National School to Watch: First Attempt in Learning

A new way of looking at the word fail can be attributed to Rick Wormeli, noted education consultant and teacher specializing in standards-based grading and differentiation: First Attempt In Learning.

Princess Anne Middle School applied to be a National School to Watch in 2014, and a great deal of effort went into preparing to showcase all that is wonderful about our school in hopes of being recognized for this perstigious distinction. Based on our application, we were selected for a site visit, which occurred in November. We received the news just prior to Christmas Break that we were not going to be selected this year. It was a great disappointment.

I must admit my first reaction was anger. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that PAMS is worthy of this distinction. Once I moved through the stages of grief, though, I was able to put eveything in its proper context. First, it is important to note the visiting team was highly impressed with PAMS. Everything I find most important, specifically teaching, learning, assessment, citizenship, and service (among other things) they noted as particular areas of strength. They had some feedback, though, they felt we could implement in order to become an even better candidate. For me, it was time to practice what I preach. Failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. That is the essence of the growth mindset I believe so strongly in.

So what was the feedback? It makes sense considering the organization that sponsors the award is a middle school organization. Ultimately, they felt we had not done enough to preserve and showcase the middle school model. They wanted to see the grade level teams showcased more, a stronger effort at helping students to identify with and develop a sense of belonging with those teams, and more effort made to maintain the separation between grade levels. They did recognize that we had recently changed locations and were occupying a high school building, but still felt we could do more even in that context. And so we will. If our first attempt in learning was a FAIL, I believe on our second attempt in learning we will SAIL.