MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2008

Last week I attended the Association of Wisconsin School Administrator's Annual Associate Principals Conference. Over the the 2 1/2 day event I met many AP's from around the state. The opportunity to network and establish contacts was invaluable, however I also came away from the Conference with many, many great ideas that are being used in schools just like ours and with great success. Over the next several months I will share what I learned and how we can use it to make Marinette Middle School an even greater place than it already is.

Here's a strategy for Motivating Reluctant Learners that you can start using today.

THE 2 X 10 STRATEGY (not the 2 X 4 strategy)

Have you every had a student whose very presence in the classroom causes disruptions and brings down others which results in a less than enjoyable experience for both teacher and student? I know we all have. Recently, I have heard more complaints of students who cause this very thing to happen. Research by Dr. Raymond Wlodkowski shows that if you talk with "one of those" students for 2 minutes each day for 10 days... that student's behavior and overall success will improve in the classroom will improve 85%. Let the student talk about anything he/she wants. Show your interest. Great them daily and restart the conversation. Think about this. If every staff member at MMS tries this strategy with their most challenging student, there is the potential to improve the behavior and success of 50 plus students. This would undoubtedly have a wide-reaching impact on the entire building. It's simple and it's worth the 2 minutes it takes.

Have a great week!!!