

half times less likely to be identified

half times less likely to be identified because these things are teacher driven

because these things are teacher driven

because these things are teacher driven they should be test driven I know

they should be test driven I know

they should be test driven I know standardized exams get a bad rep but you

standardized exams get a bad rep but you

standardized exams get a bad rep but you know what they work and in this case it

know what they work and in this case it

know what they work and in this case it will save those students there’s no bias

will save those students there’s no bias

will save those students there’s no bias in these tests it gives them that golden

in these tests it gives them that golden

in these tests it gives them that golden key to get the education they require I

key to get the education they require I

key to get the education they require I see another ceiling we’re building over

see another ceiling we’re building over

see another ceiling we’re building over these students it’s it’s preparation for

these students it’s it’s preparation for

these students it’s it’s preparation for teachers I mentioned earlier seven out

teachers I mentioned earlier seven out

teachers I mentioned earlier seven out of ten teachers over 70% of teachers

of ten teachers over 70% of teachers

of ten teachers over 70% of teachers don’t know what to do for their students

don’t know what to do for their students

don’t know what to do for their students these students are not being challenged

these students are not being challenged

these students are not being challenged enough these high ability students don’t

enough these high ability students don’t

enough these high ability students don’t have

have

have the challenges they need to excel

the challenges they need to excel

the challenges they need to excel teacher preparation professional

teacher preparation professional

teacher preparation professional development for high ability students

development for high ability students

development for high ability students you don’t see it that often I know in 12

you don’t see it that often I know in 12

you don’t see it that often I know in 12 years of education I have not seen it

years of education I have not seen it

years of education I have not seen it advertised to me I had to go out and

advertised to me I had to go out and

advertised to me I had to go out and seek it out myself

seek it out myself

seek it out myself finally we tell you a story I mentioned

finally we tell you a story I mentioned

finally we tell you a story I mentioned before that I was in a high ability

before that I was in a high ability

before that I was in a high ability middle school it was called the logos

middle school it was called the logos

middle school it was called the logos program the highlight of it was that are

program the highlight of it was that are

program the highlight of it was that are you ready for this there were no grades

you ready for this there were no grades

you ready for this there were no grades now imagine that the principal medicine

now imagine that the principal medicine

now imagine that the principal medicine the first day she said here’s my issue

the first day she said here’s my issue

the first day she said here’s my issue with grades in your previous classes if

with grades in your previous classes if

with grades in your previous classes if you got an A you thought you did

you got an A you thought you did

you got an A you thought you did everything you could that you were

everything you could that you were

everything you could that you were perfect

perfect

perfect not anymore we’ve lifted the ceiling go

not anymore we’ve lifted the ceiling go

not anymore we’ve lifted the ceiling go as far as you can go excel as high as

as far as you can go excel as high as

as far as you can go excel as high as you can

you can

you can we’re not gonna label you with an A and

we’re not gonna label you with an A and

we’re not gonna label you with an A and stunt your growth and that lives with me

stunt your growth and that lives with me

stunt your growth and that lives with me even now at age 34 so as we consider all

even now at age 34 so as we consider all

even now at age 34 so as we consider all these ceilings III want to talk about

these ceilings III want to talk about

these ceilings III want to talk about just what we tell our message to these

just what we tell our message to these

just what we tell our message to these young children I know we talk to young

young children I know we talk to young

young children I know we talk to young children we say reach for the stars and

children we say reach for the stars and

children we say reach for the stars and then his teachers we build ceilings to

then his teachers we build ceilings to

then his teachers we build ceilings to prevent them from grabbing them so

prevent them from grabbing them so

prevent them from grabbing them so consider this story again my middle

consider this story again my middle

consider this story again my middle school I was in sixth grade my parents

school I was in sixth grade my parents

school I was in sixth grade my parents planned this trip to Dayton Ohio now

planned this trip to Dayton Ohio now

planned this trip to Dayton Ohio now they were there on business and while

they were there on business and while

they were there on business and while they were there I was in sixth grade I

they were there I was in sixth grade I

they were there I was in sixth grade I didn’t wanna hang out with my parents so

didn’t wanna hang out with my parents so

didn’t wanna hang out with my parents so while they’re taking care of things I

while they’re taking care of things I

while they’re taking care of things I decide I’m gonna go work out I go to the

decide I’m gonna go work out I go to the

decide I’m gonna go work out I go to the workout room I break a sweat it’s cool I

workout room I break a sweat it’s cool I

workout room I break a sweat it’s cool I go back to my room throw myself in the

go back to my room throw myself in the

go back to my room throw myself in the bed it’s the 90s start watching the

bed it’s the 90s start watching the

bed it’s the 90s start watching the x-files and it’s still on today uh no I

x-files and it’s still on today uh no I

x-files and it’s still on today uh no I I find myself watching about 45 minutes

I find myself watching about 45 minutes

I find myself watching about 45 minutes hen I’m like I’ve seen this episode

hen I’m like I’ve seen this episode

hen I’m like I’ve seen this episode before I’m gonna get a shower as I’m

before I’m gonna get a shower as I’m

before I’m gonna get a shower as I’m walking to the shower I look over and I

walking to the shower I look over and I

walking to the shower I look over and I notice

notice

notice those aren’t my parents things I’ve been

those aren’t my parents things I’ve been

those aren’t my parents things I’ve been a sweaty mess for 45 minutes in the

a sweaty mess for 45 minutes in the

a sweaty mess for 45 minutes in the wrong room now I’ve brought this

wrong room now I’ve brought this

wrong room now I’ve brought this anecdote up to my students before and I

anecdote up to my students before and I

anecdote up to my students before and I asked them critical thinking what do you

asked them critical thinking what do you

asked them critical thinking what do you do here the answers I get some I mean

do here the answers I get some I mean

do here the answers I get some I mean it’ll say I’d be so furious I start

it’ll say I’d be so furious I start

it’ll say I’d be so furious I start throwing the bags out the window much

throwing the bags out the window much

throwing the bags out the window much okay

okay

okay then another said well you know I’d be

then another said well you know I’d be

then another said well you know I’d be really nervous I’d be afraid what if the

really nervous I’d be afraid what if the

really nervous I’d be afraid what if the people in the room come back and they

people in the room come back and they

people in the room come back and they see me leaving their room I’d hide under

see me leaving their room I’d hide under

see me leaving their room I’d hide under the bed again okay and what do you

the bed again okay and what do you

the bed again okay and what do you expect to do with that well then so one

expect to do with that well then so one

expect to do with that well then so one they come back to go to sleep I’ll sneak

they come back to go to sleep I’ll sneak

they come back to go to sleep I’ll sneak out and leave some simply say who cares

out and leave some simply say who cares

out and leave some simply say who cares I finished watching The X Files and get

I finished watching The X Files and get

I finished watching The X Files and get my shower I’d ignore the entire

my shower I’d ignore the entire

my shower I’d ignore the entire situation well most of them agree you

situation well most of them agree you

situation well most of them agree you get out of there within 10 seconds and

get out of there within 10 seconds and

get out of there within 10 seconds and find your parents which is exactly what

find your parents which is exactly what

find your parents which is exactly what I did we resolved the situation although

I did we resolved the situation although

I did we resolved the situation although we never stayed in a hotel in Dayton

we never stayed in a hotel in Dayton

we never stayed in a hotel in Dayton Ohio Frick and and I think this is a

Ohio Frick and and I think this is a

Ohio Frick and and I think this is a great example of what we do in education

great example of what we do in education

great example of what we do in education I know in my experience I’ve seen

I know in my experience I’ve seen

I know in my experience I’ve seen students that are high ability that know

students that are high ability that know

students that are high ability that know an awful lot and hear the reactions you

an awful lot and hear the reactions you

an awful lot and hear the reactions you can typically have no again you could

can typically have no again you could

can typically have no again you could have anger if you like I can’t believe

have anger if you like I can’t believe

have anger if you like I can’t believe the student thinks they know more than

the student thinks they know more than

the student thinks they know more than me when they probably do and you think

me when they probably do and you think

me when they probably do and you think uh I’m so frustrated err trying to break

uh I’m so frustrated err trying to break

uh I’m so frustrated err trying to break my curricula teach 30 people why can’t

my curricula teach 30 people why can’t

my curricula teach 30 people why can’t they just go with the program we’ve seen

they just go with the program we’ve seen

they just go with the program we’ve seen that doesn’t work these students get

that doesn’t work these students get

that doesn’t work these students get left out excluded you could be afraid as

left out excluded you could be afraid as

left out excluded you could be afraid as I said in my example and in fact I’m

I said in my example and in fact I’m

I said in my example and in fact I’m gonna make a confession to all of you

gonna make a confession to all of you

gonna make a confession to all of you right now I’ve been teaching for 12

right now I’ve been teaching for 12

right now I’ve been teaching for 12 years there have been numerous students

years there have been numerous students

years there have been numerous students that know more about Latin in English

that know more about Latin in English

that know more about Latin in English than I do

than I do

than I do that’s a hard confession for teachers to

that’s a hard confession for teachers to

that’s a hard confession for teachers to make but here’s the key they may know

make but here’s the key they may know

make but here’s the key they may know more about the course material and

more about the course material and

more about the course material and that’s not to say I don’t know my

that’s not to say I don’t know my

that’s not to say I don’t know my material but I know how to teach them I

material but I know how to teach them I

material but I know how to teach them I know how to provide them opportunities

know how to provide them opportunities

know how to provide them opportunities to continue expand they’re already

to continue expand they’re already

to continue expand they’re already exponential growth and that’s what good

exponential growth and that’s what good

exponential growth and that’s what good teachers do they don’t just plan the

teachers do they don’t just plan the

teachers do they don’t just plan the curriculum they make opportunities for

curriculum they make opportunities for

curriculum they make opportunities for those students now ignorance is another

those students now ignorance is another

those students now ignorance is another sin that we can commit here just

sin that we can commit here just

sin that we can commit here just ignoring the situation it’s probably the

ignoring the situation it’s probably the

ignoring the situation it’s probably the easiest thing to do

easiest thing to do

easiest thing to do just let the students kind of go along

just let the students kind of go along

just let the students kind of go along they’ll be fine I’ve got other kids that

they’ll be fine I’ve got other kids that

they’ll be fine I’ve got other kids that I have to worry about

I have to worry about

I have to worry about I’ll let them figure it out themselves

I’ll let them figure it out themselves

I’ll let them figure it out themselves the best solution of course is to say

the best solution of course is to say

the best solution of course is to say I’ve got this I’m gonna go to my parents

I’ve got this I’m gonna go to my parents

I’ve got this I’m gonna go to my parents and tell them I’ve been in the wrong

and tell them I’ve been in the wrong

and tell them I’ve been in the wrong room for the past hour it’s saying I’m

room for the past hour it’s saying I’m

room for the past hour it’s saying I’m gonna provide opportunities for this

gonna provide opportunities for this

gonna provide opportunities for this student it’s gonna give them the best

student it’s gonna give them the best

student it’s gonna give them the best chance to succeed

chance to succeed

chance to succeed I start every day with this quote from

I start every day with this quote from

I start every day with this quote from John Wooden I say be prepared to be

John Wooden I say be prepared to be

John Wooden I say be prepared to be honest I’m honest about what I can do as

honest I’m honest about what I can do as

honest I’m honest about what I can do as a teacher I can’t save everyone they’re

a teacher I can’t save everyone they’re

a teacher I can’t save everyone they’re gonna be students who know more than I

gonna be students who know more than I

gonna be students who know more than I do and that’s okay but I go in every day

do and that’s okay but I go in every day

do and that’s okay but I go in every day knowing that and I try to provide the

knowing that and I try to provide the

knowing that and I try to provide the best opportunities for every student I

best opportunities for every student I

best opportunities for every student I can differentiate for my high ability

can differentiate for my high ability

can differentiate for my high ability kids and everyone else and I want to

kids and everyone else and I want to

kids and everyone else and I want to talk about what teachers can do today to

talk about what teachers can do today to

talk about what teachers can do today to do that now you’re looking at examples

do that now you’re looking at examples

do that now you’re looking at examples here identification if you’re a parent

here identification if you’re a parent

here identification if you’re a parent you think maybe your child is excelling

you think maybe your child is excelling

you think maybe your child is excelling in one of the areas we talked about have

in one of the areas we talked about have

in one of the areas we talked about have a conversation with the teachers with

a conversation with the teachers with

a conversation with the teachers with the principal talk about getting tested

the principal talk about getting tested

the principal talk about getting tested identification don’t just let it teach

identification don’t just let it teach

identification don’t just let it teach your recommendation be the key testing

your recommendation be the key testing

your recommendation be the key testing specifically norm standard testing the

specifically norm standard testing the

specifically norm standard testing the cogut is a great one for early

cogut is a great one for early

cogut is a great one for early elementary we look at other instances

elementary we look at other instances

elementary we look at other instances we’re looking here at acceleration I’ve

we’re looking here at acceleration I’ve

we’re looking here at acceleration I’ve moved kids along a lot in my class I see

moved kids along a lot in my class I see

moved kids along a lot in my class I see a kid a lot and one that’s doing really

a kid a lot and one that’s doing really

a kid a lot and one that’s doing really well I don’t waste my time

well I don’t waste my time

well I don’t waste my time go to Latin 3:00 or Latin to I should

go to Latin 3:00 or Latin to I should

go to Latin 3:00 or Latin to I should say if your kids doing really well I

say if your kids doing really well I

say if your kids doing really well I want you to get the best experience you

want you to get the best experience you

want you to get the best experience you can I don’t want you just sitting in the

can I don’t want you just sitting in the

can I don’t want you just sitting in the back getting nothing from this

back getting nothing from this

back getting nothing from this experience we need to be much more

experience we need to be much more

experience we need to be much more comfortable acceleration compacting so

comfortable acceleration compacting so

comfortable acceleration compacting so for instance I know if I see a kid over

for instance I know if I see a kid over

for instance I know if I see a kid over the course of a two week class and I’m

the course of a two week class and I’m

the course of a two week class and I’m like okay this kid could probably get

like okay this kid could probably get

like okay this kid could probably get this lesson in about two days well give

this lesson in about two days well give

this lesson in about two days well give them extra stuff to do on the side

them extra stuff to do on the side

them extra stuff to do on the side compact your curriculum and allow them

compact your curriculum and allow them

compact your curriculum and allow them to do different things they’re not just

to do different things they’re not just

to do different things they’re not just sitting there bored and acting out if we

sitting there bored and acting out if we

sitting there bored and acting out if we look up your professional development I

look up your professional development I

look up your professional development I think those opportunities need be made

think those opportunities need be made

think those opportunities need be made more often for teachers I know for me in

more often for teachers I know for me in

more often for teachers I know for me in general I want to know more about those

general I want to know more about those

general I want to know more about those opportunities that are out there I think

opportunities that are out there I think

opportunities that are out there I think that college is offering it more in

that college is offering it more in

that college is offering it more in courses having those opportunities

courses having those opportunities

courses having those opportunities available communicating that to teachers

available communicating that to teachers

available communicating that to teachers there are ways to learn how to

there are ways to learn how to

there are ways to learn how to differentiate for high ability students

differentiate for high ability students

differentiate for high ability students finally extracurricular activities

finally extracurricular activities

finally extracurricular activities sometimes a kid cannot excel just in the

sometimes a kid cannot excel just in the

sometimes a kid cannot excel just in the classroom they need something outside so

classroom they need something outside so

classroom they need something outside so any teacher out there please by all

any teacher out there please by all

any teacher out there please by all means do not be afraid to start a new

means do not be afraid to start a new

means do not be afraid to start a new activity matter how crazy it might be

activity matter how crazy it might be

activity matter how crazy it might be started you’re gonna reach some kids I’m

started you’re gonna reach some kids I’m

started you’re gonna reach some kids I’m gonna give you two last examples here

gonna give you two last examples here

gonna give you two last examples here about how high ability instruction can

about how high ability instruction can

about how high ability instruction can really make a difference and

really make a difference and

really make a difference and you know this gentleman is Taurus and

you know this gentleman is Taurus and

you know this gentleman is Taurus and Wells he was considered a prodigy at age

Wells he was considered a prodigy at age

Wells he was considered a prodigy at age two

two

two now throughout his education he was

now throughout his education he was

now throughout his education he was really just given a very average

really just given a very average

really just given a very average education the best that he could get at

education the best that he could get at

education the best that he could get at the time obviously but he just kept

the time obviously but he just kept

the time obviously but he just kept going along and going along until

going along and going along until

going along and going along until finally at the Todd’s seminary for boys

finally at the Todd’s seminary for boys

finally at the Todd’s seminary for boys one teacher Robert Hill finally said

one teacher Robert Hill finally said

one teacher Robert Hill finally said look Orson you’re you’re way above the

look Orson you’re you’re way above the

look Orson you’re you’re way above the other kids this is gonna be an ad hoc

other kids this is gonna be an ad hoc

other kids this is gonna be an ad hoc education you go off to the side you do

education you go off to the side you do

education you go off to the side you do your own thing be creative

your own thing be creative

your own thing be creative blow me away with something Orson Welles

blow me away with something Orson Welles

blow me away with something Orson Welles was first play in that class an

was first play in that class an

was first play in that class an adaptation of Sherlock Holmes he then

adaptation of Sherlock Holmes he then

adaptation of Sherlock Holmes he then went on to produce War of the Worlds

went on to produce War of the Worlds

went on to produce War of the Worlds then Citizen Kane one of the greatest

then Citizen Kane one of the greatest

then Citizen Kane one of the greatest motion pictures of all time all because

motion pictures of all time all because

motion pictures of all time all because a teacher was willing to break from

a teacher was willing to break from

a teacher was willing to break from curriculum one last example young girl

curriculum one last example young girl

curriculum one last example young girl Emma crates from Guadalajara Mexico she

Emma crates from Guadalajara Mexico she

Emma crates from Guadalajara Mexico she comes in to her classes and the teachers

comes in to her classes and the teachers

comes in to her classes and the teachers at first think she’s a troublemaker they

at first think she’s a troublemaker they

at first think she’s a troublemaker they are constantly yelling her to to get in

are constantly yelling her to to get in

are constantly yelling her to to get in line to do what’s right and then

line to do what’s right and then

line to do what’s right and then teachers finally realize she didn’t know

teachers finally realize she didn’t know

teachers finally realize she didn’t know English that’s why she was acting now

English that’s why she was acting now

English that’s why she was acting now now is she making more culture and she

now is she making more culture and she

now is she making more culture and she picked up the language she skipped a

picked up the language she skipped a

picked up the language she skipped a grade she was gifted and in fact now

grade she was gifted and in fact now

grade she was gifted and in fact now she’s gone under to make a name for

she’s gone under to make a name for

she’s gone under to make a name for herself and both a private and public

herself and both a private and public

herself and both a private and public sector this is maria contreras-sweet in

sector this is maria contreras-sweet in

sector this is maria contreras-sweet in fact under the obama administration she

fact under the obama administration she

fact under the obama administration she served for the Small Business

served for the Small Business

served for the Small Business Administration and now she’s moving to

Administration and now she’s moving to

Administration and now she’s moving to buy The Weinstein Company to have it

buy The Weinstein Company to have it

buy The Weinstein Company to have it helm by a woman to correct mistakes from

helm by a woman to correct mistakes from

helm by a woman to correct mistakes from the past all because again a teacher is

the past all because again a teacher is

the past all because again a teacher is willing to recognize a high ability

willing to recognize a high ability

willing to recognize a high ability student and not just let her sit the

student and not just let her sit the

student and not just let her sit the back of the class to be a troublemaker

back of the class to be a troublemaker

back of the class to be a troublemaker so we’re here today to talk about

so we’re here today to talk about

so we’re here today to talk about conversations fine conversations that

conversations fine conversations that

conversations fine conversations that you have in your schools with parents

you have in your schools with parents

you have in your schools with parents teachers guidance counselors principals

teachers guidance counselors principals

teachers guidance counselors principals even going to your high ability

even going to your high ability

even going to your high ability coordinator in your district or diocese

coordinator in your district or diocese

coordinator in your district or diocese can make all the difference because

can make all the difference because

can make all the difference because these are conversations that can shatter

these are conversations that can shatter

these are conversations that can shatter ceilings and without these ceilings are

ceilings and without these ceilings are

ceilings and without these ceilings are high ability students can truly flourish

high ability students can truly flourish

high ability students can truly flourish thank you

thank you

thank you you

”

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