ISSUE: New school year

OUR VIEW: Crucial to help students take responsibility for their education

A new school year is beginning. Students return to a public school system facing cutbacks even before the year begins.

Tight budget times are hitting at schools, too. The also face impressions, often hearing that schools in the state are failing to make the grade. They hear that far too many of their fellow students will exit the system before graduating.

Through it all, teachers and administrators will continue to work much harder than they are given credit for in building student success stories. They need the help of parents. They need the active and aggressive participation and effort of students.

The first of the year is a time of excitement and enthusiasm for many -- students and those responsible for their education.

But what happens when the new school clothes are dirty and the new book bag is torn?

Parents will spend almost $14 billion on school supplies and new clothes hoping their children will start the new school year successfully. Isn’t there something else they can do that will last more than a couple of weeks?

John Bishop, executive director of Accent On Success, a not-for-profit organization dedicated helping children succeed, thinks there is a better way to prepare children for success in school and in life. He has written an award-winning book, Goal Setting for Students, and offers free teaching moments life skills ideas to help children thrive.

Here is his top 10 list to help students take more responsibility for their education.

1. Use the “YES! Count On Me” words: yes, I can, and I will.

2. To get ahead in school and in life -- read more, learn more, do more.

3. Learn how to set and achieve goals and how to use these principles in the classroom.

4. No vision. No direction. Write down what you want to accomplish in the first four weeks of the school year. Repeat for the next month.

5. Don’t find a fault, find a solution.

6. Minimizing the bummer words – no, can’t, won’t, never, maybe, and if. These six words will hold you back from reaching your full potential.

7. Eliminating excuses.

8. Regularly ask yourself: “Did I give my best effort to today’s activities?”

9. Help others.

10. Remember: Luck comes to those who work hard.

These 10 life skills can help children develop a “YES! Count On Me” attitude -- one that will carry through beyond the initial days of a school year, or later a job, and be used continuously in the classroom and in life. 

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