Success Toxicity - Part II

Back to student testing data… what I’m noticing teachers are doing is going through testing times of the school year, looking at student data results and potentially beating the crap out of themselves for the students who aren’t meeting the mark.

I’m not suggesting that teachers defer to toxic positivity here.  If a student is failing and you have a thought about it that makes you feel terrible, it’s time to pause and pay attention.  It could be that the thoughts that come to you on auto-pilot about students in your class who are failing aren’t very supportive.  Here are a few examples: “I’m not a good teacher.  They’re not able to learn.  I don’t know what else to do.  I don’t know how to teach this kid.  They’re on their own.  If they’re not getting it by now, I can’t help them.  I’m not cut out for this.  I should have tried harder.”

For a person who speaks kindly about themselves first, then about their students, maybe the thoughts are constructive such as “This is part of their growth.  They’re starting to catch on.  Look at what they’ve done already.  I know they’re not passing yet but I’m confident they will next time.  I know I’m doing the best I can and I will keep doing the best I can.  I have faith in my students.  It’s ok.  This will give me good insight on some new things I can try in the classroom.  I can collaborate with some other teachers to focus in on these areas that need growth.  This’ll be fun.  I’m up for it.  That’s what I’m here for.”

One article I found online uses the term “toxic productivity” where a student, or teacher, mind you, connects their worth as a person or professional to the output, or productivity, they create.  For students, it’s not just passing grades but perfect grades.  

https://www.idahoednews.org/voices/cycle-of-toxic-productivity-the-problem-with-our-school-culture/

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