Failure is Not an Option #2: Ensuring Achievement for All Students

“It is imperative that a school’s entire staff hold high expectations for students,” says Alan Blankstein in Failure is Not an Option. Prior to the adoption of the federal education law, No Child Left Behind, it was permissible, in some parts of the country, to make excuses by contending that some kids (i.e. children of poverty or ethnic minorities) simply couldn’t learn at the same rate as other students. The federal law drove discussion and an acknowledgement that some educators used outside factors as an excuse for not teaching students the way they needed in order to learn. It was easier to blame the student than for the teacher admit to insufficiencies.

A school leader, dealing with a staff that doesn’t honestly believe every student can learn at high levels should first try to educate the staff on the results of research. The book says that “Leaders can also create this dissonance, as well as pathways to change. Modeling alternative behaviors, demonstrating success, and forcefully challenging assumptions are all part of good leadership.”

The book also suggests that having staff members get to know the students that they think won’t succeed, their beliefs will change. In other words, relationship building will break down barriers to achievement.

Blankstein’s “comprehensive system for assuring success” includes:
· Having an improvement plan for all students
· Having systems for quickly identifying those in need
· Providing a continuum of support and targeted strategies for low-achievers
· Publishing results on closing the achievement gap\

Key to this entire principle is the belief system of the school leader and the staff. Everyone has to believe that all students can succeed.