Richard Parkhouse - Transforming School Culture and Climate

Here is what Richard Parkhouse talked about in his keynote today that stood out to me:

• The people in CADA support you and help you to make the difficult simple
• We have a lot of emphasis on rigor and relevance, however . . .
• RELATIONSHIPS are the key to success in the classroom and on a schoolwide basis
• The story of Jason, the high school basketball manager, with autism

• We are like that coach. We give kids opportunities to participate, opportunities to shine.
• We face many challenges in activities
• Why do student activities exist at your school?
• Ask this question of your kids
• What do you value?
• Do you have a set of core values for your ASB? Your school?
• The football team often does this perfectly
• They put it right on their t-shirts; usually no more than 3-4 words
• Passion, Duty, Respect, Integrity, Pride
• We change lives and impact futures
• Purpose, Direction, Goals, Values
• The power of "I Will" - FINAO
• "Failure is Not an Option"
• What are your goals? Your dreams? Your aspirations?
• http://www.finaonation.com

Four Truths of Human Nature

• We are all INSECURE
• We HATE to be DISMISSED
• We LOVE to be APPRECIATED
• We NEED to be UNDERSTOOD

We celebrate what we value.

Culture is represented in your school's . . .

• Common language
• Values and beliefs
• Daily work ethics and practices
• Stories and legends
• Decision making