Kim
7th and 8th grade reading teacher
Longfellow Jr. High
Enid, Oklahoma Demystification: What a long word for what good teachers have been trying to do for years! The question is: Who is the demystification really for? Most teachers try hard to understand what prevents children from processing information successfully, often so that they can teach those children more effectively. Schools Attuned helps us improve our teaching, but also seeks to help children understand their own breakdowns in learning. Why? So that they can enlighten others as they pursue their education and reach their greatest potential. Each time I begin the demystification process, I am reminded that I must first be demystified before I can help the student understand the process. When students understand how they learn, they are then able to self-advocate throughout their day and become more successful. Often, this outcome of demystification is an “aha” moment for the student, parent, and teacher. Parents have tried for years to advocate for their students. This method often fails because the student, parent, and teacher do not see the same work habits or problem areas. The “Views” allow us to combine all those perspectives in one picture of the student’s learning. Once the picture is clear, a small accommodation can make a world of difference. Demystified students are empowered to find success in any classroom. They know how they need to receive information in the best possible way for achievement. Their parents and teachers are there to provide support for their strategies and to help keep them focused on their learning goals. Strategies are selected, pursued, and evaluated for success as the student moves through the Attuning process. Strategies that work are continued, and those that don’t are adjusted or replaced. Continuous refinement allows students to explore new methods of learning until they find the ones that work best for them. Just as students have preferred learning styles, most teachers have a typical teaching style. Schools Attuned helps bridge the gap between learning styles and teaching styles. Demystification begins with me, the teacher, but it reaches everyone who comes in contact with the student. Adolescents want to make decisions for themselves. By combining the teacher’s, student’s, and parents’ knowledge, we create a comprehensive view of how a student learns. This program gives them the tools to become life-long achievers.