The transition from elementary to middle school encompasses new areas of independence and accountability. Are we preparing our young people in areas of responsibility, initiative and service in student focused endeavors or do they lack the skill set in helping them meet new obstacles and challenges?   I’ve learned over the years unless we are intentional about training kids in foundational values like responsibility and initiative they simply don’t see the payoffs and advantage in helping them succeed.  

Responsibility finds a way! Irresponsibility makes excuses!

Gene Bedley

  Schools can begin the process by choosing Value Based themes to promote core ethical behavior throughout the year.  

You cannot not model! and We get what we model!

Bill Sanders

Being a responsible teacher and promoting responsibility in your classroom fosters responsible behavior in your students. Students need models and mentors

Seldom if ever do kids improve without a model!

Gene Bedley

One of the ways we can promote responsibility in the classroom is to create 20 day goal cards. Invite your student to write a Personal Goal an Academic Goal and a Relational Goal every 20 days. Have them tape the cards in their notebook and keep them the entire semester they are in your class!

20 Day Goals

Personal Goal                                      Becoming

Achievement Goal                                 Achieving

Relationship Goal                                 Relating

Gene Bedley, Rotary, Paul Harris Award Recipient