Secretary's Column
By Dr. Rick Melmer
Department of Education

Changing our thinking about change

Some of my greatest inspiration comes from reading – either articles that I read or books that are designed to challenge my thinking. Recently, I had a chance to hear an author speak about his book, “Change or Die.” The author is Alan Deutschman.

Deutschman has completed some compelling research that illustrates the challenges of change. He has helped me understand that any major changes in the public school system will be difficult.

Deutschman begins his book by sharing some stories from the medical field. He reminds the reader that 80 percent of our healthcare budget is consumed by five behaviors that are all choices. You probably know the list: too much smoking, drinking, eating, stress and not enough exercise.

One of the solutions to the problems mentioned above is a heart procedure known as angioplasty. Most of us have had friends or family members that have experienced this procedure. The most disturbing part of Deutschman’s opening chapter is that he quotes a well-known medical professor who indicates that even though people are faced with a life-altering medical procedure and know that their years on this earth could be limited without a change in lifestyle, 90 percent of the patients do not change their behavior. When faced with a life or death option, most people choose to roll the dice. Change is hard, even if it could dictate a change in our quality of life.

When it comes to changing a past practice or program, it is no wonder that it may be difficult to do. We all get into patterns of behaviors that are comfortable to us and provide the structure or security that we need. However, like the medical example mentioned above, there are times that change is necessary to create a better and more productive life.

In education, we need to continue to reflect on how we prepare our students for the future. Do the habits that we have developed in our schools prepare our students for the future? Do the activities that we implement promote the skills that will be required for a 21st century adult? Do we emphasize problem solving, teamwork, writing, research and communication in our classroom and school activities?

Even if our past behavior was right for past or current students, we want the students of the future to have a more elaborate set of skills. This is not a life or death situation, but the decisions that we make with today’s students will create a better and more productive life for our students in the future.

My challenge to you, as school leaders, is this: Keep asking the important questions. Keep thinking about how we can improve our educational system. Keep your mind open to change.