Examining – Review of Challenge Point 1 Response

What is the real issue of concern?

Choice A
This is an accurate reading of the prime concern to one of the stakeholders. However, it doesn’t seem to be of greatest concern to each of them. It is important to, but perhaps not the heart of the matter.

Choice B
Jay and his behavior are of deep concern to both educators gathered in Elaine’s office. Is this the major issue? Maybe the problem to be resolved is larger than one student’s behavior problems. And perhaps trying to find additional help for Jay beyond what all of them can muster is not the central issue, either.

Choice C
This statement appears true and is a good starting point for carrying out further analysis of the problem. Jay’s disruptive behavior and Jeannie’s classroom are certainly not the whole extent of the issue. Remember there has been a 10% increase in behavioral referrals.

Choice D
We choose to believe that the problem at hand is like the proverbial elephant that a committee of blindfolded experts was to identify. Do you know that old chestnut? But so what if it is hackneyed? It illustrates the point well.
Each committee member, grasping a trunk, a leg, or the behemoth’s hindquarters, described a very different creature. When they took off their blindfolds, they were surprised at what they all saw. Jumbo was nothing like what each of them had described!
What blindfolds are Elaine and Jeannie wearing? In what ways do these views affect pinpointing what problem to work on? How can the change strategy team avoid pitfalls of the committee examining the elephant?

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Proceed to Question #2