Spring Breaking

Since you are officially on Spring Break, I promise this will be short and sweet!  Consider these two statements:

• The Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto reportedly developed his enduring Pareto Principle by observing pea pods in his garden.  His principle states that roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of causes.
•  “Great teachers know when to make decisions quickly and when to step back and reflect.”  --Lana M. Danielson

Photo from iNotes4You.com

Life in education is often so hectic, so busy, so intense that we almost without knowing get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle.  We don’t know if we are coming or going—and it certainly feels like there is no time to stop and think. 

Pareto likely did not have education in mind, but the Pareto Principle could almost certainly apply to schools.  If 20% of our efforts get 80% of the results, it would behoove us to take the time to reflect and refocus on those key things that are the most important and have the most impact on our students’ learning.

Sometimes the best thinking occurs in the quiet times, in the times when you aren’t really planning to do anything at all, in the times right before falling to sleep or waking completely.  Spring break will, I hope, give you a chance to relax and let your mind wander.  If it does, let it.  It may take you to very good places.

I hope you take time this week to enjoy family and friends.  I hope you find time to rest and relax.  And I hope you take time to reflect on what is really important to you and to your work.

Enjoy!

Phil

“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” --Søren Kierkegaard