I have realized the difference between “seeing the big picture” and philosophy. Perhaps it is something that is obvious to many people. It wasn’t to me. I began a new job at a school that has some fundamental differences from the others I had worked at before. I am a principal of an Outreach school. The school is set up to help students who have not experienced success in traditional schools. We provide flexible programs and hours. Students work independently with lots of access to one-on-one help. We offer career and personal counseling and we partner with addiction, mental health and financial services. Students work with a staff member to set goals for attendance and academic work.You see? I knew and believed in the philosophy of the school.

I am just now, at the end of the semester seeing how the bigger picture works. I can look back over the past five months and see why goals are set so that the student can achieve them bu they are also set to edge them to finishing the course on time. I see how each meeting, each partnership helps the student move forward. I see how our phone calls help the kids come back and complete their time commitments. I accepted the philosophy of the school when I applied for the job. I need to follow through on the commitment. The big picture needs to come together to make the philosophy a reality.