Principals preparing to shadow students for a day
When Bellaire High School Principal Michael McDonough suggested that principals in his school’s feeder pattern shadow students for a day to better understand their challenges, the only tough part was deciding on a day they all could participate.
On Wednesday, Oct. 26, several principals in the Bellaire feeder pattern will become students for a day as they follow around a lucky scholar to experience their typical day. The principals plan to share their adventures on social media via Twitter.
“We may think we understand that student experience, but until we live it for a day, we can’t be certain,” said Condit Elementary Principal Dan Greenberg. “I hope that my day will allow me to better understand the student experience and the ways I can serve my campus.”
McDonough added, “Shadowing a student for the day will give us the best possible glimpse of what it means to be a part of each of our schools. From the experience, we can then reflect on how to leverage the great aspects while improving the less stellar areas. Continuing our own learning will enable us to strengthen the overall experience.”
To follow along, follow the hashtag #shadowastudent on Wednesday. McDonough and Greenberg both hope other feeder patterns follow suit to discover what works and what needs improvement on their campuses.
“I suspect the reflection part is going to be huge, so being able to participate with my fellow principals in the feeder pattern will make debriefing the experience even more impactful,” Greenberg said.