A Different Way to Look at a Classroom

This is so exciting! A teacher in my school and I went to an amazing session at the middle school conference on student ownership. At the end of the session Phil and I were FIRED UP!! He came back and began implementing this whole idea of standards mastery in his classroom. Kids work at their own pace, and don't move on to the next standard until they have mastered it. This was a typical day in a first hour class. Talk about engagement. Talk about meaningful academic conversations. Talk about kids owning their own learning. I CANNOT stop talking about it. 

Today This Hit Me Hard!

Core Values Exercise

Last winter I had dinner with an old friend. We talked about an activity she had done to help her identify her core values. Through the activity,  she was able to construct a mission statement for her life. I loved the idea, and asked her if I could try it. She sent me the information immediately, and I was excited to do it. True to form, I procrastinated doing it for months. In fact, until today. I am having dinner with this friend again, and couldn't show up without having completed this activity.
I spent a few hours doing it, and am quite pleased with the results. It's important to identify what you believe in, and why! Here are the results:

Kari's Core Values 

*Spirituality: My faith is an integral part of who I am. I've seen God work mightily in my life and those around me. 

*Family: My family unit is such a gift. Time spent with family energizes me and brings me great joy.

*Humor: Humor is what tempers life's situations. It keeps me sane throughout this journey!

*Honestly: Honesty is an imperative. To be honest in all situations, and to expect honestly from those around me is vital. Say what you mean, mean what you say!

*Passion: Passion plays out in all things I do and am. Living a passionate life makes life vibrant and worthwhile.

*Diversity: Equity work is a life's passion. Understanding how my perspectives are limited, and can color how I view others and the world around me is a key component in looking at others.My point of view is not the only perspective, and not necessarily the right one. 

This activity challenged me to show these values to friends and family to see if others around me see me the way I see myself. So, here you go:  What do you think? Is this me?