Excuses (or making soup)

A man went to his neighbor to enquire about borrowing a tool and was told he couldn't use it. When the man asked why, the neighbor told him, "I'm making soup."  "What does making soup have to do with my borrowing a tool?" the man asked. "When it comes to excuses," the neighbor replied, "one is as good any."  

As educators, we have to be wary about making excuses, especially regarding student achievement. While there are multiple reasons why students do poorly, many of which are out of our control, we can't afford to use these as excuses.  Instead, we need to focus on those factors that we can control.  

In a recent conversation with a teacher, we were discussing what can be done to increase student success.  The point kept arising, "But these kids come to us...." (fill in the blank) and "But, we have to ....." (fill in the blank). The blanks include hungry and tired, little parental support, raising themselves, three grades behind, lacking social skills, give too many tests, complete too much paperwork, etc.  Sadly, we have no control over most of these "but" factors.  They are issues that are out of our hands.  We can't ignore them, but we also can't afford to use them as excuses.  

Instead, we need to focus on improving and changing what is within our control.  We don't have much control over what happens outside the school or what mandates come from the state, "but" we do have control over what occurs within the classroom and the school.  For example, if students are hungry, feed them.  If they are behind, identify gaps and find creative ways to fill them.  If they have few social skills, teach them and give opportunity to practice.  Create a classroom and school culture that shouts, "This is a safe place to learn."  Teach engaging lessons. Give students opportunity to serve and lead.  Develop positive relationships with students and parents. Differentiate.  Work together with and learn from other educators.  Act as a parent, if necessary. The list goes on and on. 

 In Alcoholics Anonymous, they start each meeting with the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."  It might serve us well to adopt this prayer as we seek to serve students amidst so many issues that are beyond our control.  

I'm as guilty as any of making excuses.  It is the path of least resistance.  However, as educators, when we make excuses, we disempower ourselves and do a disservice to our students. Instead of excuses, we need to recognize the factors that are within our control and focus on doing these to the best of our ability and in a way that will be in the best interest of students. No more making soup.