January 1st is a day we celebrate with friends and family to bring in the new. The K-12 environment has experienced many new changes, not only in Michigan but also throughout the U.S. Across the country there is a great concern that our children are not educationally prepared for their future. As data demonstrates the number of children who are not academically proficient, it is hard for anyone to debate the need for change. Carl Jung said, “If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves.” However as Arnold Bennett has said, “Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” The changes we are experiencing are affecting many districts, schools, offices, individuals and even the families of the individuals.
There are times when change brings about immediate pains that cause us to ask why. Charles Swindoll once said, “We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.” As we work for positive change in our districts, it is important that we have understanding for those affected by the changes but also keep a positive attitude to stay focused on increasing the quality of our students’ education.
Hanging by my office door I have a quote to help keep me focused, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi This is a great reminder for me to constantly see. As change is taking place around me, it helps me to stay focused on positive changes.
As I am blessed with the knowledge my life’s experiences have provided me, there has been one prayer that continues to help me through life’s journey: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr
May 2012 be filled with an abundance of serenity, courage and wisdom for all the leaders who will have an impact on the new future education of our students.