3 Comments

  1. mwillis2

    Carrie,

    We learned in this course that the Human Resources Development version of organization theory is the best for most educational situations such as an elementary school. At the moment, our legislators in Austin have seen fit to fashion a bureaucratic-type of solution to the perceived problem of the lack of mathematical and reading scholarship in American society, with the laudable purpose of ultimately providing each American her rightful place in American economic society. Their solution is to mandate minimum standards only on the factors measured in the STAAR tests. This is a good start and Texas really needed the upgrade in learning achievement, but the HRD model of organization is based on the premise that these measured results are, indeed, the minimums needed, that the whole person (student or adult) should be amplified in all her abilities. A fulfilled person can do great in many areas of life beside reading and mathematics. HRD needs everyone’s abilities to be used for achieving the best for the organization and for it’s ultimate purpose. For an elementary school, that means applying basic skills like reading and writing to solving school educational problems. So I like what you say.

  2. aboone

    I was very surprised to read that Cibolo Green’s disciplinary infractions have seen a small increase since implementing the LIM process. Though I understand that there could be many contributing factors, I’d be curious as to how cohesive the faculty is in implementing the process. I would think that like many discipline or SEL programs, the faculty must be unified in their commitment to it to see the full benefits. The Texas A&M study certainly seems to reinforce the need for faculty to embrace the program until its principles are instilled as part of the culture instead of taking a half-hearted approach.

    I also wonder about the feasibility of training parents in some of the LIM methods, so that the process is continued at home. It seems to me that would create even further development of the 7 habits in students and also strengthen familial bonds. It might also create stronger relationships between parents and the school.

  3. sfernandez

    The Leader In Me process as outlined in your paper is a great program for schools and students. LIM helps increase academic and socio-emotional growth of students and seems to bring about a positive effect on school culture at the same time. And importantly, the 7 Habits does in fact help build character and life skills, and as educators we would not only teach leadership skills, but also seek to develop the “whole child.”

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