Individual problems you observe in a classroom—from poor student work to a disorganized room—are often symptoms of a larger, underlying root cause. Focusing on these individual symptoms is time-consuming and unsustainable.
Download “Root Cause, Not Symptoms” to learn the systematic approach to diagnose the structural issue that, when fixed, will net scholars more and faster gains.
Key Steps to Diagnosing the Root Cause:
- Identify Symptoms: Use scholar work, data, and observations to identify subpar practice holistically, considering management, intellectual preparation, and instruction.
- Drive Toward the Root: Analyze the symptoms to find trends in adult practice and determine the structural root cause. Common causes include low bar for excellence, lack of investment in behavior beliefs, or lack of preparation.
- Name the Root Cause: Confront the issue directly with confidence and maturity. You must name the necessary change out loud to manage it.
- Ask for Help: New leaders should manage up and ask seasoned leaders for support to strengthen this essential diagnostic muscle.
Understand the Obstacle:
The guide also clarifies how to distinguish the core issue:
- Will Issue: An obstacle rooted in a person’s mindset or beliefs (volition).
- Skill Issue: An obstacle rooted in a person’s current abilities or skill set.
Download “Root Cause, Not Symptoms” today to start driving greater, long-lasting change in your school.
