Self-Responsible Action Statements (MYSELF)

At the top of the triangle of support is the student. As clear and defined expectations are communicated to students, they will be held responsible for the behaviors and actions they exhibit within the classroom. Within a culture for learning, teachers and parents are needed to establish a sturdy support system. However, students must support their own success as they demonstrate self-responsibility through their actions and choices that direct academic success. Teachers and parents can guide and support these decisions, but students are the ones who must be held accountable for their choices and face the positive outcomes and consequences as a result.

Because self-responsible students are adept at taking care of themselves, you can use the acronym MYSELF to help you remember the six Self-Responsible Action Statements.

M: Mistakes are permitted. Making mistakes is sometimes a powerful way to learn. Mistakes in school are often seen as something negative. Students often pay a high price for their mistakes. If we are afraid to make mistakes, we won't learn much. Part of self-responsibility is understanding it's okay to make mistakes. This is true in life as well as in school. As someone once said, "The person who never makes a mistake must get tired of never doing anything."

Y: Your behavior equals a choice. In your classroom, students make choices about:

• Turning in assignments on time
• Turning in papers late
• Smiling
• Name-calling
• Talking things out

S:  Speak up. Teachers are not mind readers. Students need to understand how important it is to let you know if they do not understand something. They're not taking 100% responsibility for their learning if they do not ask questions and express themselves.

E: There will always be challenges and problems that students face. Problems provide data about what someone knows and what they need to learn. New problems spring from solutions to previous problems. Problems help students engage in the search for solutions. That is what self-responsible learners do! This is one of the reasons why teachers must help students see problems as good things, as opportunities.

L: Level of risk is a choice. It means taking action even though you might fail. It is moving ahead even though you are fearful. Feeling uncomfortable is not a reason not to do something. Some risks are worth taking. As a result of taking worthwhile risks, students can learn and do more. Some students are unwilling to take risks, and that unwillingness hurts their performance.

F: Finding solutions is the focus. Blame and punishment take a back seat to solving problems. Searching for solutions should hold a place of prominence.