The originator of “Smart Is Something You Can Get,” Jeff Howard, claims effective effort is the key to improvement. Effort, in this case, doesn’t just apply to students. The administrators, educators, caregivers, and students must strive to achieve proficiency.

According to Howard, leaders need to understand the culture of resistance that may be present when some educators do not believe that every student can succeed. Their influence can demotivate their peers.  Leaders and colleagues alike can call it out and shift the attention back to focusing on helping students achieve proficiency. 

Jon Saphier, founder of Research for Better Teaching, discusses the myth of the bell curve with Jeff Howard. Consider the question,”What percentage of the children in your building do you believe have the cognitive capability to achieve proficiency if they receive effecting instruction?” 

Cultivating a culture in which educators strive for proficiency will result in the vast majority of students achieving proficiency.

Watch the full video here.