“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.” – Viktor Frankl

Throughout the year I am thankful for so many things. Dedicated people with undying passion and vision keep me going and inspire me to continue on my mission.

Last week I met with a group of dedicated educators who are joining me in an action research project. While we were discussing the goals of the project, we reviewed the fact that Tabor Rotation is a framework for the highly effective use of small groups and differentiated instruction for all students. Tabor Rotation isn’t a program.

One of the educators mentioned the enormous amount of money which is spent every year on programs which will supposedly “fix” the problem. We all agreed that continual effective, best practice, not programs, will have the most positive impact on a school.

Douglas Reeves states,

“When school leaders think about interventions to help struggling students, their attention is too frequently drawn to programs. But the evidence on student achievement suggests that it is practices, not programs, which have the greatest influence on achievement and the highest degree of sustainability over the long term.”

I’m thankful to be partnered with a group of dedicated leaders who want to see what will happen if a cadre’ of their teachers make practice most important. I am also thankful to have  met and worked with over 80 teachers who came on a Saturday to learn more about doing what is best for all their students—IMPRESSIVE!!!

“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.” – Seneca

Note: The Tabor Rotation Action Research Project will focus on the impact of small-group, differentiated instruction at the elementary level using the Tabor Rotation Framework. The initial results will be available in June, 2011.