Advice from a master educator

A few days ago, I had the privilege of a discussion with Assistant Principal Holly. She did an excellent job of putting my uneasiness to rest by explaining her educational philosophy. I was worried about the difference between the things we're learning at UNM and the things I'm seeing during my field service.

Here are some things we talked about:

• Every student should graduate (or get a GED). Not every student that attends, or every student that speaks English, or every student that turns in their work. Every student. Period.
• Use technology! Meet the kids halfway with what they are interested in.
• So many kids don’t ever come to class because we lose them in the first few days.
• Remember that engaging lesson plans are the best cure for truancy.
• More important than the lesson is classroom management. If kids are not paying attention, they are not learning!
• Testing is secondary –teaching the kids comes first.