Write It Down: An EdLeader’s SuperTool
A parent enters the superintendent’s office visibly upset. Something has happened at her child’s school involving an employee, and she wants answers. Perhaps she has already told the story to a teacher, a principal, or several friends and family members. By the time she reaches the superintendent, her frustration has grown. Her words come quickly, fueled by anger, concern, and a parent's fierce desire to protect her child. The superintendent welcomes her, invites her to sit down, and begins to listen. She does not interrupt. She does not rush to explain, defend, or offer a solution before fully understanding the concern. Instead, she asks thoughtful questions. “What happened next?” “Who else was present?” “What did your child tell you?” “Have you already spoken with anyone at the school?” As the parent talks, the superintendent opens the journal she carries with her and begins to write. She records the important details. She writes down names, dates, and questions that will need t...
