Like the previous two weeks, I struggled to find time to read this week. Thankfully, next week is finally looking like it will be a slower week for me. I am still working my way through "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. The most interesting thing I read about this week was the drop in crime in New York City. Gladwell argued that the crime rate dropped in NYC because of small changes that were made over time by the police department and other city officials. These small changes included painting over graffiti as soon as it was spotted and harsher punishments for people caught committing common crimes such as aggressive panhandling or subway fare evasion. Gladwell noted that NYC went from being one of the most dangerous large cities in the world to one of the safest in less than a decade.
One of the main ideas of "The Tipping Point" is that little things can make a difference. This idea intrigues me as it relates to education. I've often that the difference between a student who excels in school and a student who performs poorly in school is small. It seems like one person can often change a student's outlook on their education. This person can be a teacher, parent, coach, administrator, or any other person the student comes in contact with. I think school faculty and staff members need to realize the impact they can have on the lives of students. Often, students are looking for one person who takes an interest in their life. Once a student sees that an adult cares about them and their education, their achievement is likely to improve quickly. With this in mind, it is my hope as a teacher to make a difference in my students' lives. I would like to get to know my students and show them that I care about them. Hopefully, I can make a positive impact that will help my students persevere through school and life.
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