Greetings to you from the desk of the school Superintendent. 

 

It’s May, the weather is warm, and our students know the birds are singing outside. 

 

In our educational programs, we work diligently to engage our students while they function in a world of many distractions.  One of the strategies we use is connecting their lessons to “enduring questions.”  An enduring question is the larger than the lesson issue that is at stake.  The subject moves beyond the page in the textbook to “real world” concerns.  One of the characteristics of an enduring question is that it would be a valid question beyond just this day's events.  Making the experience more authentic and larger scoped for our young people helps them retain the information for much longer and creates more interest in further study. 

 

There are many, many examples evident throughout our schools of integrated, authentic instruction...using enduring questions.  Our students’ study of “green” practices resulted in the implementation of non-consumable trays in our cafeterias.  The enduring question, "Are there things we should be doing as a school community that would benefit our environment?" is a good one.  This is an excellent example of authentic instruction in action…with environmental learning that will stay with them for a long time.

 

Similarly to our classroom lessons we design, I was reflecting on the complex issues facing adults in our community today as we struggle through some very difficult times in education and in our economy.  What are the bigger issues that are greater than our daily challenges within our families, our workplaces, our communities?  Might I suggest these seven enduring questions for your consideration?

  

• How do we nurture ourselves completely in order to bring our very “best game” to the table?

• How do we stay present enough and listen with compassion to so many people who need our ear?

• How do we study the “bigger” national/international issues to give scope to our Coventry challenges?

• How do we celebrate the daily gifts we have in order to balance the difficulties?

• How do we value “the other opinion” when we are so strongly identified with our side?

• How do we continue to learn and develop?

• How do we collaborate with others in the interest of positive effects?

As you address the complexities of your daily life, giving consideration to the enduring questions may put things in perspective.  I encourage your family dinner table conversation to address the issue of enduring questions, and would love to hear the results!  ;-)

 

As always, I look forward to additional thoughts and conversations with you, whether "out and around" or at our next "Donuts With Donna" session, being held on May 17, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., outside on the picnic tables at the Coventry Public Schools’ Administration Building, 1700 Main Street, Coventry (weather permitting).

Donna