3 Questions every Student asks

This week I had the opportunity to attend the National Christian Schools Association national conference in Nashville, TN. At one session, the speaker, Dr. Bruce McLarty, president of Harding University, quoted one of his most inspiring teachers, Dr. Neale Pryor. Dr. Pryor taught him that every student who comes into your classroom is asking three questions:

• Do you like me?
• Am I going to make it?
• Am I worth it? 

Dr. Pryor observed that when the student knows the answers to these questions, then great learning begins. 

I believe these questions...

•  reflect our inherent need to feel acceptable (Do you like me?), capable (Am I going to make it?), and valuable (Am I worth it?).
• are asked not only by the students in my school, but also teachers, staff, and parents.
• are answered more by my actions and attitude than my words. 
• have the same answer ("Yes!!) regardless of who is asking them, so my response to an individual or my lack of response speaks more about my character than the person to whom I am responding. 

I'd like to spend a few blog entries reflecting on the answers to each of these questions and some concrete ways I can promote a culture that communicates the correct answers.  It doesn't matter if I use the most innovative teaching methods, integrate technology, implement CCSS, or raise test scores. If I don't answer these three questions correctly in my community, then my students are not getting what they deserve---- to thrive in a culture radiant with the message that you are unconditionally accepted, you have limitless potential, and you are inherently valuable.