Less Can be More

Less Can Be More

Now that school is well underway, we are settling into our routines.  It feels good to regain some consistent structures and begin to really dig into the work.  At this point we are full of energy and enthusiastic in our plans.

I was reminded recently that in our sincere efforts to do all that we can, we sometimes go too far, overthink it, and actually create a less than effective outcome.  In the last few weeks, I have encountered two situations where a team of educators created carefully constructed plans in order to resolve difficult obstacles that students were encountering.  In both cases, efforts by staff were sincere and well-intentioned. And in both cases, the plans did not work in allowing the students to move past the barriers that limited their progress.

Both teams eventually found success in an alternate plan that was far simpler than the original plan.  In both cases, the successful solution used peer supports, was more aligned with authentic general education practices, and was far less complicated.  In the end, the successful solutions worked because they held more meaning for the students.

I commend these teams for backing up and looking for another method when their original plans failed.  We can use these examples as a reminder for ourselves. When we are struggling with our outcomes, let’s remember to back up and look for the simple, authentic, meaningful opportunities we may have missed on our way, because following that path just might lead to real success.