Thriving Schools (and Leaders) Ask and Answer Questions
About ten years ago, one of the more popular catch phrases in education was “reflective practice.” Entire books were written on the subject, but it ultimately came down to the fact that people who excel in almost any endeavor take the time to reflect on what what is working, what is not, and where to go next. Of course, as Christians, we know that the general concept goes back much further. Consider even just a handful of relevant verses in the Scriptures.
“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:40, ESV)
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)
“The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15, ESV)
“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16, ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, ESV)
With this in mind, I was searching through backup files on my computer last week, and I came across a document called “Weekly Accountability Form.” I created it in 1995, when I was a second-year middle and high school theology teacher. Using this simple list of questions, I set aside an hour each Friday to reflect on the past week, pray, and then map out my plans for the week ahead. While I was a new teacher and had much to learn (I still do), I remember how much I valued these Friday afternoons, and how they helped me learn and grow.
Years later, as I began to study high-impact schools, I was surprised but delighted to discover that the questions I asked myself in those first years of teaching are some of the same questions that these thriving schools ask themselves on a regular basis. Because they are committed to growing and improving, they crave feedback…and that includes cultivating time for self-feedback.
While there are common questions that all thriving Christian schools (as well as the leaders and teachers) regularly ask, I’ve come to believe that it is the desire and discipline of prayerful, humble, regular, mission-informed question-asking (and answering) that is the most important part of the process. Below, I’ve included the questions that I asked myself so many years ago, but perhaps it would be even more valuable to take the time to reflect on your mission, your school’s distinct values, and use those to establish a list of questions that are meaningful to you and your school.
If you choose to take up the challenge, please consider sharing what you develop. I’d love to learn from you!
My Friday Afternoon Questions as a New Christian School Teacher
Instructional
Can I support everything that I plan to teach or have taught with the Word of God?
Have I been well prepared for classes through prayer, serious study, and planning? Am I giving my best effort?
Do the students understand the relevance of what I am teaching?
Have I attempted to explain the relevance of what I am teaching lately?
Are there any recent events in society, the lives of students, or the world that should be addressed from God’s perspective?
Have I fulfilled my objectives for this week? What needs to be reinforced? Is there something that I need to teach again?
Am I taking the time to evaluate student assignments, homework, tests, and quizzes in a careful and honest manner?
What is the “feel” or “atmosphere” of my class? How can I change or sustain it?
Are there any behavior problems or attitudes that I have not effectively addressed? What should be done next?
Relational
Have I spoken words of encouragement to students this week? Is there a particular student who could use a few words of encouragement?
Am I keeping parents informed about their children? Do I need to inform any parents of student positive or negative behavior? (If I were the parent, what would I want to know?)
Do I know what is going on in the lives of my students?
Have I expressed personal love and interest in the “needy” kids within my classes?
Have I prayed for each of my students by name this week? Are there any situations in the life of a student/teacher that I should commit to prayer?
Do I have any bitter feelings about any students or teachers that I need to address?
Personal
Have I spent time in serious study of God’s Word each day this week?
Am I praying regularly?
Am I connecting with other brothers and sisters in Christ whom I can encourage and who are encouraging me?
Are there any sins that I need to confess? (10 commandments, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, 1 Corinthians 13, James 3:1-12, James 1:19-21