Lackawanna!

 I was headed west on I-10 in Jacksonville, Florida the other day, and was deep in thought about the creative ideas and plans that one of my client schools is pursuing, the success that they are beginning to see in building relationships. Mixed with the excitement over that school, was concern for another school where leadership is not really on fire. I was lost in thought about why some leaders excel, while other leaders seem to get in their own way - why some teachers are successful in reaching kids, and some seem to be putting in time for a paycheck - and why some students really take responsibility for their education, and others are still struggling.  All of the sudden the answer was right there in front of me on I-10 as I approached McDuff Avenue! A huge sign on the side of the building just to my right said LACKAWANNA. As it turns out, in a cruel twist of fate, Lackawanna is the alternative education center for Duval County.

In our work with schools and school districts, we encounter Lackawanna, or Lack-of-Want-To, far too often in education. Educators have seen a steady stream of programs and initiatives that have been abandoned before they reached their potential, accomplished very little, or outright failed. After a while, many veterans adopt the mentality of "this too shall pass" and quit trying, choosing instead to weather the storm until the new program is in the rear view mirror.Students, discouraged when success doesn't come quickly, abandon the pursuit and quit. The interesting thing is, that in failing to try, these students and educators have already decided to fail! I was struck at how different this is than those pursuing excellence in any endeavor.

Take for example, Maurice Ashley, who in 1999 became the International Grandmaster of Chess. (Click here to learn more.)   "Losing is learning," Maurice says, "it's just part of the process. The only way you can fail is if you don't get back up and try again."  Maurice cannot imagine what it would be to not try again. Or in other words, he has Gottawanna!



We have a lot of schools who are reversing Lackawanna, even in some very rough circumstances.  Leaders, teachers, and students all are finding their Gottawanna to build relationships, to close the circle of support for students, to take responsibility, and to maximize the potential of ALL students.  How about you?  Gottawanna!