Hello!

Hello!
My name is Autumn Buzzell and I live and work in Ghana, West Africa with City of Refuge Ministries. Here, I run our school, Faith Roots International Academy, and get to be a part in rescuing and the healing of children who have been trafficked into the fishing trade, orphaned, abandoned, and those who just need a little extra loving. What an amazing gift this life is!

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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Changes

I have been thinking over things that worked here last year...and things that didn't. I have been thinking about policies and techniques that should change...creating a stronger system here at the school.

When I came, with no plans of being the school principal, and had to come up with our school model, I created it based on what I knew. Taking a little bit from each of the schools I have worked at in the past. Using what I knew, we created this model. 

And with 100% buy in from the teachers, it might have worked well. But with anything new, you have to evaluate what worked and what didn't and make changes to make it stronger...better. What worked at my old schools doesn't necessarily work here. 

How do I create a positive behavior program that will work and hold our students accountable? How do I encourage achievement from our staff, students, and parents? How do I disciple students and teachers alike? 

We are thinking. And brainstorming. And coming up with new systems. And trusting that as we develop and strategize, that God will continue to fill in the gaps here.

What ideas do you have for stronger positive behavior systems? Accountability for teachers? Incorporating more small group instruction and hands on learning? Scheduling for classes?

All ideas welcome!

1 comment:

  1. Autumn, I learned that we will work hard/behave better when rewarded with what we like most. Finding that carrot to dangle is the hardest part. One thing will not work for everyone, so in some cases you may need to individualize a plan. Everyone likes to be recognized so teacher/student of the month or maybe start with week. Give them responsibility and have them report to their peer groups. That's a lot of pressure. Compare where a student enters and exits a classroom at the end of the year. Share gains made and credit that grade level or individual teacher. Pop in on classes often leaving behind a positive comment, followed by a suggestion if needed. Wish I could sit down with you and talk about the problems specifically, but feel free to ask specific questions if needed. I know things that work here might not work there.

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