Its Time for Show Business to Replace Show and Tell

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Like the well-worn elementary school activity, many education practices simply "show and tell" our customers, the public, what we think they should know. The communication process often lacks any significant human interaction or emotional connection. Instead, the "business" of education could be dramatically improved by integrating a "show business" approach into much of what we do.

What Scott McLain suggests to business leaders in his book All Business Is Show Business is also applicable for educational leaders. Most educators think their work is focused on teaching, learning, or providing some related support service. But what we must realize is that the real "business" of education is that of creating relationships and emotional connections with people - students, staff, parents, and the diverse members of the community. When that focus is mastered, our customers (the public, including students) know that someone cares for them, they are treated with respect, and their positive experiences and interactions result in improved service, teaching, and learning. Good teachers have always known this. It is time that we let all school employees, from all levels of the organization, in on the secrets.

And what are those secrets? Nothing novel, just good, common sense and concern for people that successful businesses have mastered for years.

McLain uses a simple example. "For the last thirty years, young people have been taught their ABCs by Big Bird, Bert and Ernie. That means they arrive on the steps of the school or their very first day of formal instruction expecting to be entertained as they are educated." Principals see this being played out in classrooms everyday. Where teachers can hold students' attention by entertaining, motivating, and creating emotional connections with their students, attendance, behavior, and achievement are often higher. Where the classroom environment is blah and boring, students don't take long to "show and tell" their lack of interest. Whether we choose to acknowledge this phenomenon or not, this is the reality of schools.

High stakes testing has driven school personnel to focus on standards, realign curriculum, and teach to the tests. Resulting test data is often disappointing. Yet, there are many shining examples of master teachers (performers in the classroom) who instinctively connect with diverse learners, overcome the odds and achieve success. The study of these relationships, and how they can be implemented throughout all levels of the "school business," will lead to the higher levels of performance the public expects and demands.

Educators often cringe when business practices are cited as improvement models for schools. But a "show business" philosophy is far different from the typical models of business of the corporate world. The purpose of school "show business" is to create emotional connections that are so satisfying to customers and employees that loyalty is assured. Moreover, it will work and produce results, and it won't add to already strapped budgets. Some simple tenets of the "show business" philosophy, focused on product, service, and experience, can be implemented everywhere.

For the public