Initially Mr. Clark's leadership was effective in creating a new school culture. I agreed with his getting rid of the 'bad apples' like the gang members, drug pushers,drug users and the others. This made quite an impression on one of them, Sams,to the point where he was given a second chance (and he eventually became a 'good apple'). Even Kennisha, the black female student that he know from a child, was impressed with this move as she exclaimed, "Mr. Calrk don't play!" His dictator-style leadership was not very effective with respect to his approach with the teachers though, including the vice principal. He was too rough with them. He down right disrespected them. For example, Mr. Darnel (the former school coach)almost punched him out. He also clashed with the "loud mouth witch" from the PTA and the fire chief. The common feature that ran through all these frustrations was the lack of control of his tongue. He held nothing back as the HNIC (Head Nigger In Charge). Interestingly enough though, it was his change of heart (after all the clashes and tough meetings with his boss, his HNIC) and his same tongue that congratulated the hardworking teachers when he saw their steady improvement, momentum, and heart. In effect, he restored his effective leadership. The same vice principal who originally asked for a transfer,smiled and crushed up her transfer papers at the end. In fact, she was ready to defend him tooth and nail when accosted by the 'loud mouth witch.' The revived school song played a pivotal role in his change of heart to the teachers though. He understood that they (the teachers) really cared for the students as well. He actually 'spooked' them with his resurrected smile and praises toward them. Yes, his change of heart eventually caused Eastside High's grades to rise just like ghosts rise from the dead. What an effective leadership!
Kevin; I agree that Mr. Clark created a new school culture. However, I don't think that his behaviour to the "loud mouth witch" from the PTA and the Fire Chief was disrespectful. His authoritarian style was suitable and applicable to these two.
In the case of the staff, they were used to the student body dominated the school culture and they (the staff) accepted this until the reform through another leadership (Mr. Clark) with a strange/unfamiliar style to combat the norm.
I agree that in the end, this militant style reformed the school.
Kevin, I agree that Mr. Clark was very disrespectful with the teachers. I believe that it was the norm in the past that the principals, as heads of the school, felt that their leadership should never be questioned. I also liked that the superintendent as his supervisor gave him a taste of his own medicine.
Lorna Bishop: I do agree Kevin. As a Principal, Joe Clark was tough and passionate, despite the school issues,he did what he had to do to get the job done.He did it with tough love and being visible. He set high expectations for everyone in the school from beginning. Mr Clark alienated and ridiculed his staff. Some of them say he was harsh and difficult to work for, but none the less, they came around and Mr Clark himself show respect and support for them.
Kevin; I personally believe that Mr. Clark created a new culture and identity for the school and students. In terms of the teachers and his staff he could have treated them with more respect and used some tact in conversation with them and explain some of his strange but effective tactics he was embarking on.On the other hand the "loud mouth witch" from the PTA, the fire chief and mayor only could have seen as far as their noses so I believe they were treated duly by Mr. Clark. Like I mentioned in my blog a leader does not always do what is right but what is best appropriate at time to solve the issue at hand.
kevin I agree with you to a certain extent, Mr. Clark was able to create a new image for himself and for East side High School whose students were suffering with different types of challenges. Sometimes as a leader you have to make demands and make difficult decisions. Expelling troublesome youth was the first way to take control of the high school: however treating his staff disrespectfully infront of students was not acceptable. Standing up for what he believe and going the extra mile showed a sence of love, pride and appreciation. standing up to the P.T.A. board tells me he was a good role model and did what was necessary for his students to be achievers.
I agree with your comments Kevin on Mr. Clark’s leadership style. He really was hard on both the teachers and the students. However, tough love does work. Sometime in order to save the majority, some bad eggs must be taken out. That is what had to be done, but everyone was either too scared or
was not manned enough for the job, I take my hats off to Mr. Clark. Karen Cain
Mr. Clark's leadership was controversial to say the least, when he arrived and declared himself the HNIC (Head Nigger In charge) he was met with much opposition from the faculty and the parents. We all know that "Bad Apples" exist within an educational institution but is it really the principal's right to throw them out? I must say I totally agreed with his choice to remove the drug dealers because they were not giving the other student's a chance. His leadership style didn't leave any room for slip ups and half hearted efforts, teacher and students had to pull their weight. Students were expected to have civic pride in their environment and teachers were expected to go to the students homes if they must. His effectiveness was proven when the students passed the test assigned by the state. However, if he did not accept the fact that the faculty was indeed helping him top better the students, it would not have been fulfilled. When he found out that Mrs Powers had re worked the school song he realized that teachers were doing their part and when confronted by his vice principal he was man enough to listen and really listened. It was after this exchange he was able to thank the men and women who was doing the same thing he was, working for the children. The leadership was effective for I feel that without it the teachers would not have 'stepped up' and the students would definitely have been forgotten.
Hay Dennise i definately agree with your statement "leadership was effective for I feel that without it the teachers would not have 'stepped up' and the students would definitely have been forgotten". I agree becasue these were the same teachers who were in the school with the students before Mr. Clerk arrived at Eastside High and nothing changed. Mr. Clerk's leadership helpd the teacehrs to rise and to perform at the level they had not before and the students at the end benifited from this.
Yes Denise, their leaders who know what vision they want for school while others just suck at it. Over all Mr. Clark had methods that were not by the books but in the end had the school looking as a school and let the teachers learn that they had fail their students when they do not make the extra effort to educate the students proper and aid students with their every day issue by just listening to them and giving advice. Overall, it just struggles that lot of us have in our own country and need to realize that we fail when our children leave primary school and cannot read.
Yes Denise I agree that it comes down to the leadership of the school, a good leader will lead making sure that the work gets done. The effective leader will make sure that the teachers remain motivated and committed. This is gradually passed on to the students who will give good results in the end. If the leadership is weak then obviously the teachers will do what they please and the work won’t get done. They will sit and watch these students just slip by doing the bear minimum. I believe that if we fail as a teacher then we are also failing the society. Most of these students that we fail are the ones who are causing all these problems they are the ones who end up back in the society and create havoc. As educators we should try push our hardest and try our outmost best to make sure that we give the children all we have and what they deserve and stop making excuses blaming everyone except ourselves. This was shown with Mr. Clark’s leadership he expected a lot out of the teachers. They were made accountable for the student’s failure.
Hi Denise I don’t really agree with the statement that asked, “Is it really the principal right to throw them out’’. For I strongly believe if the leader believe it is for the betterment of the institution that what he or she should do. Yes we all have bad apples so why let one bad apple spoil all the rest. It’s better to get rid of one bad apple than to lose all and I believe that just what Mr. Clark was thinking of when he threw them out.
Principal Joe Clark in the movie lean on me was an effective leader to some extent. He is seen as a self-assured, forceful strong willed principal. He is confident of all the decisions he makes, with a megaphone in one hand and a bat in the other, he was able to throw out the “Losers” (the gang leaders, drug dealers etc.) And keep the achievers literally locked up in the school with the chains on the door. His energy was directed at sweeping away everything and everyone standing in his way of achieving his objectives. This was shown from the start. The students knew that He meant business. He had some shortcomings as a leader. His tyrannical approach and hard line policies alienate many members of the staff. In a scene in the movie he fires the music teacher for not following orders. This illustrated how he failed to show respect and concern for other people when pursuing his aims. He tends to get rid of people whose behavior is viewed as harmful to the common good. His over bearing manner with his colleagues are often humiliating. He blames the teachers for the mess he was sent to clean up. In his first speech to the staff he stated, “This is an institution of learning. If you can’t control it, how can you teach?” and goes on concluding “You’ve tried it your way for years. Your students can’t pass a minimum basic skills test. That means they can hardly read! They’ve given me less than one year, one school year to turn this place around, to get those test scores up so the state will not take us over to perform the task which you have failed to do – to educate our children!” (Lean on me). At one point his behaviors seem out of control as he is trying to place the school into reform. As the movie approaches the end his leadership style changes a little and takes the features of team work and management and his staff members are seen as being committed to the students and the common goal. He was able to turn the school culture around
Althea I know that there were times when he was disrespectful to some of his staff members. I think that he had to insulted some of them so that they can realized that they need to pull their weight in order to improve the school culture. He even explained the mess that they school was in to them. You are not saying anything about the times when the teachers disregard his commands and do what they want. For example, the music teacher change the tune of the school song without consulting Mr. Clark. I agree with you when you said that he was working as a team with his staff members towards the end of the movie. He was able to do that because the teachers were beginning to work together with him after he insulted and humiliated them. I think that it after he shamed them that they were able to understood him and took pride in what they were doing. Mr. Clarke was able to change the school culture around with the help of his supported staff. Mr. Clarke only had the students in his best interest because they were the ones who needed the most attention. If the teachers would have put their shoe in Mr. Clark 'sfootstep them they would understand why he did what he did.
Althea, there is no doubt that Mr. Clark possessed good traits and it was his self assurance, strong will and consistency that assisted him in transforming the school. I also agree that the tyrannical approach he used with the teachers was ineffective hence I liked that he experienced what it felt like to be 'bossed' around by his superior.
Novea I do agree that Mr. Clark got the job done and possess good qualities. Transforming the school from a grade F to Ct is a great accomplishment for anyone; however his approach to Teachers were sometime unjustified hence he almost lost some valuable teachers. Being the leader at the school allowed him to use his experience as a teacher to motivate students.
Mr. Clark’s leadership was effective in creating a new school culture because he was able to make change of things that were not going wrong at the school. Mr. Clark had a passion for the students at Eastside High. He only wanted the children to learn. First of all, he used his power of authority to get rid of all the bad students who were influencing the rest of the school body negatively. He expelled the drug dealers and gang leaders just to mention a few . He had to be strict with his staff. There were times when they did not follow what he said . For example ,the music teacher decided to change the tune of the school song because it was a bit boring.He was serious about making Eastside High a better school.He insisted that all the students learn the school song. Mr. Clark did not seem to care about what others say about him. He did his utmost to build self confidence in the students. He was the who had faith in the students. He even went to do a home visit at one of his student's home to find what what was the problem. He was very caring about his students. He had Sam under control. He was the one who gave this boy a second chance. Mr. Clarke also monitor Sam to make sure that he was doing the right thing.His leadership was excellent because he help to change a lot of thing that were going wrong in the school. All of students of Eastside High were able to pass their examination under Mr. Clark leadership. At the end of the movie , Eastside High was considered a respectful school because their were positive things that were happening at the school.
Yes Tera, I love how he really shape up the school, it let me dawn on our primary schools in Belize .Are we (teachers) the ones who are failing our students with the methods we are using that is why they are not passing PSE. He wanted the students to learn, but also showed that it also took a lot of dedication on their part to succeed. The situation showed us how typical people behave when they re not allowed to do what they want. Even us as educators are dealing with alternative discipline for our students. The wonderful thing was students were safe and motivated to learn and had voice.
Tera: May I share my opinion. I believe that Mr. Clark's temperamental behaviour sends mixed messages - sometimes a radical/bully and other times a caring/friend. It would have been nice to see more learning scenery and less tantrums. Any new or aspiring teacher would think that almost 3/4 of the in-class time is spent on discipline - which should be okay because of the later success. To a teenager, the opinion would often times be outside the box one of which is outstanding in the "that's okay" attitude of Mr. Clarke upon hearing that an outstanding student was pregnant. Additionally, the teens would believe that procrastination in studying is okay and you will still be successful at the point of a test. This movie has so many open for varying opinions at different levels/ages.
Tera, your statement that Mr. Clarke had faith in the students is so very true and evident in the movie. At 20 years, he was principal who was willing and able to work with and stand by the students. He went as far as making sure he knew the students, for example, calling them by their names, created a physical environment conducive to learning like getting the walls of the hallway repainted, stood up for students when no one else did so demonstrated by his willingness to talk to the parent of the pregnant student and was a role model for them show by the massive turn out of students to protest his be imprison.
Tera, indeed his style was one of a kind, but would Mr. Clark's leadership style work in these days? These days our troublesome students are not taking any sort of threat lightly from anyone. How realistic do you think his methods are in today's classroom? How far can we as primary and high school teachers go to instill discipline in our charges, especially when many parents are not doing their part. I can agree that his visiting the student's home was a positive move. I would also try this (of course with as much wisdom as possible).
Very good examples Tera, we have the same thinking! I love the fact that you stress the word positive. Reason being, Mr. Clark went into school with a positive out look to accomplish one main goal and did just that and more. His journey of being the leader of Eastside High was not easy for he too had many disadvantage at his hands. But, did Mr. Clark gave up? No! he did not. Instead, he continued to push the students and teachers to perform at their best and in the end they were able to achieve this main goal. Due Mr. Clark leadership qualities.
Mr. Joe Clark, new the new “Head Nigger in Charge” of an out of control Eastside High School, that infested with drug dealers, gang members and teenagers who were just out to fail. Was Mr. Clerk too rough on his teachers? I don’t think he was. Was he too stern with the students? In the state he met them him, he my view he was not. Mr Clark’s only interest was weeding out the “bad apples” in order to give the students who showed potential, interest and cares about their future a fair chance to succeed. I especially loved Mr. Clerk’s words to his remaining students when he said to them “If you do not succeed don’t blame the white man, blame your selves”. He helped them to understand that the key to success was buried within themselves. Some people may think that chaining the doors was ludicrous but I feel that it was needed to show everyone how passionate he was in making a change not for himself but for the students at Eastside High. As for the teachers, his dictatorship attitude was not going down right with them, but I am sure that he was not doing anything to be insensitive or to hurt anyone deliberately. He simply knew that if the teachers couldn’t control the students they would not be able to teach effectively and he wanted these teachers to put in their share of hard work hence his strict nature not only towards the students but also the teachers. He knew he couldn’t have done it alone. After he was confronted by the vice principal, his attitude changed which showed that he was able to listen and take criticism for the betterment of the institution. Towards the end when he realized that the teachers were all on the same page with him, his “crazy principal” attitude changed, so you see, I strongly believe that Mr. Clark’s leadership was effective in creating a new school culture at Eastside High and the students and teacher loved him for that. Just look at the mass numbers that came out shouting “Free Mr. Clerk” when they had in locked up in that jail cell. That was touching. Crazy Joe was the only principal who truly cared about the students enough to take the kind of stands he took.
I agree Nicolee that his out of control style was a bit controversial, however he was big enough of a leader to realize that he couldn't do it alone. In Belize, I feel that is what we need, leaders that realize they are not doing it by themselves and the teachers have to understand that more is required. If a school such as Eastside High that was on the brink of being state operated, could rise from the grave. Belize is not that far off, more input from leaders and teachers that put the students ahead of their own cares, we would see a drastic change in our education system. Maybe we need to adopt the stand and go to the homes and hold the parents accountable of their actions, which may allow us to change them which in turn will change their children.
Mr. Clark's dictatorship attitude, not only towards the students but to the teachers, seemd at first to be uncalled for, but at the end just like the students, the teachers appreciated his so called dictorship ways, which proved to settle down the students and bring a sense of unity and awareness at the high school.
Hay Tera, i like your observation about the lenghts to which Mr. Clerk demonstrated his care for his studnets. Its a good example for us here in Belize. A lot of us claims to love our studnets but we horrified at the idea of conducting home visits. Mr Clerk wasnt worried about parents chasiing him away or cursing him out. His primary concern was his studnets. I admired the realation he had with both Sam and Kenisha .These two students loved him very much becasue they did not only saw but they felt his love for them in return. Mr. Clerk demonstrated the Three F's we need to remember in this profession. Being Fair, firm and frinedly is key in effective leadership.
Mr.Joe Clark is a brilliant teacher. He showed that with a no nonsense behavior which at first was harsh, but efficient in getting the task down, with much hatred from adults but much trust from the students. His mere choice of profession is quite instructive, – this man is definitely aimed at helping people. He comes to East side high full of energy and enthusiasm to turn the whole school around. His willingness to help other shows when he deals with students’ personal issues. For instance, such is the case with Kaneesha Carter, whom he helps to deal with her unemployed mother, and later on, with an unplanned pregnancy. He is driven by the mission to save the school and to bring prosperity to its students, and he invest all his skillfulness and knowledge to reach the goal.
I believe MR. Clark was also motivated by desire to deliver a good service. His objective number one is to make those school teachers educate effectively and those students learn successfully. In no way can he allow himself to be in charge of a school students of which are considered to be inferior. In his first speech as a school principle he declares: “This is an institution of learning. If you can’t control it, how can you teach?” and goes on concluding “ You've tried it your way for years. Your students can’t pass a minimum basic skills test. That means they can hardly read! They've given me less than one year, one school year to turn this place around, to get those test scores up so the state will not take us over to perform the task which you have failed to do – to educate our children!” (Lean on me). I also discern some indications of need for appreciation in his behavior, which is quite natural and satisfying, – he does not want his efforts to be taken for granted, and nobody would. To some extent, Strategic Benefit Planning is practiced in East side High. The school staff members have a specified objective of making students pass a minimum basic skills test in order to prevent the school from being taken over by the state. However, I am not quite sure whether this case can be considered as an example of employee benefit program. Therefore, I did not observe any specific types of employee benefits in the movie. But, I felt he was effective in creating a wonderful environment for the student, by believing that they can improve and making it possible that learning should be render to every student who start by disciplining themselves and want to go to school.
Louburn Joe Clark was a former teacher at East Side Highschool, who loved his job and his students, but he could be tough as nails too. He was brought in the school to act as Principal at East Side Highschool, to see if they can turn it around, as they were running out of options. Clark showed the kids to grab a hold of their life with both hands, and to not let go. He taught them that they are worth something to the world, which no other Principal did. They were troubled kids, and some did not even know how to read. Joe Clark proved the education system wrong about them. He changed and saved their lives.
Lorna Bishop: Mr Clark is no nonsense, a very charismatic and assertive strong teacher, who has to deal with a school that was out of control. The students and teachers need to get restructured. Mr Clark implemented a plan for keeping the drugs and drugs dealers out of the school, Mr Clark also has to get all the old locks changed and put up new fences. From what I observed from the movie Mr Clark removed all the security guards from inside the school and use them at the gate, the teachers was also use as security but inside of the classroom. Mr Clark eyes were opened wide to those children who he knows would open the door and let the drug dealers in. He also fired those teachers that weren’t effective. Mr Clark nickname was “Crazy” Joe Clark. He carries around two objects in his hand, one was the bullhorn so he can get his point to the students and the other was a bat, which he says they can call him batman. I admire how Mr Clark get down to business when he sees what mess the school was in. He start make major changes in the staff and removed who he know is not effective. He also demand respect from the faculty, he instruct them to be quite and to take notes during staff meeting. As the Principal of East Side High Mr Clark utilized an effective leadership in creating a new school culture. I like when Mr Clark say there is only one boss around here and that’s him. The Head Niger In Charge!!! I hope many of our Principals would watch this movie Lean on Me and follow Mr Clark style of leadership if their school is out of control. op:
I agree with you. While they way he spoke to the teachers under him was wrong he made his point clear. The useless, lazy onlookers will be removed and new teachers who are willing to put in the work and see change would be brought in. While he demanded respect somewhere along the line it seemed that he forgot in order to get respect you have to give respect and he was not doing that by degrading the teachers in front of the students. I also agree that some principals in our country would need to watch this film and maybe incorporate a few of Mr. Joe's tactics when dealing with their teachers.
It’s so true Ms. Lorna we need some effective leaders like Mr. Clark especially in schools where there are many challenges like Eastside High. Leadership is the bridge that can bring together all the required elements of reform in a school. This can help achieve the goal of educating all the children for the future. Getting the most problem plaque schools moving in a positive direction requires that principals have a special set of skills. Even though Mr. Clarke had some faults like talking down to the teacher and embarrassing them. His methods still proved successful. We do need administrators and leaders who will work with both the teachers and the students and be as effective as Mr. Clark. We also need to weed out the teachers who are lackadaisical and failing our students. Our society and culture is filled with excuses and like Mr. Clark did, he made the teachers accountable for the performance of the students. I believe that we should get that implemented in Belize.
So true, Althea. Mr. Clark mentioned, "Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm." Yes, he is strict with his students but he demonstrated care for them and did everything in his power to guide them to the targeted goal. In our society, I can agree that some teachers today are only in the profession for the salary and could hardly be bothered about anything else. Teachers need to pull their weight and also the students. Like Mr. Clark said, "If you can't control it, how can you teach?" We need to first understand our students so we can know how to approach them and lead them down the right path.
The high school teacher/headmaster, Mr. Clarke, created a new school society. A culture of love that was somewhat strange to most of the student body and humiliating to the teaching staff. Clarke’s “tough love” displayed in his no nonsense approach, cleaned the school environment of drug dealing and violence. His authoritative leadership style was definitely effective as East-side High was reformed. The pre-test motivational speech in which he gave them that self assurance that they could make it and the subsequent positive test results proved the effectiveness of Clarke’s leadership. The words of the theme song “Lean on Me” embedded in the new culture, resurfaced in the support the school gave to Clarke for his release, from those who were blinded by his effectiveness.
His authoritative leadership style was what contributed to teh reformation of East Side High School. He needed to be tough in order to set the necessary rules and to send a strong message that change will occur. He showed that he is not scared of those students that are vionent, and that they will either decide to change or move out. This is the type of administration necessary in schools in order for teachers to understand that we play a vital role in the transformation of each student.
Francine, I agree with you that Mr. Clarke create of culture of love at Eastside High School. This is evident throughout the movie, for example, Mr. Clarke took on the position of being principal, a job which a person in their ‘right mind’ would not take on. I believe he took on this position because of his love for this school and his passion towards the students. He made many motivational speech including telling the students that if they do not succeed in life, they are to blame themselves. I believe the culture of love was clearly evident when a student said that Mr. Clarke was like the father she never had.
Yes, Ms. Marin,I enjoyed the pep talk that Mr. Clarke gave just before the standardized exam. I strongly believe that our students need more encouragement from us as teachers. They are accustomed to hearing complaints for their mischief. Yes, I know that they are not angels, but every cloud, no matter how gloomy, has a silver lining. Teachers let us emphasize the silver lining and help to scrape off the hard dirt from the surfaces of these hidden treasures, our students. It is not easy. We are more wired to snap, rant, and rage as human beings, but they are our tomorrow whether we like it or not. It is high time that we invest more in them.
I like your post on highlighting Mr Clark's human side, his love towards both the students and teachers. I believe that is very important in every teacher and administrator, despite your strict ways, there's always a soft side (of love, care, compassion) that makes one feel good, appreciated.
Good Discussion so far- I am wondering if most of the blame in our failing schools are placed on unproductive and uncaring teachers; or is it society itself?
I believe that most of the blame for our failing schools are a combination of both the society in which we live and the unproductive, uncaring teachers which are developed and molded by society. Gone were the days in which a community would raise a child. Society is so messed up today that kids are having kids and don't have a clue about the responsibility and challenges involved in successfully raising a child to adulthood. In the pass teachers and community members could have disciplined your child with the whip in their parents absence and this was quite fine by the older heads. Now the practice is parents telling their child that "if teacher lashes you I will come and deal with your teacher". This trend of disrespect by parents and students towards teachers will lead them to become uncaring teachers which in turn will produce nonproductive teachers in schools.
We are presently living in a society with an increasing crime rate. A situation that our school aged children are highly involved in. Parents are failing more and more to be actively involved in the lives of their children, more and more teachers are there only for the pay-cheques at the end of the month, more and more religious leaders are turning their backs and more and more politicians are there only for financial gains. Who and what do our young people have to turn to? To those who themselves have fallen into the life cycle of gangs and crimes? The society has a major part to play in the upbringing of our children. It is within a society that a child is born, raised, educated, interact with peers, and become employed. During each phase, a person grows with whatever morals and values he picks up along the way and keep deep rooted the ones that were more beneficial for each respective stage. Even though at times it may not be plain to see, but the society can have great impacts on the lives of especially our young people. It may turn out to be negative impacting or positive impacting. Greater problems arise when our children a greatly impacted in a negative way from their immediate living environment. The teacher then will face a difficult time trying to instil proper values, the child not wanting to receive the proper training may in turn start to rebel and from there it’s down-hill. Early detection of the situation, can lead to early intervention, providing that more and more parents shows attention, more and more teachers are there for the long run, more and more religious leaders show interest, and more and more politicians give support.
Carolyn, society definitely plays a big part of the problem of our young people, but who makes society?? We do! I believe that we have to start from ourselves to make a change within this generation. We have to become more leaders instead of followers of other countries. Lets look at our economy, we import 90% of the things we consume rather than becoming an industrious country. A simple example like that makes me realize that we are stagnant when it comes to development within our country.
Although Mr. Clark was tough at first, he needed to set the tone although sometimes it was harsh but it worked eventually. For a black man, he was strong and stood his ground regardless of the consequences. This showed his students not to be afraid to do what they think is right no matter what the outcome might be. Our black men within our society are discouraged because all they hear while growing up is that they are 'stupid or retarded and can't do anything right'. They need to be consoled just like the females and show them that they are important and play a very important role in society. Regardless if they came from a single-parent home. Consistency is the key for success and that's what Mr. Clark had. He never gave up on these students and stuck it out to the end.
We definitely need more black men like Mr.Clark to stand up and look out for our young people so that they don't go running too the wrong persons out there.
Mr. Clark was aware of problems at Eastside High, and when he was asked to be the new principal, he knew what needed to be done to bring order in the school. Change always comes with resistance and the situation at Eastside High was no exception, especially with the type of leadership that Mr. Clark portrayed. His authoritarian style of leadership brought conflict not only with the students and parents but also with the teachers because he treated the teachers the same way he was treating the students. I felt that it was very unprofessional because when he felt challenged, he disrespected the teachers in front of the students. I think he could have handled the teachers differently therefore I liked it when superintendant Dr. Frank Napier put him in his place when he fired a teacher and suspended another for clashing with him in front of the students. Mr. Clark felt that as head of the school he was above everyone else failing to realize that he too had a superior he needed to answer to. Underneath that strong headed authoritarian principal was a human being who cared about the students in the school and this was evident throughout the movie. He gave an expelled student a second chance, visited Kaneesha's mom and offered his assistance in order to improve mother/daughter life and relationship, and most importantly he worked in improving the student's grades. The way the students united and asked for his release when he was arrested, showed how much he had positively impacted the entire school body. This confirms that Mr. Clarks leadership was effective and the teachers and students were grateful for what he had done. When analyzing the authoritarian type of leadership, one has to agree that it was the norm in the past but that has changed over the years, yet, not completely. Maybe it is needed in some schools where students have lost respect in general. Teachers need to be held accountable for learning that takes place in their classrooms but I also believe that the society in general is failing the children of today. Some parents are not instilling the good values in their children, some people feel it is not there business to point out the wrong doings in children, and a lot of our teachers do not have the passion to carry out their professions. Children need to molded in the right way from very early age and our neglect as a society has some negative effect in them as they get older.
I believe that Mr. Clarke had a reason for behaving that way towards teachers. He knew the capabilities of each teacher and needed to set the tone in order for chaos to be controlled. Indeed, he was too harsh toward the teachers but in the end if his authoritarian style of leadership would have not been displayed it would have been difficult to bring the school where he wanted. Eastside High School was changing significant from good to worse; therefore this style of leadership was what allowed teachers and students to notice his seriousness. He forced students to strive for better and teachers to do their job appropriate.
Hey Norvea, the authoritarian style of Mr Clark was what was needed for the students and maybe even the parents, but his treatment of the teachers was unprofessional and it showed as he started to loose some of his best teachers. Sometimes people need to be reminded that they are not God, as Mr. Napier reminded Clark that he was in charge. To me what it says to me is that changes must be introduced to see progress. Without Mr. Clark's style of leadership the students probably would not have passed their reading test or unite and ask for his release. His style impacted them I think in more ways than they understood themselves. Belize would benefit from some drastic changes, a bit of a shock to change the status quo as that was exactly what Mr Clark did, he changed the norm and allowed students to fulfill their full potential.
Ms. Norvea, I fully support when you mentioned his authoritative discipline. I did not like the way he treated his staff. Teachers are the backbone of a school. If they did something he disagrees with, he could have addressed them in a professional manner by calling them aside. Nevertheless, thanks to his secretary that spoke to him on behalf of the other staff members, he then reflected on his actions and evaluated himself. Moreover, with him being a disciplinarian, the students were able to get on track and the teachers were fully committed to the school and the students.
Keisha Westby Mr. Clark’s personality initially was perceived as egotistical, controlling, unwilling, shallow, arrogant and an over achiever who had no prior knowledge of the students, administration and the running of East Side High. Nevertheless he was determined to change the culture of the students and the school and he was vehemently persistent in leading “his way”. He was in much disagreements and confrontations with senior teachers and head of departments at the school as his no nonsense attitude manifested itself as he made his daily routines and checks around the school to bring about his desired changes. After he captured the attention of the school board when he chained the locks at the school he still was determined to change the test scores, attitudes and self esteem of many of the students who were poverty stricken, gang related accomplice and simply believed that there was no hope for them outside the school grounds. After many encounters with teachers and others in authority at the school, Mr. Clarke was finally jailed for disobeying authorities for him to unchain the doors. It was while he was locked up and the school board was meeting, in his absence and while law enforcement cuff him at school in front of everyone, did the students and remaining teachers realize that Mr. Clarke really did care about the well being and academic performance of the students. They never appreciated his presence or leadership style until he was missing: “never miss the water till the well runs dry”. The tough love style of leadership that he suddenly brought upon them was one that they were not used to at the school and they were not open to the many rigid changes that Mr. Clarke wanted immediately and Mr. Clarke was strong headed to have his rules follow and anyone who disagree or would not follow would be quieted or suspended. In the end as the students protested for Mr. Clarke to be released everyone including the teacher who wanted a transfer realized that Mr. Clarke’s leadership was effective in changing the school culture and it was plainly evident when the student body marched outside the building when the board was meeting. They had no other choice but to let the voice of the students prevail and let Mr. Clarke free. Mr. Clarke himself was overwhelmed as to the support that he received from the students. They did not even want to be in school because Mr. Clarke was not there even though his last words were for them to go to their classes. His leadership was not appreciated at first nor did the teachers and students realize that at times Mr. Clarke’s strong personality and rigid leadership was what they needed at the school to turn things around and improve school life for the students so that they can realize the importance of getting a sound education regardless of how much society degraded them and never believed in them. The no nonsense leadership style of Mr. Clarke is what is needed today in our education system and in our schools today so that we can provide quality education for our children especially at the Primary level. Poverty stricken families and the lack of positive role models and poor parental guidance in our homes all contribute to our tests and examination scores being consistently low even though many interventions have been attempted. With a man like Mr. Clarke in our school system who had a vision and the students at the forefront of his decisions, our education system could improve and children will be able to become well rounded productive citizens.
Yes Keisha, we do need leaders and administrators like Mr. Clark in our schools. But what we really need are good teachers too. We need teachers who are not afraid to go the extra mile for their students. Within our society or any society as a matter of fact, to children, a teacher's word is gospel. While the administrators need to be good role models, the teachers need to be great role models because they work closer with the students. As I saw, Mr. Clark had the 3 f's... firm, fierce but eventually and I do mean eventually friendly. If teachers adapt these 3 f's, well rounded students will not be a far fetched idea instead, reality within our reach.
Tyrant…dictator… bully! Not the usual words associated with an educator especially a principal. However, these were just some of the words used to describe Joe Clark principal of Eastside High School. Although many students and teachers did not like his methods of discipline by the end of the school year, many of these same students and teachers came to love, admire and respect the methods of the principal called ‘Crazy’ Joe Clark.
First - school pride. To turn the school around, at the very first school assembly, Clark started with the worst of the worst. Students who had been at the high school about 5 years who were not making any contribution to the school were expelled. After getting these students out, he instilled a policy were all students had to learn the school song. This was a major step in creating a new school culture because by learning the song, students began to love, appreciate and admire their school. Graffiti covered walls were painted over by students on detention – another way for students to take ownership and pride for their school.
Second – academics and self-pride. At the very first school assembly, Clark uttered the words
Ghosts are spirits that rise from the dead. I want you to be my ghosts. You are going to lead our resurrection, by defying the expectation that all of us are doomed to failure. My motto is simple: If you do not succeed in life, I don't want you to blame your parents. I don't want you to blame the White Man. I want you to blame yourselves. The responsibility is yours!
This was exactly what he did; he gave the onus of becoming better students to the students. He implemented a peer study program where students can review homework and classwork in pairs to assist each other. He encouraged teachers to come out on Saturdays to assist students who needed the help not given by parents. He insisted that students pull up their pants, do not smoke, drink, deal or take drugs in the school and quickly find themselves to their respective classrooms at the sound of the bell. Eventually, the students, teachers and Mr. Clarke felt pride and accomplishment especially when the students passed the Basic Skills Test.
Third – Love, Care and Respect. While Mr. Clarke was not loved at first, the discipline and respect he commanded made his students and eventually the teachers love him. He was a principal who learned all of his students’ names. He took time to hear their concerns and gave them advice when wanted and unwanted. He visited homes and listened to students even if he had to schedule a time for them after school.
Taking pride in a school never shown before, passing the Basic Skills Test, learning the school song, respecting a tough tyrannical principal and standing up for him at the end shows that Mr. Clarke’s leadership did not create an effective school culture, it created a monumental one!
Twain. N. (Producer), & Director, Avildsen. J. (Director). (1989). Lean on me [Motion picture]. United States of America: Warner Bros.
Yes Shilpa, totally agree with all of your points mentioned. Educators like myself need to be more involved into our students lives not only at school but to deal with the real issues these students face within their environment at home. Students in Belize are not proud of a lot of things around them. They tend to destroy what they have and complain of the things they want to have. I teach Information Technology at my school and all you hear students complaining about are about the old computers how they move so slow and not working well. I could go on and on with the complaints. Nevertheless I try to encourage them no matter what we have or don't have we need to appreciate what we do have.
The students at Eastside High School were poor,discouraged and not appreciating the little they had around them. Mr. Clark let them realize that they too are assets to the school that can contribute positively just by taking care of what they had. He also taught them indirectly how to respect themselves and to never give up no matter how hard it may seem. Mr. Clark also taught them to stand up for your rights even if you are punished for what you did. For e.g. when they arrested him to padlocks on the doors. He did that for the safety of the students but the community saw it differently. I admire Mr. Clark for being a strong Black man who stood his ground no matter what they consequences were. You go Mr. Clark.
Yes Shilpa, I totally agree with those beautiful adjectives used to describe Mr. Clark. I sometimes believe that if we are to get things done we as leader has to take the role as a tyrant, dictator or even a bully only if it bring about positive change. In Mr. Clark case his style of leadership as a tyrant, bully or dictator has result to positive change to Eastside High.
Totally agree with your three main points Shilpa, Bully and tyrant I used some of these same adjectives my self and believe he was indeed a bully. But, personally he was an effective bully. Mr. Clark was very serious about this role, responsibilities and duties at East High because he wanted to make a changes in these students lives for them to become productive citizens and past the state test. Hence, the first step of doing so was by eliminating the "bad apples" as our classmate Denise Young mention in her comment. Also, using disciplinary methods to create school pride. Nonetheless Shilpa, I love that you stated, beneath the bully and tyrant there was a loving, caring, and respected educator and leader who went beyond his duties to assist those students in need. So, I must agree that in the end there was monumental school created at Eastside High.
The movie"LEAN ON ME" reminds of all the negative issues I am presently facing with both students and administration on a daily basis.Mr. Clark stood his ground and believed that no matter what..he needs to straighten out this school..regardless of who needed to be sacrificed along the way. Although he was a "No Nonsense" principal that was effective at the end of the day..he should have dealt with the staff in a respectful manner and not infront of the students. When teachers are spoken down to infront of students, students feel that they can also talk like that to the teacher...loosing all respect. Mr. Clark should have held a meeting with the individual teachers to brief them about his expectations.
Presently, administration at my school follow this same trend when they deal with teachers. Administration "blast" us out over the PA system, scold us during assembly and talk down to us when we are having a conference with a parent and his/her child. Students eventually feel like they can do and say anything in the presence of a teacher and believe that admin is on their side and will not be punished. Admin seldomly rewards teachers and commend them on the good job that they are doing. Incentive plays a big role to encourage and motivate teachers to be effective and meaningful in the classroom.
Mr. Clark at the end, although he stood his ground, realized that complementing both teachers and students by showing them the support they needed made a big difference. At the end he made a difference at the school by helping them to pass the basic exam and to give hope to these students who were mainly black americans to feel proud of themselves and that they are something within society.
Sophia, Mr. Clark's methods to gain respect was so rigid at times he belittled the teachers in front of the students. I can understand him wanting to turn the school around, but everyone deserves respect. As an administrator I always remember this quote (cant remember the author) As a leader, we invite people on a journey not on an expedition of tyranny.I love your comment 'Mr. Clark should have held a meeting with the individual teachers to brief them about his expectations.' I totally agree that if something is not right, teachers should be met in private to discuss the matter. This leads to better communication and a mutual respect from both sides. In the movie, Mr. Clark was rigid because his teachers did not stand up because they did not have any faith in their school nor the students. We need strong leaders and even stronger teachers. Even with disagreements, the only focus of any learning institution should be the students because when they do good and excel, only then as teacher we feel pride knowing we had a hand in their success.
Effective leaders explore all possible ways to accomplish the set goal. At times the ideas may fail but, an effective leader never gives up. In the case of the movie “Lean on Me", Mr. Clarke did show effective leadership skills. Hence, he knew where he wanted the school to be and had to test his ideas to get there. Therefore, he set his goal and most importantly he believed in the students’ of East Side High ability to succeed. By eliminating, those were delinquents and had a negative outlook on education and their peers. Also, Leaders are learners and Mr. Clarke did learn for this experience of being the principal. He learnt that working with others instead of bossing them around will get them from the present to the desired future. He did not only transform the school but also lead the teachers and students to stand up for what they believe in and help them believe in themselves no matter what obstacles come in the way. A result of this was shown when students were all united to protest for Mr. Clarke when he was in jail. Mr. Clarke was a dictator, he was consistence, and he never gave up in what he believes in. Although, individuals hated him and got him arrested; this did not stop him. Instead, Mr. Clarke carried on his duties to achieve his objective and main goal. In doing so, he use traditional management approach to deal with the arising issue at the school. Even so, I believe he was effective because he was able to learn from his mistakes and did better. For examples, he failed by chaining the doors and bossing the teachers around. In the end, he was able to take off the chains and installed cameras and started to listen to his teachers.
Twain. N. (Producer), & Director, Avildsen. J. (Director). (1989). Lean on me [Motion picture]. United States of America: Warner Bros.
I’m in agreement with Shamika with respect to the effective leadership qualities that entail perseverance. Clark did know his direction for the school and pushed forward and eventually earned the respect from all involve in the education of the students at Eastside High. He overcame his adversaries and triumphed because he stood his ground even when his poor decision to chain the main entrances leads him to jail. His courage influenced the students to take their stand against what they deemed unjust. They understood that Clark had brought positive change at the personal and administrative levels and a new school culture, so they protested. They were able to force the mayor and the others to listen to them and hence realize and acknowledge Clark for his huge contribution to their change and success. Clark was effective in accomplishing the task given.
Mr. Clarke was a radical man. He stood for principle. Years after his forced transfer to another school, his friend, Frank, who worked with the mayor, recalled him to Eastside High School to correct the social ills that had evolved in that public school. The environment was described as a cauldron of violence in the prelude. The opening scene at Eastside High School (c.1987) was one of hallway brawls, drug sales and bullying; one girl was stripped and thrown out in the hallway of students bare breasted. The bell rang and the mood remained. Neither teachers nor students alike were hastened by it. The teachers lacked control. That school culture was one of anarchy and chaos. Drastic measures were needed at Eastside High School. Mr. Clarke took on the task to create change; he dived in, immersed himself selflessly. He was like a crazy man from day one, the media dubbed him ‘Crazy Joe’. Clarke had to be crazy to combat the types of criminals who were at the school posing as students, leeching from the education system. His leadership style was demonstrated immediately: expulsion of the miscreants and the dictatorial nature he addressed the administration and staff and students. He told the staff he was the ‘HNIC’. After he laid down the rules and the student population was made controllable, Clarke opted to improve the aesthetics. The physical changes made to the graffiti ridden walls helped to promote the fresh atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Routines at Eastside High were stabilized, but his micromanagement caused confusion among the staff; they simply did not know what Clarke’s plan of action was. (That was what he wanted, according to him.) Many conflicts arose from the brutally blunt leadership style, no room for flexibility. It seemed somewhat that he lacked respect for his staff. Clarke was charged and under a lot of pressure. He had less than a year to improve academia. The students were performing way below standard. His task was monumental: to increase the pass rate from 38% to 75% or more. Clarke’s command of the school brought about a rise in morale for all the stake holders in the education system. The students especially who were the primary stakeholders benefitted greatly from the morale boost. Their motivation positively influenced them to work hard to pass the state exam. The success was made possible due to some simple practices: the teachers became knowledgeable of the students’ needs at school and they treated them as they did their own. The students performed because of the positive school culture; the teachers and leaders were intertwined in the students’ lives and the functions of the school.
Yes I totally agree Shakira. Mr. Clarke used effective tactics that brought the message home to all parties concerned. Even though one might say he at times too "in your face" at the end of the day order was restored at East Side High. Crazy Joe was in fact not crazy after all. He proved to be efficient and beneficial to all parties concerned.
At the beginning Mr. Clarke’s leadership in creating a new school culture was not apparent but at the end the qualities of a good administrator demonstrated its effectiveness in the transformation of East Side High School. His approach indeed was tough and was necessary to gain control and to assert himself as the principal of the school. His approach was powerful sending a strong message to the teachers and students that despite of the situation facing them he instilled a sense of empowerment and hope for success and achievements. His way of administering proofs that minorities and the disenfranchise can be successful with proper guidance.
Mr. Clark seemed to be a no non-sense guy who displayed a dictatorship-style of leadership which was not very effective with respect to his approach to the other teachers, including his vice principal who almost resigned. In my opinion at times he outright disrespected his teachers in getting his point across. For example, Mr. Darnel the gym coach, almost got into a fist fight with him for this reason, the vice principal suggested a transfer and he arrogantly gave it to her with no regards. He also had various verbal clashes with the "loud mouth witch" from the Parent Teachers Association, the fire chief, and the Mayor. All the different confrontation Mr. Carter engaged in and endured might have made him look like a tyrant in the school; however I saw qualities in him that made him behave the way he did which at the end turned out to be very effective. I must say a leader must be able to see the big picture of a situation especially developing situations like the ones that were occurring at the school. For example as a leader one must be able to weigh situations and determine what will be the best thing to do to resolve the problem. In this case Mr. Carter displayed great leadership skills by standing up to the gang bangers, drug dealers, and drug users who use to infest his school; this was done at the expense of locking the doors to keep them out which raised safety issues among parents and other administrators of the school. This tactic caused major alarmed and chaos to the other administrator and officials responsible for safety of the kids in school. These people believe in doing what was right and that was to make sure the students had free access to exits in case of a fire, but Mr. Carter chained the doors shut during classes. Mr. Carter saw it from another spectrum of light. Once I was told by a director in Education that a good leader doesn’t always do what is right in situations but what is most appropriate thing to do in the situation to obtain the greatest good. Mr. Carter realized the only way to get his students performing at their best was to eliminate the pressure from the rotten bananas that came in the form of gang bangers, drug dealers and users. He did this by locking them out and then focused on the others students who could have been touch and mentored to be productive youths. This was manifested with Sam who gave up the gang life, turned his life around and became a good student. Kenisha who also came out and said “Mr. Carter is like a father to me”, he cared for them, gave positive advice and he inspired and motivated them to be the best. Mr. Carter tactic proved to very effective at the end of the day.
Even though I agree with you Elvis that Mr Clarke was very much confrontational, in the end it proved to be "exactly what the doctor order" for East Side High. THis is true because the school did a complete 360 and was on the way to success and had better path ahead due to the strong persona of Mr. Clarke. AT the beginning his colleagues thought he was verbally abusive but once the school was back in order it was seen in a different light as restoration was the key to a positive atmosphere which proved vital for East Side High.
In the movie “Lean on me”, Mr. Clarke used the autocratic style of leadership. This style has a few advantages as well as disadvantages. This style of leadership provides clear expectations for what needs to be done, when it should be done and how it should be done. It also allows for a clear division between the leader and the follower. In this type of leadership style the leader usually make decisions independently with little or no input from other people. In the movie the principal used this style which I believe was beneficial in that he didn’t have enough time to get feedback or input from others when it comes to quick decision making. I strongly believe that this style of leadership increases efficiency, because in the movie so much was going on and the principal had to respond to the situations quickly. A democratic leadership style definitely would not have been the way to go because it would have required a lot of time when it comes to deciding what should be done. At some point Morgan Freeman seem as if though he was abusing his power because he seemed controlling and bossy. Nevertheless, it was obvious that he wanted only the best for his students. This leadership style also was appropriate because Mr. Clarke subordinates looked as though they were not interested in seeking responsibility. They weren’t taking ownership for things happening around the school and it was plain to be seen that they weren’t confident. They seem to be insecure and it is my opinion that they worked well under clear and detailed directives.
lisa williams Leadership is about solving the problems, which means closing the gap between things as desired and things as perceived. Everyone works on the solution to intermediary problems while keeping in mind the ultimate problem — closing a gap for the client or customer. Looking at definition I believe that Mr. Clark‘s leadership was effective in creating a new school culture. At Eastside High there were too many gaps in the school that was hindering the students learning such as the drug dealers and those associated with gangs. Mr. Clark was task with the job to make Eastside High a better place of learning and improved the school literacy rate. Although Mr. Clark came across as a dictator, disrespectful or even a bully to some, I believe if we want change their things that a leader must do to implement change. I also believe that if Mr. Clark didn’t have Eastside High student at heart he would not have been able to accomplish the result he was sent there to do. Yes in the beginning he considers himself as “The head nigger in charge”, but he also came to realize that working as a team and listen to others than he can accomplish a lot. I must say that I like Mr. Clark effectiveness of leadership has paid off due to the fact that he was able to have all parties on board. In conclusion there are some leaders who have vision of how they would like to take their school but are not effective in carry out that vision. I believe that they need to adapt a few of Mr. Clark’s style of leadership that is the positive ones.
Clark instituted his own version of tough love to raise not only the expectations of the school culture but also to raise the test scores of his students. In his treatment of his students, he always uplifted them. He held high expectations and consistently believed in them. Even when he was disappointed that Kaneesha was pregnant, he still uplifted her. Clark always cared for his students by looking at their individual strengths and weaknesses. He was always attentive (even in the midst of solving other problems) to each student’s problems and/or issues. He knew each student’s name. He went beyond his bounds to help the students achieve not only good grades but higher self-esteem. He went above and beyond his duties as a principal and answered a higher calling to help students who wanted to be helped.
Lean on Me presents a controversial approach to education. It portrays a high school principal (Joe Clark) who is transferred to Eastside High School and his first act is to expel 300 miscreants on the grounds that they won’t graduate anyway. Mr. Clark, who is not afraid to make enemies, browbeat his staff, wields a baseball bat, padlock school doors in violation of fire laws and insists that all students are ready to sing the school song on demand. Mr. Clark’s students are faced with many challenges whether academic or social. The film illustrates the hardships that were experienced in the school and how they were overcome. Mr. Clark through his humanistic and behaviorist approach (even though unconventional) to education changed the students of Eastside High school mentality and encouraged them to want to succeed. His humanistic approach is evident through his use of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in order to determine the order in which he should address the problems in the school. By helping students with self esteem issues as well as domestic problems and then focusing on the education part, he followed the hierarchy order, dealing with deficiency needs: Belongingness – the students who felt she her parent did not want her and thought she had nowhere to stay; Security – his chaining the doors of the school to keep the drug dealers out; Self esteem – his encouragement of students to think better of themselves that they are not inferior; Growth needs – the students maturing in their behavior, taking their education seriously and passing the test, and also standing up for what they believed in as displayed by their protest in the final scene. Behaviorism was also evident in the movie through intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and Robert White’s idea that self esteem and competence (the need to succeed) goes hand in hand. Mr. Clark uses a lot of motivation to give the students the extra incentive they need in the form of encouraging words. He tried to foster the development of intrinsic motivation by stimulating the students to gain some form of interest in their school work. He also used extrinsic motivation such as rewards and punishment as in the scene with Thomas Sams and himself jumping ropes and his expelling 300 students and telling the others ‘ next time it may be you if you don’t do better it will be you” The theorist Robert White’s ‘Competency theory was also visible. Mr. Clark’s tried to build students self esteem when he convinced them that they have a bright future despite their current situation or their background as in his first address to them where he stated “They say this school was dead like the cemetery it’s built on, but out Eastside teams are ghosts and ghost are spirits that rise from the dead. I want you to be my ghosts. You are going to lead our resurrection by defying the expectation that all of us are doom to fail” and in his speech before the big exam he encouraged them to think better of themselves, that they are not inferior. Not only was self worth taught to the students but also the concept of self respect was emphasized. Mr. Clark stated “self respect permeates every aspect of your lives, if you don’t have it for yourself, you are not gonna get it from anywhere else.” Joe Clark instilled some valuable lessons in the students of Eastside High, he reminded them the responsibility of learning is theirs” If you do not succeed, do not blame anyone but yourself” he placed learning in the hands of the learners.
Changes are not always readily embraces especially if norms have been in existence for a while. Likewise being a leader can be challenging. I believe Mr. Clare’s authoritarian leadership style was effective in creating a new school culture. He changed Eastside High School from a school infested with drug abuse, gang violence, and despair to a culture where learning and achievement took place. At the very first student assembly, Mr. Clair expelled 300 ‘bad apples’ and save 2700 achievers. By the end of the movie, one of Mr. Clare’s goal, that is, to meet the requirement of 75% of the student body passing the ‘minimum basic skills test’, was accomplished. Even the teachers who were not performing effectively, he reassign to another position where he believe they could be more efficient and effective. Being in a leadership position requires the making of a lot of tough decisions. Far too many times, the decisions made by administrators are not welcome by teachers because these decisions may entail additional work or a break away from traditional ways. Consequently, the leader is dislike. This is evident in the movie, Lean on Me. Mr. Clark’s new requirements from teachers like to educate the children, teachers doing their jobs, teachers changing old methods which did not worked over the last 20 years, and teachers showing respect towards him was not initially supported. However, by the end of the movie, all these changed. The teachers were all contributors to creating a learning environment. The teachers understood that Mr. Clark decisions and actions were for creating a culture of educating the students. Mr. Clark’s unconventional, controversial methods of discipline, like placing chains on the doors to keep trouble makers out and achievers in and carrying a bullhorn and a baseball bat, not only created a culture of respect, but also one where motivation was highly present. He often invited the students to visit his office if a problem exists, and he gave many motivational speeches even when faced with imprisonment, he told the students who had gather to object this imprisonment, to go home in an orderly fashion respect the laws. Mr. Clark’s uncompromising campaign, harshness, tough-love/discipline, dedication and determination also resulted in him being disrespectful to teachers both privately and in front of students. Using the authoritarian leadership style to the fullest, it was either Mr. Clark’s way or the ‘highway’. By the end of the movie, he was able to change and recognize that all his discipline methods were not right and that his staff and boss were supporting and working towards the same goals as he was.
I totally agree with Addy on the fact that change is never readily accepted especially if norms have been established. This was evident at East Side High as Mr. Clarke came on the scene with motivated changes that were actually foreign as they were already use to having their own way and managing their own affairs. Mr. Clarke changed the entire culture at the school and brought it to a level that was acceptable. He was greeted with much resistance initially as like with everything else, the unknown is never welcomed with admiration. Truly, it took a strong will, dedication and persistence to overcome the dismal situation facing the school but Mr. Clark wittily took on the challenge and the adverse effects seem frivolous in the face of positivity as East Side High proved successful with the direction they were heading under the stern leadership of the determined principal.
The school East Side High was not at the standard where high school should be. this could have been because of previous administration who were simply there to collect a salary. When Mr. Clark was placed there as the principal, he as able to bring the level of the school's education to a higher standard. Leadership involves establishing a clear vision,sharing that vision with others so that they will follow willingly,providing the information,knowledge and methods to realize that vision. This is exactly what Mr.clarke was doing at East Side High
Educators’ concern of effecting change is not where they can make a difference but how much they can make a difference. Change is needed all around us. Mr. Clark is a good principal and a top administrator; because, whether he is teaching in the classroom, greeting students in the hall, or running a staff meeting, he is making a difference. In every student he advises or every battle that he wins, he is planting seeds for change. He is being that change that he wants to see in the world and he fully understands that it starts with himself. If I were in Mr. Clark shoes, I would do exactly what Joe Clark did.
East Side High was transformed under Mr. Clarke leadership. Your definition of Mr. Clark's leadership needs to be modify to fit this situation.Others such as teachers and students were not always willing to do what he was saying. In the movie he had to force the students to learn the song by giving them an ultimatum. They had to learn the song or else they would have been expelled from the school. You did not explain why he was able to the standard at which students were performing at the beginning of the movie.He was able to improve the students' performance because he care about their education. Mr. Clark had was ambitious and passionate about what he was doing. He took all the necessary measures to ensure that students were learning. The first thing that he did was to get rid of the gang members and drug dealers just to mention a few. The previous administration were changed because they were not doing their jobs in ensuring that the students were getting a quality education. Felecia, it is always wise to get rid of the administrator in charge of the school because they are the one who should put things in place for the staff to follow.
At first glance it would have appeared that Mr. Joe. Clarke was in fact "Crazy Joe" indeed. The actions carried out by Mr. Clarke was definitely those of a crazy person. Expelling so many students, teachers being disciplined, suspended and demoted after his first week on the job. Even the people working under him had a hard time adopting to his was and had difficulty understanding his was of running the school. What he did in the end turned out to be very effective. The students learned how to have respect not only for themselves and their peers but for also those in authority. He brought a sense of order and disciple in what was chaotic and unproductive environment. Mr. Clarke was not afraid to push the limits regardless of those who might have been offended by his action. A perfect example of this is the "loud mouth witch" that wanted to have him removed from the school. By the end of the film it was evident that he had not only turn around the appearance of the school building but also the students. They were able to go from a 35% passing average of the exam to a 75% passing. So while his administrative practices might not have been the most polite or friendly they were very affective in achieving what he was set out to accomplish. This was hard for some of the people involved to accept but once they say the changes and realized what was going on they quickly came on board the train with "Crazy Joe" but not before he was set on the straight and narrow by the vice-principal.
Mr. Joe Clark transformed a troubled school into a success. He was an outstanding leader who embraced his goal and encouraged his staff to turn his vision into a reality. Joe Clark was a very effective, passionate, and successful principal at East Side High School. His leadership style was very effective. He was an autocratic leader who made all the decisions. He used tough love toward his staff and students. He made sure his staff knew who was the HNIC (head nigga in charge) and also was named Crazy Joe. As a leader that’s how he wanted to run things. He knew if he kept his staff on their feet he could accomplish more. He decided from the beginning that he was not going to be nice. He wanted to do what it took to reach his goal and by showing tough love made his staff and students work much harder. Mr. Clark reached his goal successfully. He was very compassionate toward his students. He cared a lot for them. He wanted to see them achieve and make something out of themselves. In conclusion, to become a successful leader you first have to control your situation. As a leader you can’t let anything get in the way of your success. In life something’s may come against you but you have to take a stand and make sure you are doing things in the right way. By doing this you would always come out on top.
Lean on me is an exceptional film especially for principals and people who are thinking of entering the classrooms, also aspiring to be a principal. It depicts scenarios that can happen in and out of the classrooms also situations that the principals will need to deal with. While watching the movie, "Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm" stuck in my head. This line is very important. Students does not lose the eagerness to learn, when discipline is in the forefront. In fact, they complement each other with the eagerness to learn. I would like to focus on is Mr. Clark's decision making. He was not afraid or threatened with the people who did not agree with him even if it meant being unpopular with the students and his peers. He was cocksure with what he believes is right and good for the school. If administrator/principal should adapt the same courage in decision making as Mr. Clark, I think they would not be having some of the problems they are facing.
Earl, I appreciate the fact that from the movie you gathered that, "Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm." Mr. Clarke, being the leader, was not only a leader in school affairs but particularly the leader of discipline in East Side High. Though he was extremely firm, he was able to build healthy relationships with the students. From my observation he was able to do this through reasoning with the students. He did not treat them as if they were beneath him but as human beings with great potential. Students often associate discipline with unhappiness. However, it is evident that Mr. Clarke combined being a counselor and friend with being a disciplinarian. Human beings need rules in order to have structure in their lives and Mr. Clarke was able to provide that for his students.
The song lean on me was fitting for this movie. As many of the students needed someone to mentor, love or tutor them. Given back the chance to make a difference, Mr. Clark decided to make a bold statement thus making everyone know he was the new sheriff in town and he wanted a change for the better. Clark sdunned members of staff, assinging them to different role. He accepted no excuse for failure. He was strong will and although faced with the possibility for the recommendation of termination, stood up to P.T.A. board. Clark had many demands, but his aim was to help the students felt a sence of pride, getting a better grade and wanting more out of life that what they were exposed to. He was a father figure for some and although sometimes arrogant was able to convince his staff to work harder to keep the school open. In the end sucess was achieve, East Side High was ableto pass the reading competence test.
The phrase “progress brings about problems” came to mind while reflecting on this blog. Amidst the process of doing good, problems found a way to cloud the situation in the form of resentment, and retaliation. Mr Clark was placed in that particular school to make the necessary adjustments to the behaviour of the students, the culture of the school and the teaching learning strategies being used by the teachers. He went there with a fierce leadership style that rapidly became too fierce for his staff, students and parents. Mr Clark’s aim was to do whatever he could have done in the capacity of principal. The aim was to make the situation turn from bad to good in the shortest of time possible. In the initial stages as leader of East Side High School, the students and staff were hesitant to yielding easily to the changes Mr. Clark was making. This brought about a sense of his leadership style being too aggressive and INEFFECTIVE. As the staff and children began to see that it was all in the best interest of their Education, they allowed for the transition to take place and the new and improve daily function of the school to fall into place that was indeed necessary for a fast change in academic performance. Mr. Clark later proved to be just what the doctor ordered, a hard working, dedicated and EFFECTIVE high school principal. His leadership style though, too harsh at times was the perfect match for those who brought about mediocrity, disorder, violence and crime into the school. He took the bull by its horns and he won the battle. Eatside high went from almost shutting down to being a safe and productive learning environment at the top in their respective school district.
Carolyn, I agree with you on bringing up the idea of "progress brings about problems." This was definitely evident in the movie indeed. In order for Mr. Clarke to bring about a great change in the school he had to be arrogant, bold and extremely ambitious. Being this way caused co-workers and outsiders e.g. fire chief to become very angry. This was due to the fact that they were not able to comprehend the reasoning behind Mr. Clarke’s actions. Nevertheless, with all the problems, progress was made when the whole school atmosphere was improved along with their grades.
Carolyn, I do agrree with you. In order for sucess to happen there must be a heavy leadership style. Mr. Clark imposes an authoritarian management approach that is highly effective.
Mirna, I completely agree with what you have stated. As a teacher, we should adapt the same courage and leadership style and decision making as Mr. Clark. Teachers have to make a lot of decisions, whether big or small. And in making decisions, there will always be resistance, not everyone will agree with. We should not let this affect us. If teachers become unconfident about their decisions, they will be undermined by the students and later on might lose their credibility amongst the students.
From the onset of the movie, the school atmosphere seemed to be in chaos. The former teacher they called “crazy” Joe Clark, because of this unorthodox approach to getting things done in education, proved to be the one efficient person to save Eastside High from the slum school it had become. Although he appeared pretty much stern, the man had a deep sense of knowledge and keen dedication in rebuilding the image of the school, supportive to teachers (although he was also strict with them), and allowing students to focus in their studies. As one student said "he is like a father to us." His leadership skills allowed Eastside High to excel and become a reputable high school.
Jordan I agree the leadership skills Mr. Clarke chose was effective. Mr. Clark achieves the task of improving the testscores as well as school conditions
Jordan and Mirna, I agree with what you have pointed out. East Side High School was labeled a "cauldron of violence." After they were designated this harsh term, Joe Clark becomes the head principal and changes it all. Clarke’s strict disciplining and harsh attitude helps heal, strengthen, and bring to life a struggling high school. As the movie approaches the end, his leadership style takes on the features of team management, Clark and his staff members being sincerely committed to each other had reached their common goal.
“Lean on me” is based on a true story of Joe Clark, who took on a major challenge. As a result of his effective leadership, he turned a drug and crime-ridden school, with students failing to pass even a minimum basic skills test, into an organized, successfully performing educational institution, with staff members being committed to their task and aware of their responsibility. Mr. Clark once said, "You've tried it your way for years, and your students can't even pass the State's Minimum Basic Skills Test. THAT MEANS THEY CAN BARELY READ! Now, they've given me one year to turn this place around - to get those test scores up - so that the State will not take us over to perform the task which YOU have failed to accomplish: the task of EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN! So forget about the way it used to be. This is not a damn democracy! We are in a state of emergency and my word is law! There's only one boss around here, and that's me." Sometimes, Mr. Clark demonstrates aggressive, overemotional behavior, with his energy being directed at getting rid of everything and everyone standing in his way. For example, the scene when he fires the music teacher shows how he fails to show enough respect and concern for his staff. I believe Mr. Clark’s actions were effective because it demonstrated structure and respect for all, at the end of the day. He had a goal in which he was to accomplish; which was to turn around Eastside High. For instance, he chained the locks of the school doors, he expelled the drug dealers and “hoodlums”. He believed this was all to benefit the school. By chaining the doors, he felt that he was protecting his students from the drug dealers coming in. When he suspended the teacher, he saw that as disciplined because the teacher contradicted the instructions he recently gave. Nevertheless, he painted over the school, created a bond with his students, made peace with his staff and much more. He entered Eastside high full of energy and enthusiasm to accomplish the goal. His willingness to go beyond the call of duty shows when he deals with students’ personal issues. For instance, Kaneesha Carter’s situation, whom he helps to deal with her unemployed mother, and later on, with an unplanned pregnancy. At the end of the movie, his leadership style takes on the features of team management. Some may disagree with the route in which he dealt with situations but he dealt with them in whatever means necessary. Mr. Clark and his staff members were sincerely committed to each other and the common goal. When the test results came back, it showed that the students had stepped up the notch and passed. They did not only improve academically, but also emotionally. He told his students that the responsibility of learning is theirs. “We sink, we swim, we rise, we fall - We meet our fate together.” Twain. N. (Producer), & Director, Avildsen. J. (Director). (1989). Lean on me [Motion picture]. United States of America: Warner Bros.
I fully support your synopsis of the key underlining themes Mr. Clark brought to the forefront throughout his struggles with the students, parents and teachers of East Side High. These themes include team management, commitment, personal bonding, peace, discipline, responsibility, structure, aggressiveness and overemotional behavior. Mr. Clark was the best advocate to initiate the change East Side High needed because he was as broken as the group of people he was instructed to fix.
The movie Lean On Me was released in 1989. The general concept of the movie is of an arrogant yet dedicated teacher sent to be the principal of East Side High in order to improve the basic skills test scores of the students. This was to prevent the school from closing. The challenge of East Side High was that it was a school controlled by gangs and drug dealers. What was interesting to note was the fact that the extreme unruly behavior was depicted as being in 1987, a year where I would have believed schools to be barely affected by extreme behavior. However, I realize I was thinking in terms of Belize. The US was already developed and issues such as racism and prejudice were still strongly influencing the minds of many. Primarily, Mr. Clarke, the new principal, kicked out all the students who were known drug dealers and gang members. This action struck me to be a very bold one. It is true that without making that move the school would not have improved as much or as quickly. However, realistically students cannot be expelled from schools so easily in Belize. There must be continuous documentation and take due process to have such an occurrence. The parents were another issue in the movie. Struggling parents were identified. Parents struggling financially and also struggling to keep their children in school rather than going with the wrong company. An instance of inequality was also depicted and was dealt with. A girl wanted to enrolle in auto shop class but was prevented because it was not the “female” thing to do. Yet, Mr. Clarke made arrangements to have the girl join the class. The major conflict of the movie was the attempt to get rid of Mr. Clarke for locking up the school. I saw this as a necessity. However, the dangers were also evident. This is where the government could have aided the school. Mr. Clarke made large improvements to the school without asking for help externally. The installation of proper doors would have been only fitting to be given to East Side High. Overall, I identified the use of the school song as a means of bringing unity to East Side High. Mr. Clarke demanded that all students learn the song. All human beings want to have a feeling of belonging and I believe songs unique to schools allow students to feel like they are a part of something great and builds pride.
Mr. Clark leadership was effective in creating a new school culture. Mr. Clark was an assertive and, strong willed teacher who takes pride in his work and school. He was able to raise the student test scores to a level that protected the school from being taken over by the state. One of the first things Mr. Clark did to reform the school was expelling 300 minority students who he claimed were educationally hopeless underachievers, parasites, hoodlums, and drug pushers. To make sure these, now ex-students, stayed out and could not return to cause trouble and peddle their drugs, Mr. Clarke chained and locked the school and emergency exits from the inside. One of the main objective of an organization is to beat its counter -part in any possible way. In the movie, Principal Joe Clark employs three major human resource practices that carry the school from a drug-riddled chaotic hangout for dealers and bullies where teachers are ignored, to a clean, orderly, safe environment that facilitates learning, an authoritarian management approach, benchmarking and creating a climate and culture that facilitate success.
There were a couple of interesting points that struck me while watching the movie. I especially liked the line at the start of the movie, "Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm". This line is very true.It doesn't mean that when discipline is established in school, the students lose the eagerness to learn. In fact, I believe that discipline goes hand in hand with the enthusiasm to learn. But the skill I would like to focus on is Mr. Clarke's decision making.I completely agree with Mr. Clarke's decision making.He was not afraid or threatened with the people who did not agree with him even if it meant being unpopular with the students and his peers.He stood firm with what he believes is right and good for the school.Certainly, Mr. Clarke’s leadership was effective in creating a new school culture because he had attained a common goal which was to execute things effectively. His intelligence, adjustments and openness to experience, possesses these traits as a good leader. He also demonstrated his leadership skills by motivating students to aim high and attaining that aim of high self esteem. In conclusion,I must say that his technique of motivating others, by taking a keen interest in them and winning their hearts through a genuine, warm and charming smile has proven positively and helps them to gain trust and respect.
Mr. Clark’s leadership was very effective in creating a new school culture at Eastside high School in Patterson, New Jersey. The school was in a state of chaos and no one appeared to have the solution to the problem. Clark was called in to make things right. His method was very unusual, but it worked and worked well. With a bullhorn in one hand and a baseball bat in the other, he slammed the door on losers at Eastside and chained those inside that really wanted to learn, a truly unorthodox method. Clark was determined to clean up the mess at Eastside. He wanted teachers to take the reins and to make sure that they were doing their jobs which were to teach. He basically wanted everyone to take responsibility. To him, these students had no excuse to fail. He out rightly told them that they should not blame their backgrounds, where they came from, or what bad breaks they had. If they wanted to succeed they should not lean on excuses but to lean on him. Clark showed them that drugs, crime and anger had not done anything for them. He remarked that the only way to succeed out of this situation at Eastside was to gain an education. While many parents, teachers and the general public did not like Clark’s method, he eventually gained the respect of some of the students and the staff. Karen Cain
Ms. Cain you are on the money when you mentioned that Mr. Clark is providing the students with an opportunity to lean off their many excuses for failure and lean on the support he is willing to provide that will change their circumstances. The reality that Mr. Clark brought to East Side was a dose of tough love that needed to be harsh in order for it to make an impact that will shake and crumble the feeble principles that these students were building their future on. Mr. Clark had to be candid with teachers and parents for them to acknowledge that allowing these students to continue in such manner will not help them and should not be condone any longer. As you stated, he pointed out that education is and will always be the only way out of their situations and that getting involved with drugs and gangs will never be the solution.
I truly like your comments Addy, I too believe that Mr. Clark’s methods were a bit unusual but the thing is that he really thought that he was doing the right thing. The situation had Eastside was a mess and it called for a clever and innovative solution to the problem and Mr. Clark delivered the best manner he knew how. Karen Cain
Many principals are afraid of making harsh decisions because of the repercussions and backlashes. Administrators have to make a lot of decisions, whether big or small. And in making decisions, there will always be resistance, not everyone will agree with you. But as an administrator, you should not let this affect you. Although administrators encounter resistance, it doesn't mean that they (administrators) should care less about these teachers or students. Cooperation is still the key in running a successful establishment and as an administrator; you need to persuade these people to see the benefits of your choice. Although as an administrator, you've already made your decision, it is still important to listen to what the "others" have to say. It shows that you value their opinion and are willing to do something about their suggestion.
Mr. Clark was a man of few polite words and bold actions and that made him a very effective advocate for change at East Side High. Mr. Clark understood clearly that in order to make productive citizens out of the students at East Side High and improve the standards at the school, he had to be fair firm and consistent with all individuals involved in the learning process. His bold actions to expel those hindering the process of learning was a decision that I fully support and such decision set the stage for a reformation in East Side High that the parents and the school board needed to transform the quality of education coming from the institution. Students for the first time realized that someone was willing to fight for their rights to receive an equal education as any other child in a ‘white man’ school. Mr. Clark leadership style was aggressive and in the beginning he became the most hated authority figure by students, teachers and parents; but he gave them hope that they never saw possible. Mr. Clark showed teachers that educating these students should not be personal and that in order to improve their lives, the teachers and the parents need to improve their efforts on a whole. What made Mr. Clark effective was that he made sure he was fully involved in all disciplinary and academic actions by doing house visit in Kennisha case and providing moral guidance and structure for Sam and took advice where necessary from his district manager. Mr. Clark knew what he wanted and he molded everyone else to see his vision of East Side High and that is what made him an effective leader.
Initially Mr. Clark's leadership was effective in creating a new school culture. I agreed with his getting rid of the 'bad apples' like the gang members, drug pushers,drug users and the others. This made quite an impression on one of them, Sams,to the point where he was given a second chance (and he eventually became a 'good apple'). Even Kennisha, the black female student that he know from a child, was impressed with this move as she exclaimed, "Mr. Calrk don't play!" His dictator-style leadership was not very effective with respect to his approach with the teachers though, including the vice principal. He was too rough with them. He down right disrespected them. For example, Mr. Darnel (the former school coach)almost punched him out. He also clashed with the "loud mouth witch" from the PTA and the fire chief. The common feature that ran through all these frustrations was the lack of control of his tongue. He held nothing back as the HNIC (Head Nigger In Charge).
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough though, it was his change of heart (after all the clashes and tough meetings with his boss, his HNIC) and his same tongue that congratulated the hardworking teachers when he saw their steady improvement, momentum, and heart. In effect, he restored his effective leadership. The same vice principal who originally asked for a transfer,smiled and crushed up her transfer papers at the end. In fact, she was ready to defend him tooth and nail when accosted by the 'loud mouth witch.' The revived school song played a pivotal role in his change of heart to the teachers though. He understood that they (the teachers) really cared for the students as well. He actually 'spooked' them with his resurrected smile and praises toward them. Yes, his change of heart eventually caused Eastside High's grades to rise just like ghosts rise from the dead. What an effective leadership!
Kevin; I agree that Mr. Clark created a new school culture. However, I don't think that his behaviour to the "loud mouth witch" from the PTA and the Fire Chief was disrespectful. His authoritarian style was suitable and applicable to these two.
DeleteIn the case of the staff, they were used to the student body dominated the school culture and they (the staff) accepted this until the reform through another leadership (Mr. Clark) with a strange/unfamiliar style to combat the norm.
I agree that in the end, this militant style reformed the school.
Kevin, I agree that Mr. Clark was very disrespectful with the teachers. I believe that it was the norm in the past that the principals, as heads of the school, felt that their leadership should never be questioned. I also liked that the superintendent as his supervisor gave him a taste of his own medicine.
DeleteLorna Bishop: I do agree Kevin. As a Principal, Joe Clark was tough and passionate, despite the school issues,he did what he had to do to get the job done.He did it with tough love and being visible. He set high expectations for everyone in the school from beginning. Mr Clark alienated and ridiculed his staff. Some of them say he was harsh and difficult to work for, but none the less, they came around and Mr Clark himself show respect and support for them.
DeleteKevin; I personally believe that Mr. Clark created a new culture and identity for the school and students. In terms of the teachers and his staff he could have treated them with more respect and used some tact in conversation with them and explain some of his strange but effective tactics he was embarking on.On the other hand the "loud mouth witch" from the PTA, the fire chief and mayor only could have seen as far as their noses so I believe they were treated duly by Mr. Clark. Like I mentioned in my blog a leader does not always do what is right but what is best appropriate at time to solve the issue at hand.
Deletekevin I agree with you to a certain extent, Mr. Clark was able to create a new image for himself and for East side High School whose students were suffering with different types of challenges. Sometimes as a leader you have to make demands and make difficult decisions. Expelling troublesome youth was the first way to take control of the high school: however treating his staff disrespectfully infront of students was not acceptable. Standing up for what he believe and going the extra mile showed a sence of love, pride and appreciation. standing up to the P.T.A. board tells me he was a good role model and did what was necessary for his students to be achievers.
DeleteI agree with your comments Kevin on Mr. Clark’s leadership style. He really was hard on both the teachers and the students. However, tough love does work. Sometime in order to save the majority, some bad eggs must be taken out. That is what had to be done, but everyone was either too scared or
Deletewas not manned enough for the job, I take my hats off to Mr. Clark.
Karen Cain
Mr. Clark's leadership was controversial to say the least, when he arrived and declared himself the HNIC (Head Nigger In charge) he was met with much opposition from the faculty and the parents. We all know that "Bad Apples" exist within an educational institution but is it really the principal's right to throw them out? I must say I totally agreed with his choice to remove the drug dealers because they were not giving the other student's a chance. His leadership style didn't leave any room for slip ups and half hearted efforts, teacher and students had to pull their weight. Students were expected to have civic pride in their environment and teachers were expected to go to the students homes if they must.
ReplyDeleteHis effectiveness was proven when the students passed the test assigned by the state. However, if he did not accept the fact that the faculty was indeed helping him top better the students, it would not have been fulfilled. When he found out that Mrs Powers had re worked the school song he realized that teachers were doing their part and when confronted by his vice principal he was man enough to listen and really listened. It was after this exchange he was able to thank the men and women who was doing the same thing he was, working for the children. The leadership was effective for I feel that without it the teachers would not have 'stepped up' and the students would definitely have been forgotten.
Hay Dennise i definately agree with your statement "leadership was effective for I feel that without it the teachers would not have 'stepped up' and the students would definitely have been forgotten".
DeleteI agree becasue these were the same teachers who were in the school with the students before Mr. Clerk arrived at Eastside High and nothing changed. Mr. Clerk's leadership helpd the teacehrs to rise and to perform at the level they had not before and the students at the end benifited from this.
Yes Denise, their leaders who know what vision they want for school while others just suck at it. Over all Mr. Clark had methods that were not by the books but in the end had the school looking as a school and let the teachers learn that they had fail their students when they do not make the extra effort to educate the students proper and aid students with their every day issue by just listening to them and giving advice. Overall, it just struggles that lot of us have in our own country and need to realize that we fail when our children leave primary school and cannot read.
DeleteYes Denise I agree that it comes down to the leadership of the school, a good leader will lead making sure that the work gets done. The effective leader will make sure that the teachers remain motivated and committed. This is gradually passed on to the students who will give good results in the end. If the leadership is weak then obviously the teachers will do what they please and the work won’t get done. They will sit and watch these students just slip by doing the bear minimum. I believe that if we fail as a teacher then we are also failing the society. Most of these students that we fail are the ones who are causing all these problems they are the ones who end up back in the society and create havoc. As educators we should try push our hardest and try our outmost best to make sure that we give the children all we have and what they deserve and stop making excuses blaming everyone except ourselves. This was shown with Mr. Clark’s leadership he expected a lot out of the teachers. They were made accountable for the student’s failure.
DeleteHi Denise I don’t really agree with the statement that asked, “Is it really the principal right to throw them out’’. For I strongly believe if the leader believe it is for the betterment of the institution that what he or she should do. Yes we all have bad apples so why let one bad apple spoil all the rest. It’s better to get rid of one bad apple than to lose all and I believe that just what Mr. Clark was thinking of when he threw them out.
DeletePrincipal Joe Clark in the movie lean on me was an effective leader to some extent. He is seen as a self-assured, forceful strong willed principal. He is confident of all the decisions he makes, with a megaphone in one hand and a bat in the other, he was able to throw out the “Losers” (the gang leaders, drug dealers etc.) And keep the achievers literally locked up in the school with the chains on the door. His energy was directed at sweeping away everything and everyone standing in his way of achieving his objectives. This was shown from the start. The students knew that He meant business.
ReplyDeleteHe had some shortcomings as a leader. His tyrannical approach and hard line policies alienate many members of the staff. In a scene in the movie he fires the music teacher for not following orders. This illustrated how he failed to show respect and concern for other people when pursuing his aims. He tends to get rid of people whose behavior is viewed as harmful to the common good. His over bearing manner with his colleagues are often humiliating. He blames the teachers for the mess he was sent to clean up. In his first speech to the staff he stated, “This is an institution of learning. If you can’t control it, how can you teach?” and goes on concluding “You’ve tried it your way for years. Your students can’t pass a minimum basic skills test. That means they can hardly read! They’ve given me less than one year, one school year to turn this place around, to get those test scores up so the state will not take us over to perform the task which you have failed to do – to educate our children!” (Lean on me). At one point his behaviors seem out of control as he is trying to place the school into reform. As the movie approaches the end his leadership style changes a little and takes the features of team work and management and his staff members are seen as being committed to the students and the common goal. He was able to turn the school culture around
Althea I know that there were times when he was disrespectful to some of his staff members. I think that he had to insulted some of them so that they can realized that they need to pull their weight in order to improve the school culture. He even explained the mess that they school was in to them. You are not saying anything about the times when the teachers disregard his commands and do what they want. For example, the music teacher change the tune of the school song without consulting Mr. Clark. I agree with you when you said that he was working as a team with his staff members towards the end of the movie. He was able to do that because the teachers were beginning to work together with him after he insulted and humiliated them. I think that it after he shamed them that they were able to understood him and took pride in what they were doing. Mr. Clarke was able to change the school culture around with the help of his supported staff. Mr. Clarke only had the students in his best interest because they were the ones who needed the most attention. If the teachers would have put their shoe in Mr. Clark 'sfootstep them they would understand why he did what he did.
DeleteAlthea, there is no doubt that Mr. Clark possessed good traits and it was his self assurance, strong will and consistency that assisted him in transforming the school. I also agree that the tyrannical approach he used with the teachers was ineffective hence I liked that he experienced what it felt like to be 'bossed' around by his superior.
DeleteNovea I do agree that Mr. Clark got the job done and possess good qualities. Transforming the school from a grade F to Ct is a great accomplishment for anyone; however his approach to Teachers were sometime unjustified hence he almost lost some valuable teachers. Being the leader at the school allowed him to use his experience as a teacher to motivate students.
DeleteMr. Clark’s leadership was effective in creating a new school culture because he was able to make change of things that were not going wrong at the school. Mr. Clark had a passion for the students at Eastside High. He only wanted the children to learn. First of all, he used his power of authority to get rid of all the bad students who were influencing the rest of the school body negatively. He expelled the drug dealers and gang leaders just to mention a few . He had to be strict with his staff. There were times when they did not follow what he said . For example ,the music teacher decided to change the tune of the school song because it was a bit boring.He was serious about making Eastside High a better school.He insisted that all the students learn the school song. Mr. Clark did not seem to care about what others say about him. He did his utmost to build self confidence in the students. He was the who had faith in the students. He even went to do a home visit at one of his student's home to find what what was the problem. He was very caring about his students. He had Sam under control. He was the one who gave this boy a second chance. Mr. Clarke also monitor Sam to make sure that he was doing the right thing.His leadership was excellent because he help to change a lot of thing that were going wrong in the school. All of students of Eastside High were able to pass their examination under Mr. Clark leadership. At the end of the movie , Eastside High was considered a respectful school because their were positive things that were happening at the school.
ReplyDeleteYes Tera, I love how he really shape up the school, it let me dawn on our primary schools in Belize .Are we (teachers) the ones who are failing our students with the methods we are using that is why they are not passing PSE.
DeleteHe wanted the students to learn, but also showed that it also took a lot of dedication on their part to succeed. The situation showed us how typical people behave when they re not allowed to do what they want. Even us as educators are dealing with alternative discipline for our students. The wonderful thing was students were safe and motivated to learn and had voice.
Tera: May I share my opinion. I believe that Mr. Clark's temperamental behaviour sends mixed messages - sometimes a radical/bully and other times a caring/friend. It would have been nice to see more learning scenery and less tantrums. Any new or aspiring teacher would think that almost 3/4 of the in-class time is spent on discipline - which should be okay because of the later success.
DeleteTo a teenager, the opinion would often times be outside the box one of which is outstanding in the "that's okay" attitude of Mr. Clarke upon hearing that an outstanding student was pregnant. Additionally, the teens would believe that procrastination in studying is okay and you will still be successful at the point of a test.
This movie has so many open for varying opinions at different levels/ages.
Tera, your statement that Mr. Clarke had faith in the students is so very true and evident in the movie. At 20 years, he was principal who was willing and able to work with and stand by the students. He went as far as making sure he knew the students, for example, calling them by their names, created a physical environment conducive to learning like getting the walls of the hallway repainted, stood up for students when no one else did so demonstrated by his willingness to talk to the parent of the pregnant student and was a role model for them show by the massive turn out of students to protest his be imprison.
DeleteTera, indeed his style was one of a kind, but would Mr. Clark's leadership style work in these days? These days our troublesome students are not taking any sort of threat lightly from anyone. How realistic do you think his methods are in today's classroom? How far can we as primary and high school teachers go to instill discipline in our charges, especially when many parents are not doing their part. I can agree that his visiting the student's home was a positive move. I would also try this (of course with as much wisdom as possible).
DeleteVery good examples Tera, we have the same thinking! I love the fact that you stress the word positive. Reason being, Mr. Clark went into school with a positive out look to accomplish one main goal and did just that and more. His journey of being the leader of Eastside High was not easy for he too had many disadvantage at his hands. But, did Mr. Clark gave up? No! he did not. Instead, he continued to push the students and teachers to perform at their best and in the end they were able to achieve this main goal. Due Mr. Clark leadership qualities.
DeleteMr. Joe Clark, new the new “Head Nigger in Charge” of an out of control Eastside High School, that infested with drug dealers, gang members and teenagers who were just out to fail. Was Mr. Clerk too rough on his teachers? I don’t think he was. Was he too stern with the students? In the state he met them him, he my view he was not. Mr Clark’s only interest was weeding out the “bad apples” in order to give the students who showed potential, interest and cares about their future a fair chance to succeed. I especially loved Mr. Clerk’s words to his remaining students when he said to them “If you do not succeed don’t blame the white man, blame your selves”. He helped them to understand that the key to success was buried within themselves. Some people may think that chaining the doors was ludicrous but I feel that it was needed to show everyone how passionate he was in making a change not for himself but for the students at Eastside High.
ReplyDeleteAs for the teachers, his dictatorship attitude was not going down right with them, but I am sure that he was not doing anything to be insensitive or to hurt anyone deliberately. He simply knew that if the teachers couldn’t control the students they would not be able to teach effectively and he wanted these teachers to put in their share of hard work hence his strict nature not only towards the students but also the teachers. He knew he couldn’t have done it alone. After he was confronted by the vice principal, his attitude changed which showed that he was able to listen and take criticism for the betterment of the institution. Towards the end when he realized that the teachers were all on the same page with him, his “crazy principal” attitude changed, so you see, I strongly believe that Mr. Clark’s leadership was effective in creating a new school culture at Eastside High and the students and teacher loved him for that. Just look at the mass numbers that came out shouting “Free Mr. Clerk” when they had in locked up in that jail cell. That was touching. Crazy Joe was the only principal who truly cared about the students enough to take the kind of stands he took.
I agree Nicolee that his out of control style was a bit controversial, however he was big enough of a leader to realize that he couldn't do it alone. In Belize, I feel that is what we need, leaders that realize they are not doing it by themselves and the teachers have to understand that more is required. If a school such as Eastside High that was on the brink of being state operated, could rise from the grave. Belize is not that far off, more input from leaders and teachers that put the students ahead of their own cares, we would see a drastic change in our education system.
DeleteMaybe we need to adopt the stand and go to the homes and hold the parents accountable of their actions, which may allow us to change them which in turn will change their children.
Mr. Clark's dictatorship attitude, not only towards the students but to the teachers, seemd at first to be uncalled for, but at the end just like the students, the teachers appreciated his so called dictorship ways, which proved to settle down the students and bring a sense of unity and awareness at the high school.
DeleteHay Tera, i like your observation about the lenghts to which Mr. Clerk demonstrated his care for his studnets. Its a good example for us here in Belize. A lot of us claims to love our studnets but we horrified at the idea of conducting home visits. Mr Clerk wasnt worried about parents chasiing him away or cursing him out. His primary concern was his studnets. I admired the realation he had with both Sam and Kenisha .These two students loved him very much becasue they did not only saw but they felt his love for them in return. Mr. Clerk demonstrated the Three F's we need to remember in this profession. Being Fair, firm and frinedly is key in effective leadership.
ReplyDeleteMr.Joe Clark is a brilliant teacher. He showed that with a no nonsense behavior which at first was harsh, but efficient in getting the task down, with much hatred from adults but much trust from the students. His mere choice of profession is quite instructive, – this man is definitely aimed at helping people. He comes to East side high full of energy and enthusiasm to turn the whole school around. His willingness to help other shows when he deals with students’ personal issues. For instance, such is the case with Kaneesha Carter, whom he helps to deal with her unemployed mother, and later on, with an unplanned pregnancy. He is driven by the mission to save the school and to bring prosperity to its students, and he invest all his skillfulness and knowledge to reach the goal.
ReplyDeleteI believe MR. Clark was also motivated by desire to deliver a good service. His objective number one is to make those school teachers educate effectively and those students learn successfully. In no way can he allow himself to be in charge of a school students of which are considered to be inferior. In his first speech as a school principle he declares: “This is an institution of learning. If you can’t control it, how can you teach?” and goes on concluding “ You've tried it your way for years. Your students can’t pass a minimum basic skills test. That means they can hardly read! They've given me less than one year, one school year to turn this place around, to get those test scores up so the state will not take us over to perform the task which you have failed to do – to educate our children!” (Lean on me). I also discern some indications of need for appreciation in his behavior, which is quite natural and satisfying, – he does not want his efforts to be taken for granted, and nobody would. To some extent, Strategic Benefit Planning is practiced in East side High. The school staff members have a specified objective of making students pass a minimum basic skills test in order to prevent the school from being taken over by the state. However, I am not quite sure whether this case can be considered as an example of employee benefit program. Therefore, I did not observe any specific types of employee benefits in the movie. But, I felt he was effective in creating a wonderful environment for the student, by believing that they can improve and making it possible that learning should be render to every student who start by disciplining themselves and want to go to school.
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ReplyDeleteLouburn Joe Clark was a former teacher at East Side Highschool, who loved his job and his students, but he could be tough as nails too. He was brought in the school to act as Principal at East Side Highschool, to see if they can turn it around, as they were running out of options. Clark showed the kids to grab a hold of their life with both hands, and to not let go. He taught them that they are worth something to the world, which no other Principal did. They were troubled kids, and some did not even know how to read. Joe Clark proved the education system wrong about them. He changed and saved their lives.
DeleteLorna Bishop: Mr Clark is no nonsense, a very charismatic and assertive strong teacher, who has to deal with a school that was out of control. The students and teachers need to get restructured. Mr Clark implemented a plan for keeping the drugs and drugs dealers out of the school, Mr Clark also has to get all the old locks changed and put up new fences. From what I observed from the movie Mr Clark removed all the security guards from inside the school and use them at the gate, the teachers was also use as security but inside of the classroom. Mr Clark eyes were opened wide to those children who he knows would open the door and let the drug dealers in. He also fired those teachers that weren’t effective.
ReplyDeleteMr Clark nickname was “Crazy” Joe Clark. He carries around two objects in his hand, one was the bullhorn so he can get his point to the students and the other was a bat, which he says they can call him batman. I admire how Mr Clark get down to business when he sees what mess the school was in. He start make major changes in the staff and removed who he know is not effective. He also demand respect from the faculty, he instruct them to be quite and to take notes during staff meeting. As the Principal of East Side High Mr Clark utilized an effective leadership in creating a new school culture. I like when Mr Clark say there is only one boss around here and that’s him. The Head Niger In Charge!!! I hope many of our Principals would watch this movie Lean on Me and follow Mr Clark style of leadership if their school is out of control.
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I agree with you. While they way he spoke to the teachers under him was wrong he made his point clear. The useless, lazy onlookers will be removed and new teachers who are willing to put in the work and see change would be brought in. While he demanded respect somewhere along the line it seemed that he forgot in order to get respect you have to give respect and he was not doing that by degrading the teachers in front of the students. I also agree that some principals in our country would need to watch this film and maybe incorporate a few of Mr. Joe's tactics when dealing with their teachers.
DeleteIt’s so true Ms. Lorna we need some effective leaders like Mr. Clark especially in schools where there are many challenges like Eastside High. Leadership is the bridge that can bring together all the required elements of reform in a school. This can help achieve the goal of educating all the children for the future. Getting the most problem plaque schools moving in a positive direction requires that principals have a special set of skills.
DeleteEven though Mr. Clarke had some faults like talking down to the teacher and embarrassing them. His methods still proved successful. We do need administrators and leaders who will work with both the teachers and the students and be as effective as Mr. Clark. We also need to weed out the teachers who are lackadaisical and failing our students. Our society and culture is filled with excuses and like Mr. Clark did, he made the teachers accountable for the performance of the students. I believe that we should get that implemented in Belize.
So true, Althea. Mr. Clark mentioned, "Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm." Yes, he is strict with his students but he demonstrated care for them and did everything in his power to guide them to the targeted goal.
DeleteIn our society, I can agree that some teachers today are only in the profession for the salary and could hardly be bothered about anything else. Teachers need to pull their weight and also the students. Like Mr. Clark said, "If you can't control it, how can you teach?" We need to first understand our students so we can know how to approach them and lead them down the right path.
The high school teacher/headmaster, Mr. Clarke, created a new school society. A culture of love that was somewhat strange to most of the student body and humiliating to the teaching staff. Clarke’s “tough love” displayed in his no nonsense approach, cleaned the school environment of drug dealing and violence. His authoritative leadership style was definitely effective as East-side High was reformed. The pre-test motivational speech in which he gave them that self assurance that they could make it and the subsequent positive test results proved the effectiveness of Clarke’s leadership. The words of the theme song “Lean on Me” embedded in the new culture, resurfaced in the support the school gave to Clarke for his release, from those who were blinded by his effectiveness.
ReplyDeleteHis authoritative leadership style was what contributed to teh reformation of East Side High School. He needed to be tough in order to set the necessary rules and to send a strong message that change will occur. He showed that he is not scared of those students that are vionent, and that they will either decide to change or move out. This is the type of administration necessary in schools in order for teachers to understand that we play a vital role in the transformation of each student.
DeleteFrancine, I agree with you that Mr. Clarke create of culture of love at Eastside High School. This is evident throughout the movie, for example, Mr. Clarke took on the position of being principal, a job which a person in their ‘right mind’ would not take on. I believe he took on this position because of his love for this school and his passion towards the students. He made many motivational speech including telling the students that if they do not succeed in life, they are to blame themselves. I believe the culture of love was clearly evident when a student said that Mr. Clarke was like the father she never had.
DeleteYes, Ms. Marin,I enjoyed the pep talk that Mr. Clarke gave just before the standardized exam. I strongly believe that our students need more encouragement from us as teachers. They are accustomed to hearing complaints for their mischief. Yes, I know that they are not angels, but every cloud, no matter how gloomy, has a silver lining. Teachers let us emphasize the silver lining and help to scrape off the hard dirt from the surfaces of these hidden treasures, our students. It is not easy. We are more wired to snap, rant, and rage as human beings, but they are our tomorrow whether we like it or not. It is high time that we invest more in them.
DeleteI like your post on highlighting Mr Clark's human side, his love towards both the students and teachers. I believe that is very important in every teacher and administrator, despite your strict ways, there's always a soft side (of love, care, compassion) that makes one feel good, appreciated.
DeleteGood Discussion so far- I am wondering if most of the blame in our failing schools are placed on unproductive and uncaring teachers; or is it society itself?
ReplyDeleteI believe that most of the blame for our failing schools are a combination of both the society in which we live and the unproductive, uncaring teachers which are developed and molded by society. Gone were the days in which a community would raise a child. Society is so messed up today that kids are having kids and don't have a clue about the responsibility and challenges involved in successfully raising a child to adulthood. In the pass teachers and community members could have disciplined your child with the whip in their parents absence and this was quite fine by the older heads. Now the practice is parents telling their child that "if teacher lashes you I will come and deal with your teacher". This trend of disrespect by parents and students towards teachers will lead them to become uncaring teachers which in turn will produce nonproductive teachers in schools.
DeleteWe are presently living in a society with an increasing crime rate. A situation that our school aged children are highly involved in. Parents are failing more and more to be actively involved in the lives of their children, more and more teachers are there only for the pay-cheques at the end of the month, more and more religious leaders are turning their backs and more and more politicians are there only for financial gains. Who and what do our young people have to turn to? To those who themselves have fallen into the life cycle of gangs and crimes? The society has a major part to play in the upbringing of our children. It is within a society that a child is born, raised, educated, interact with peers, and become employed. During each phase, a person grows with whatever morals and values he picks up along the way and keep deep rooted the ones that were more beneficial for each respective stage. Even though at times it may not be plain to see, but the society can have great impacts on the lives of especially our young people. It may turn out to be negative impacting or positive impacting. Greater problems arise when our children a greatly impacted in a negative way from their immediate living environment. The teacher then will face a difficult time trying to instil proper values, the child not wanting to receive the proper training may in turn start to rebel and from there it’s down-hill. Early detection of the situation, can lead to early intervention, providing that more and more parents shows attention, more and more teachers are there for the long run, more and more religious leaders show interest, and more and more politicians give support.
DeleteCarolyn, society definitely plays a big part of the problem of our young people, but who makes society?? We do! I believe that we have to start from ourselves to make a change within this generation. We have to become more leaders instead of followers of other countries. Lets look at our economy, we import 90% of the things we consume rather than becoming an industrious country. A simple example like that makes me realize that we are stagnant when it comes to development within our country.
DeleteAlthough Mr. Clark was tough at first, he needed to set the tone although sometimes it was harsh but it worked eventually. For a black man, he was strong and stood his ground regardless of the consequences. This showed his students not to be afraid to do what they think is right no matter what the outcome might be. Our black men within our society are discouraged because all they hear while growing up is that they are 'stupid or retarded and can't do anything right'. They need to be consoled just like the females and show them that they are important and play a very important role in society. Regardless if they came from a single-parent home. Consistency is the key for success and that's what Mr. Clark had. He never gave up on these students and stuck it out to the end.
We definitely need more black men like Mr.Clark to stand up and look out for our young people so that they don't go running too the wrong persons out there.
Mr. Clark was aware of problems at Eastside High, and when he was asked to be the new principal, he knew what needed to be done to bring order in the school. Change always comes with resistance and the situation at Eastside High was no exception, especially with the type of leadership that Mr. Clark portrayed. His authoritarian style of leadership brought conflict not only with the students and parents but also with the teachers because he treated the teachers the same way he was treating the students. I felt that it was very unprofessional because when he felt challenged, he disrespected the teachers in front of the students. I think he could have handled the teachers differently therefore I liked it when superintendant Dr. Frank Napier put him in his place when he fired a teacher and suspended another for clashing with him in front of the students. Mr. Clark felt that as head of the school he was above everyone else failing to realize that he too had a superior he needed to answer to.
ReplyDeleteUnderneath that strong headed authoritarian principal was a human being who cared about the students in the school and this was evident throughout the movie. He gave an expelled student a second chance, visited Kaneesha's mom and offered his assistance in order to improve mother/daughter life and relationship, and most importantly he worked in improving the student's grades. The way the students united and asked for his release when he was arrested, showed how much he had positively impacted the entire school body. This confirms that Mr. Clarks leadership was effective and the teachers and students were grateful for what he had done.
When analyzing the authoritarian type of leadership, one has to agree that it was the norm in the past but that has changed over the years, yet, not completely. Maybe it is needed in some schools where students have lost respect in general. Teachers need to be held accountable for learning that takes place in their classrooms but I also believe that the society in general is failing the children of today. Some parents are not instilling the good values in their children, some people feel it is not there business to point out the wrong doings in children, and a lot of our teachers do not have the passion to carry out their professions. Children need to molded in the right way from very early age and our neglect as a society has some negative effect in them as they get older.
I believe that Mr. Clarke had a reason for behaving that way towards teachers. He knew the capabilities of each teacher and needed to set the tone in order for chaos to be controlled. Indeed, he was too harsh toward the teachers but in the end if his authoritarian style of leadership would have not been displayed it would have been difficult to bring the school where he wanted. Eastside High School was changing significant from good to worse; therefore this style of leadership was what allowed teachers and students to notice his seriousness. He forced students to strive for better and teachers to do their job appropriate.
DeleteHey Norvea, the authoritarian style of Mr Clark was what was needed for the students and maybe even the parents, but his treatment of the teachers was unprofessional and it showed as he started to loose some of his best teachers. Sometimes people need to be reminded that they are not God, as Mr. Napier reminded Clark that he was in charge. To me what it says to me is that changes must be introduced to see progress.
DeleteWithout Mr. Clark's style of leadership the students probably would not have passed their reading test or unite and ask for his release. His style impacted them I think in more ways than they understood themselves.
Belize would benefit from some drastic changes, a bit of a shock to change the status quo as that was exactly what Mr Clark did, he changed the norm and allowed students to fulfill their full potential.
Ms. Norvea, I fully support when you mentioned his authoritative discipline. I did not like the way he treated his staff. Teachers are the backbone of a school. If they did something he disagrees with, he could have addressed them in a professional manner by calling them aside. Nevertheless, thanks to his secretary that spoke to him on behalf of the other staff members, he then reflected on his actions and evaluated himself. Moreover, with him being a disciplinarian, the students were able to get on track and the teachers were fully committed to the school and the students.
DeleteKeisha Westby
ReplyDeleteMr. Clark’s personality initially was perceived as egotistical, controlling, unwilling, shallow, arrogant and an over achiever who had no prior knowledge of the students, administration and the running of East Side High. Nevertheless he was determined to change the culture of the students and the school and he was vehemently persistent in leading “his way”. He was in much disagreements and confrontations with senior teachers and head of departments at the school as his no nonsense attitude manifested itself as he made his daily routines and checks around the school to bring about his desired changes. After he captured the attention of the school board when he chained the locks at the school he still was determined to change the test scores, attitudes and self esteem of many of the students who were poverty stricken, gang related accomplice and simply believed that there was no hope for them outside the school grounds. After many encounters with teachers and others in authority at the school, Mr. Clarke was finally jailed for disobeying authorities for him to unchain the doors. It was while he was locked up and the school board was meeting, in his absence and while law enforcement cuff him at school in front of everyone, did the students and remaining teachers realize that Mr. Clarke really did care about the well being and academic performance of the students. They never appreciated his presence or leadership style until he was missing: “never miss the water till the well runs dry”. The tough love style of leadership that he suddenly brought upon them was one that they were not used to at the school and they were not open to the many rigid changes that Mr. Clarke wanted immediately and Mr. Clarke was strong headed to have his rules follow and anyone who disagree or would not follow would be quieted or suspended.
In the end as the students protested for Mr. Clarke to be released everyone including the teacher who wanted a transfer realized that Mr. Clarke’s leadership was effective in changing the school culture and it was plainly evident when the student body marched outside the building when the board was meeting. They had no other choice but to let the voice of the students prevail and let Mr. Clarke free. Mr. Clarke himself was overwhelmed as to the support that he received from the students. They did not even want to be in school because Mr. Clarke was not there even though his last words were for them to go to their classes. His leadership was not appreciated at first nor did the teachers and students realize that at times Mr. Clarke’s strong personality and rigid leadership was what they needed at the school to turn things around and improve school life for the students so that they can realize the importance of getting a sound education regardless of how much society degraded them and never believed in them.
The no nonsense leadership style of Mr. Clarke is what is needed today in our education system and in our schools today so that we can provide quality education for our children especially at the Primary level. Poverty stricken families and the lack of positive role models and poor parental guidance in our homes all contribute to our tests and examination scores being consistently low even though many interventions have been attempted. With a man like Mr. Clarke in our school system who had a vision and the students at the forefront of his decisions, our education system could improve and children will be able to become well rounded productive citizens.
Yes Keisha, we do need leaders and administrators like Mr. Clark in our schools. But what we really need are good teachers too. We need teachers who are not afraid to go the extra mile for their students. Within our society or any society as a matter of fact, to children, a teacher's word is gospel. While the administrators need to be good role models, the teachers need to be great role models because they work closer with the students. As I saw, Mr. Clark had the 3 f's... firm, fierce but eventually and I do mean eventually friendly. If teachers adapt these 3 f's, well rounded students will not be a far fetched idea instead, reality within our reach.
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ReplyDeleteTyrant…dictator… bully! Not the usual words associated with an educator especially a principal. However, these were just some of the words used to describe Joe Clark principal of Eastside High School. Although many students and teachers did not like his methods of discipline by the end of the school year, many of these same students and teachers came to love, admire and respect the methods of the principal called ‘Crazy’ Joe Clark.
ReplyDeleteFirst - school pride. To turn the school around, at the very first school assembly, Clark started with the worst of the worst. Students who had been at the high school about 5 years who were not making any contribution to the school were expelled. After getting these students out, he instilled a policy were all students had to learn the school song. This was a major step in creating a new school culture because by learning the song, students began to love, appreciate and admire their school. Graffiti covered walls were painted over by students on detention – another way for students to take ownership and pride for their school.
Second – academics and self-pride. At the very first school assembly, Clark uttered the words
Ghosts are spirits that rise from the dead. I want you to be my ghosts. You are going to lead our resurrection, by defying the expectation that all of us are doomed to failure. My motto is simple: If you do not succeed in life, I don't want you to blame your parents. I don't want you to blame the White Man. I want you to blame yourselves. The responsibility is yours!
This was exactly what he did; he gave the onus of becoming better students to the students. He implemented a peer study program where students can review homework and classwork in pairs to assist each other. He encouraged teachers to come out on Saturdays to assist students who needed the help not given by parents. He insisted that students pull up their pants, do not smoke, drink, deal or take drugs in the school and quickly find themselves to their respective classrooms at the sound of the bell. Eventually, the students, teachers and Mr. Clarke felt pride and accomplishment especially when the students passed the Basic Skills Test.
Third – Love, Care and Respect. While Mr. Clarke was not loved at first, the discipline and respect he commanded made his students and eventually the teachers love him. He was a principal who learned all of his students’ names. He took time to hear their concerns and gave them advice when wanted and unwanted. He visited homes and listened to students even if he had to schedule a time for them after school.
Taking pride in a school never shown before, passing the Basic Skills Test, learning the school song, respecting a tough tyrannical principal and standing up for him at the end shows that Mr. Clarke’s leadership did not create an effective school culture, it created a monumental one!
Twain. N. (Producer), & Director, Avildsen. J. (Director). (1989). Lean on me [Motion picture]. United States of America: Warner Bros.
Yes Shilpa, totally agree with all of your points mentioned. Educators like myself need to be more involved into our students lives not only at school but to deal with the real issues these students face within their environment at home. Students in Belize are not proud of a lot of things around them. They tend to destroy what they have and complain of the things they want to have. I teach Information Technology at my school and all you hear students complaining about are about the old computers how they move so slow and not working well. I could go on and on with the complaints. Nevertheless I try to encourage them no matter what we have or don't have we need to appreciate what we do have.
DeleteThe students at Eastside High School were poor,discouraged and not appreciating the little they had around them. Mr. Clark let them realize that they too are assets to the school that can contribute positively just by taking care of what they had. He also taught them indirectly how to respect themselves and to never give up no matter how hard it may seem. Mr. Clark also taught them to stand up for your rights even if you are punished for what you did. For e.g. when they arrested him to padlocks on the doors. He did that for the safety of the students but the community saw it differently. I admire Mr. Clark for being a strong Black man who stood his ground no matter what they consequences were. You go Mr. Clark.
Yes Shilpa, I totally agree with those beautiful adjectives used to describe Mr. Clark. I sometimes believe that if we are to get things done we as leader has to take the role as a tyrant, dictator or even a bully only if it bring about positive change. In Mr. Clark case his style of leadership as a tyrant, bully or dictator has result to positive change to Eastside High.
DeleteTotally agree with your three main points Shilpa, Bully and tyrant I used some of these same adjectives my self and believe he was indeed a bully. But, personally he was an effective bully. Mr. Clark was very serious about this role, responsibilities and duties at East High because he wanted to make a changes in these students lives for them to become productive citizens and past the state test. Hence, the first step of doing so was by eliminating the "bad apples" as our classmate Denise Young mention in her comment. Also, using disciplinary methods to create school pride. Nonetheless Shilpa, I love that you stated, beneath the bully and tyrant there was a loving, caring, and respected educator and leader who went beyond his duties to assist those students in need. So, I must agree that in the end there was monumental school created at Eastside High.
DeleteThe movie"LEAN ON ME" reminds of all the negative issues I am presently facing with both students and administration on a daily basis.Mr. Clark stood his ground and believed that no matter what..he needs to straighten out this school..regardless of who needed to be sacrificed along the way. Although he was a "No Nonsense" principal that was effective at the end of the day..he should have dealt with the staff in a respectful manner and not infront of the students. When teachers are spoken down to infront of students, students feel that they can also talk like that to the teacher...loosing all respect. Mr. Clark should have held a meeting with the individual teachers to brief them about his expectations.
ReplyDeletePresently, administration at my school follow this same trend when they deal with teachers. Administration "blast" us out over the PA system, scold us during assembly and talk down to us when we are having a conference with a parent and his/her child. Students eventually feel like they can do and say anything in the presence of a teacher and believe that admin is on their side and will not be punished. Admin seldomly rewards teachers and commend them on the good job that they are doing. Incentive plays a big role to encourage and motivate teachers to be effective and meaningful in the classroom.
Mr. Clark at the end, although he stood his ground, realized that complementing both teachers and students by showing them the support they needed made a big difference. At the end he made a difference at the school by helping them to pass the basic exam and to give hope to these students who were mainly black americans to feel proud of themselves and that they are something within society.
Sophia, Mr. Clark's methods to gain respect was so rigid at times he belittled the teachers in front of the students. I can understand him wanting to turn the school around, but everyone deserves respect. As an administrator I always remember this quote (cant remember the author) As a leader, we invite people on a journey not on an expedition of tyranny.I love your comment 'Mr. Clark should have held a meeting with the individual teachers to brief them about his expectations.' I totally agree that if something is not right, teachers should be met in private to discuss the matter. This leads to better communication and a mutual respect from both sides. In the movie, Mr. Clark was rigid because his teachers did not stand up because they did not have any faith in their school nor the students. We need strong leaders and even stronger teachers. Even with disagreements, the only focus of any learning institution should be the students because when they do good and excel, only then as teacher we feel pride knowing we had a hand in their success.
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ReplyDeleteEffective leaders explore all possible ways to accomplish the set goal. At times the ideas may fail but, an effective leader never gives up. In the case of the movie “Lean on Me", Mr. Clarke did show effective leadership skills. Hence, he knew where he wanted the school to be and had to test his ideas to get there. Therefore, he set his goal and most importantly he believed in the students’ of East Side High ability to succeed. By eliminating, those were delinquents and had a negative outlook on education and their peers. Also, Leaders are learners and Mr. Clarke did learn for this experience of being the principal. He learnt that working with others instead of bossing them around will get them from the present to the desired future. He did not only transform the school but also lead the teachers and students to stand up for what they believe in and help them believe in themselves no matter what obstacles come in the way. A result of this was shown when students were all united to protest for Mr. Clarke when he was in jail. Mr. Clarke was a dictator, he was consistence, and he never gave up in what he believes in. Although, individuals hated him and got him arrested; this did not stop him. Instead, Mr. Clarke carried on his duties to achieve his objective and main goal. In doing so, he use traditional management approach to deal with the arising issue at the school. Even so, I believe he was effective because he was able to learn from his mistakes and did better. For examples, he failed by chaining the doors and bossing the teachers around. In the end, he was able to take off the chains and installed cameras and started to listen to his teachers.
ReplyDeleteTwain. N. (Producer), & Director, Avildsen. J. (Director). (1989). Lean on me [Motion picture]. United States of America: Warner Bros.
I’m in agreement with Shamika with respect to the effective leadership qualities that entail perseverance. Clark did know his direction for the school and pushed forward and eventually earned the respect from all involve in the education of the students at Eastside High. He overcame his adversaries and triumphed because he stood his ground even when his poor decision to chain the main entrances leads him to jail. His courage influenced the students to take their stand against what they deemed unjust. They understood that Clark had brought positive change at the personal and administrative levels and a new school culture, so they protested. They were able to force the mayor and the others to listen to them and hence realize and acknowledge Clark for his huge contribution to their change and success. Clark was effective in accomplishing the task given.
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ReplyDeleteMr. Clarke was a radical man. He stood for principle. Years after his forced transfer to another school, his friend, Frank, who worked with the mayor, recalled him to Eastside High School to correct the social ills that had evolved in that public school. The environment was described as a cauldron of violence in the prelude. The opening scene at Eastside High School (c.1987) was one of hallway brawls, drug sales and bullying; one girl was stripped and thrown out in the hallway of students bare breasted. The bell rang and the mood remained. Neither teachers nor students alike were hastened by it. The teachers lacked control. That school culture was one of anarchy and chaos.
ReplyDeleteDrastic measures were needed at Eastside High School. Mr. Clarke took on the task to create change; he dived in, immersed himself selflessly. He was like a crazy man from day one, the media dubbed him ‘Crazy Joe’. Clarke had to be crazy to combat the types of criminals who were at the school posing as students, leeching from the education system. His leadership style was demonstrated immediately: expulsion of the miscreants and the dictatorial nature he addressed the administration and staff and students. He told the staff he was the ‘HNIC’.
After he laid down the rules and the student population was made controllable, Clarke opted to improve the aesthetics. The physical changes made to the graffiti ridden walls helped to promote the fresh atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Routines at Eastside High were stabilized, but his micromanagement caused confusion among the staff; they simply did not know what Clarke’s plan of action was. (That was what he wanted, according to him.) Many conflicts arose from the brutally blunt leadership style, no room for flexibility. It seemed somewhat that he lacked respect for his staff. Clarke was charged and under a lot of pressure. He had less than a year to improve academia. The students were performing way below standard. His task was monumental: to increase the pass rate from 38% to 75% or more.
Clarke’s command of the school brought about a rise in morale for all the stake holders in the education system. The students especially who were the primary stakeholders benefitted greatly from the morale boost. Their motivation positively influenced them to work hard to pass the state exam. The success was made possible due to some simple practices: the teachers became knowledgeable of the students’ needs at school and they treated them as they did their own. The students performed because of the positive school culture; the teachers and leaders were intertwined in the students’ lives and the functions of the school.
Yes I totally agree Shakira. Mr. Clarke used effective tactics that brought the message home to all parties concerned. Even though one might say he at times too "in your face" at the end of the day order was restored at East Side High. Crazy Joe was in fact not crazy after all. He proved to be efficient and beneficial to all parties concerned.
DeleteAt the beginning Mr. Clarke’s leadership in creating a new school culture was not apparent but at the end the qualities of a good administrator demonstrated its effectiveness in the transformation of East Side High School. His approach indeed was tough and was necessary to gain control and to assert himself as the principal of the school. His approach was powerful sending a strong message to the teachers and students that despite of the situation facing them he instilled a sense of empowerment and hope for success and achievements. His way of administering proofs that minorities and the disenfranchise can be successful with proper guidance.
ReplyDeleteMr. Clark seemed to be a no non-sense guy who displayed a dictatorship-style of leadership which was not very effective with respect to his approach to the other teachers, including his vice principal who almost resigned. In my opinion at times he outright disrespected his teachers in getting his point across. For example, Mr. Darnel the gym coach, almost got into a fist fight with him for this reason, the vice principal suggested a transfer and he arrogantly gave it to her with no regards. He also had various verbal clashes with the "loud mouth witch" from the Parent Teachers Association, the fire chief, and the Mayor.
ReplyDeleteAll the different confrontation Mr. Carter engaged in and endured might have made him look like a tyrant in the school; however I saw qualities in him that made him behave the way he did which at the end turned out to be very effective. I must say a leader must be able to see the big picture of a situation especially developing situations like the ones that were occurring at the school. For example as a leader one must be able to weigh situations and determine what will be the best thing to do to resolve the problem. In this case Mr. Carter displayed great leadership skills by standing up to the gang bangers, drug dealers, and drug users who use to infest his school; this was done at the expense of locking the doors to keep them out which raised safety issues among parents and other administrators of the school.
This tactic caused major alarmed and chaos to the other administrator and officials responsible for safety of the kids in school. These people believe in doing what was right and that was to make sure the students had free access to exits in case of a fire, but Mr. Carter chained the doors shut during classes. Mr. Carter saw it from another spectrum of light. Once I was told by a director in Education that a good leader doesn’t always do what is right in situations but what is most appropriate thing to do in the situation to obtain the greatest good.
Mr. Carter realized the only way to get his students performing at their best was to eliminate the pressure from the rotten bananas that came in the form of gang bangers, drug dealers and users. He did this by locking them out and then focused on the others students who could have been touch and mentored to be productive youths. This was manifested with Sam who gave up the gang life, turned his life around and became a good student. Kenisha who also came out and said “Mr. Carter is like a father to me”, he cared for them, gave positive advice and he inspired and motivated them to be the best. Mr. Carter tactic proved to very effective at the end of the day.
Even though I agree with you Elvis that Mr Clarke was very much confrontational, in the end it proved to be "exactly what the doctor order" for East Side High. THis is true because the school did a complete 360 and was on the way to success and had better path ahead due to the strong persona of Mr. Clarke. AT the beginning his colleagues thought he was verbally abusive but once the school was back in order it was seen in a different light as restoration was the key to a positive atmosphere which proved vital for East Side High.
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ReplyDeleteIn the movie “Lean on me”, Mr. Clarke used the autocratic style of leadership. This style has a few advantages as well as disadvantages. This style of leadership provides clear expectations for what needs to be done, when it should be done and how it should be done. It also allows for a clear division between the leader and the follower. In this type of leadership style the leader usually make decisions independently with little or no input from other people. In the movie the principal used this style which I believe was beneficial in that he didn’t have enough time to get feedback or input from others when it comes to quick decision making.
I strongly believe that this style of leadership increases efficiency, because in the movie so much was going on and the principal had to respond to the situations quickly. A democratic leadership style definitely would not have been the way to go because it would have required a lot of time when it comes to deciding what should be done. At some point Morgan Freeman seem as if though he was abusing his power because he seemed controlling and bossy. Nevertheless, it was obvious that he wanted only the best for his students.
This leadership style also was appropriate because Mr. Clarke subordinates looked as though they were not interested in seeking responsibility. They weren’t taking ownership for things happening around the school and it was plain to be seen that they weren’t confident. They seem to be insecure and it is my opinion that they worked well under clear and detailed directives.
lisa williams Leadership is about solving the problems, which means closing the gap between things as desired and things as perceived. Everyone works on the solution to intermediary problems while keeping in mind the ultimate problem — closing a gap for the client or customer. Looking at definition I believe that Mr. Clark‘s leadership was effective in creating a new school culture. At Eastside High there were too many gaps in the school that was hindering the students learning such as the drug dealers and those associated with gangs. Mr. Clark was task with the job to make Eastside High a better place of learning and improved the school literacy rate. Although Mr. Clark came across as a dictator, disrespectful or even a bully to some, I believe if we want change their things that a leader must do to implement change. I also believe that if Mr. Clark didn’t have Eastside High student at heart he would not have been able to accomplish the result he was sent there to do. Yes in the beginning he considers himself as “The head nigger in charge”, but he also came to realize that working as a team and listen to others than he can accomplish a lot. I must say that I like Mr. Clark effectiveness of leadership has paid off due to the fact that he was able to have all parties on board. In conclusion there are some leaders who have vision of how they would like to take their school but are not effective in carry out that vision. I believe that they need to adapt a few of Mr. Clark’s style of leadership that is the positive ones.
ReplyDeleteClark instituted his own version of tough love to raise not only the expectations of the school culture but also to raise the test scores of his students. In his treatment of his students, he always uplifted them. He held high expectations and consistently believed in them. Even when he was disappointed that Kaneesha was pregnant, he still uplifted her. Clark always cared for his students by looking at their individual strengths and weaknesses. He was always attentive (even in the midst of solving other problems) to each student’s problems and/or issues. He knew each student’s name. He went beyond his bounds to help the students achieve not only good grades but higher self-esteem. He went above and beyond his duties as a principal and answered a higher calling to help students who wanted to be helped.
DeleteEarl Noralez
ReplyDeleteEduc 3101
Lean on Me presents a controversial approach to education. It portrays a high school principal (Joe Clark) who is transferred to Eastside High School and his first act is to expel 300 miscreants on the grounds that they won’t graduate anyway. Mr. Clark, who is not afraid to make enemies, browbeat his staff, wields a baseball bat, padlock school doors in violation of fire laws and insists that all students are ready to sing the school song on demand. Mr. Clark’s students are faced with many challenges whether academic or social. The film illustrates the hardships that were experienced in the school and how they were overcome.
Mr. Clark through his humanistic and behaviorist approach (even though unconventional) to education changed the students of Eastside High school mentality and encouraged them to want to succeed. His humanistic approach is evident through his use of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in order to determine the order in which he should address the problems in the school. By helping students with self esteem issues as well as domestic problems and then focusing on the education part, he followed the hierarchy order, dealing with deficiency needs: Belongingness – the students who felt she her parent did not want her and thought she had nowhere to stay; Security – his chaining the doors of the school to keep the drug dealers out; Self esteem – his encouragement of students to think better of themselves that they are not inferior; Growth needs – the students maturing in their behavior, taking their education seriously and passing the test, and also standing up for what they believed in as displayed by their protest in the final scene.
Behaviorism was also evident in the movie through intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and Robert White’s idea that self esteem and competence (the need to succeed) goes hand in hand. Mr. Clark uses a lot of motivation to give the students the extra incentive they need in the form of encouraging words. He tried to foster the development of intrinsic motivation by stimulating the students to gain some form of interest in their school work. He also used extrinsic motivation such as rewards and punishment as in the scene with Thomas Sams and himself jumping ropes and his expelling 300 students and telling the others ‘ next time it may be you if you don’t do better it will be you”
The theorist Robert White’s ‘Competency theory was also visible. Mr. Clark’s tried to build students self esteem when he convinced them that they have a bright future despite their current situation or their background as in his first address to them where he stated “They say this school was dead like the cemetery it’s built on, but out Eastside teams are ghosts and ghost are spirits that rise from the dead. I want you to be my ghosts. You are going to lead our resurrection by defying the expectation that all of us are doom to fail” and in his speech before the big exam he encouraged them to think better of themselves, that they are not inferior.
Not only was self worth taught to the students but also the concept of self respect was emphasized. Mr. Clark stated “self respect permeates every aspect of your lives, if you don’t have it for yourself, you are not gonna get it from anywhere else.”
Joe Clark instilled some valuable lessons in the students of Eastside High, he reminded them the responsibility of learning is theirs” If you do not succeed, do not blame anyone but yourself” he placed learning in the hands of the learners.
Changes are not always readily embraces especially if norms have been in existence for a while. Likewise being a leader can be challenging. I believe Mr. Clare’s authoritarian leadership style was effective in creating a new school culture. He changed Eastside High School from a school infested with drug abuse, gang violence, and despair to a culture where learning and achievement took place. At the very first student assembly, Mr. Clair expelled 300 ‘bad apples’ and save 2700 achievers. By the end of the movie, one of Mr. Clare’s goal, that is, to meet the requirement of 75% of the student body passing the ‘minimum basic skills test’, was accomplished. Even the teachers who were not performing effectively, he reassign to another position where he believe they could be more efficient and effective.
ReplyDeleteBeing in a leadership position requires the making of a lot of tough decisions. Far too many times, the decisions made by administrators are not welcome by teachers because these decisions may entail additional work or a break away from traditional ways. Consequently, the leader is dislike. This is evident in the movie, Lean on Me. Mr. Clark’s new requirements from teachers like to educate the children, teachers doing their jobs, teachers changing old methods which did not worked over the last 20 years, and teachers showing respect towards him was not initially supported. However, by the end of the movie, all these changed. The teachers were all contributors to creating a learning environment. The teachers understood that Mr. Clark decisions and actions were for creating a culture of educating the students.
Mr. Clark’s unconventional, controversial methods of discipline, like placing chains on the doors to keep trouble makers out and achievers in and carrying a bullhorn and a baseball bat, not only created a culture of respect, but also one where motivation was highly present. He often invited the students to visit his office if a problem exists, and he gave many motivational speeches even when faced with imprisonment, he told the students who had gather to object this imprisonment, to go home in an orderly fashion respect the laws.
Mr. Clark’s uncompromising campaign, harshness, tough-love/discipline, dedication and determination also resulted in him being disrespectful to teachers both privately and in front of students. Using the authoritarian leadership style to the fullest, it was either Mr. Clark’s way or the ‘highway’. By the end of the movie, he was able to change and recognize that all his discipline methods were not right and that his staff and boss were supporting and working towards the same goals as he was.
I totally agree with Addy on the fact that change is never readily accepted especially if norms have been established. This was evident at East Side High as Mr. Clarke came on the scene with motivated changes that were actually foreign as they were already use to having their own way and managing their own affairs. Mr. Clarke changed the entire culture at the school and brought it to a level that was acceptable. He was greeted with much resistance initially as like with everything else, the unknown is never welcomed with admiration. Truly, it took a strong will, dedication and persistence to overcome the dismal situation facing the school but Mr. Clark wittily took on the challenge and the adverse effects seem frivolous in the face of positivity as East Side High proved successful with the direction they were heading under the stern leadership of the determined principal.
ReplyDeleteThe school East Side High was not at the standard where high school should be. this could have been because of previous administration who were simply there to collect a salary. When Mr. Clark was placed there as the principal, he as able to bring the level of the school's education to a higher standard.
ReplyDeleteLeadership involves establishing a clear vision,sharing that vision with others so that they will follow willingly,providing the information,knowledge and methods to realize that vision. This is exactly what Mr.clarke was doing at East Side High
Educators’ concern of effecting change is not where they can make a difference but how much they can make a difference. Change is needed all around us. Mr. Clark is a good principal and a top administrator; because, whether he is teaching in the classroom, greeting students in the hall, or running a staff meeting, he is making a difference. In every student he advises or every battle that he wins, he is planting seeds for change. He is being that change that he wants to see in the world and he fully understands that it starts with himself. If I were in Mr. Clark shoes, I would do exactly what Joe Clark did.
DeleteEast Side High was transformed under Mr. Clarke leadership. Your definition of Mr. Clark's leadership needs to be modify to fit this situation.Others such as teachers and students were not always willing to do what he was saying. In the movie he had to force the students to learn the song by giving them an ultimatum. They had to learn the song or else they would have been expelled from the school. You did not explain why he was able to the standard at which students were performing at the beginning of the movie.He was able to improve the students' performance because he care about their education. Mr. Clark had was ambitious and passionate about what he was doing. He took all the necessary measures to ensure that students were learning. The first thing that he did was to get rid of the gang members and drug dealers just to mention a few. The previous administration were changed because they were not doing their jobs in ensuring that the students were getting a quality education. Felecia, it is always wise to get rid of the administrator in charge of the school because they are the one who should put things in place for the staff to follow.
DeleteAt first glance it would have appeared that Mr. Joe. Clarke was in fact "Crazy Joe" indeed. The actions carried out by Mr. Clarke was definitely those of a crazy person. Expelling so many students, teachers being disciplined, suspended and demoted after his first week on the job. Even the people working under him had a hard time adopting to his was and had difficulty understanding his was of running the school. What he did in the end turned out to be very effective. The students learned how to have respect not only for themselves and their peers but for also those in authority. He brought a sense of order and disciple in what was chaotic and unproductive environment. Mr. Clarke was not afraid to push the limits regardless of those who might have been offended by his action. A perfect example of this is the "loud mouth witch" that wanted to have him removed from the school. By the end of the film it was evident that he had not only turn around the appearance of the school building but also the students. They were able to go from a 35% passing average of the exam to a 75% passing. So while his administrative practices might not have been the most polite or friendly they were very affective in achieving what he was set out to accomplish. This was hard for some of the people involved to accept but once they say the changes and realized what was going on they quickly came on board the train with "Crazy Joe" but not before he was set on the straight and narrow by the vice-principal.
ReplyDeleteMr. Joe Clark transformed a troubled school into a success. He was an outstanding leader who embraced his goal and encouraged his staff to turn his vision into a reality. Joe Clark was a very effective, passionate, and successful principal at East Side High School. His leadership style was very effective. He was an autocratic leader who made all the decisions. He used tough love toward his staff and students. He made sure his staff knew who was the HNIC (head nigga in charge) and also was named Crazy Joe. As a leader that’s how he wanted to run things. He knew if he kept his staff on their feet he could accomplish more. He decided from the beginning that he was not going to be nice. He wanted to do what it took to reach his goal and by showing tough love made his staff and students work much harder.
ReplyDeleteMr. Clark reached his goal successfully. He was very compassionate toward his students. He cared a lot for them. He wanted to see them achieve and make something out of themselves. In conclusion, to become a successful leader you first have to control your situation. As a leader you can’t let anything get in the way of your success. In life something’s may come against you but you have to take a stand and make sure you are doing things in the right way. By doing this you would always come out on top.
Lean on me is an exceptional film especially for principals and people who are thinking of entering the classrooms, also aspiring to be a principal. It depicts scenarios that can happen in and out of the classrooms also situations that the principals will need to deal with.
DeleteWhile watching the movie, "Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm" stuck in my head. This line is very important. Students does not lose the eagerness to learn, when discipline is in the forefront. In fact, they complement each other with the eagerness to learn. I would like to focus on is Mr. Clark's decision making.
He was not afraid or threatened with the people who did not agree with him even if it meant being unpopular with the students and his peers. He was cocksure with what he believes is right and good for the school. If administrator/principal should adapt the same courage in decision making as Mr. Clark, I think they would not be having some of the problems they are facing.
Earl E. Noralez
Earl, I appreciate the fact that from the movie you gathered that, "Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm." Mr. Clarke, being the leader, was not only a leader in school affairs but particularly the leader of discipline in East Side High. Though he was extremely firm, he was able to build healthy relationships with the students. From my observation he was able to do this through reasoning with the students. He did not treat them as if they were beneath him but as human beings with great potential. Students often associate discipline with unhappiness. However, it is evident that Mr. Clarke combined being a counselor and friend with being a disciplinarian. Human beings need rules in order to have structure in their lives and Mr. Clarke was able to provide that for his students.
DeleteThe song lean on me was fitting for this movie. As many of the students needed someone to mentor, love or tutor them. Given back the chance to make a difference, Mr. Clark decided to make a bold statement thus making everyone know he was the new sheriff in town and he wanted a change for the better. Clark sdunned members of staff, assinging them to different role. He accepted no excuse for failure. He was strong will and although faced with the possibility for the recommendation of termination, stood up to P.T.A. board. Clark had many demands, but his aim was to help the students felt a sence of pride, getting a better grade and wanting more out of life that what they were exposed to. He was a father figure for some and although sometimes arrogant was able to convince his staff to work harder to keep the school open. In the end sucess was achieve, East Side High was ableto pass the reading competence test.
ReplyDeleteThe phrase “progress brings about problems” came to mind while reflecting on this blog. Amidst the process of doing good, problems found a way to cloud the situation in the form of resentment, and retaliation. Mr Clark was placed in that particular school to make the necessary adjustments to the behaviour of the students, the culture of the school and the teaching learning strategies being used by the teachers. He went there with a fierce leadership style that rapidly became too fierce for his staff, students and parents. Mr Clark’s aim was to do whatever he could have done in the capacity of principal. The aim was to make the situation turn from bad to good in the shortest of time possible.
ReplyDeleteIn the initial stages as leader of East Side High School, the students and staff were hesitant to yielding easily to the changes Mr. Clark was making. This brought about a sense of his leadership style being too aggressive and INEFFECTIVE. As the staff and children began to see that it was all in the best interest of their Education, they allowed for the transition to take place and the new and improve daily function of the school to fall into place that was indeed necessary for a fast change in academic performance.
Mr. Clark later proved to be just what the doctor ordered, a hard working, dedicated and EFFECTIVE high school principal. His leadership style though, too harsh at times was the perfect match for those who brought about mediocrity, disorder, violence and crime into the school. He took the bull by its horns and he won the battle. Eatside high went from almost shutting down to being a safe and productive learning environment at the top in their respective school district.
Carolyn, I agree with you on bringing up the idea of "progress brings about problems." This was definitely evident in the movie indeed. In order for Mr. Clarke to bring about a great change in the school he had to be arrogant, bold and extremely ambitious. Being this way caused co-workers and outsiders e.g. fire chief to become very angry. This was due to the fact that they were not able to comprehend the reasoning behind Mr. Clarke’s actions. Nevertheless, with all the problems, progress was made when the whole school atmosphere was improved along with their grades.
DeleteCarolyn, I do agrree with you. In order for sucess to happen there must be a heavy leadership style. Mr. Clark imposes an authoritarian management approach that is highly effective.
DeleteMirna, I completely agree with what you have stated. As a teacher, we should adapt the same courage and leadership style and decision making as Mr. Clark. Teachers have to make a lot of decisions, whether big or small. And in making decisions, there will always be resistance, not everyone will agree with. We should not let this affect us. If teachers become unconfident about their decisions, they will be undermined by the students and later on might lose their credibility amongst the students.
DeleteFrom the onset of the movie, the school atmosphere seemed to be in chaos. The former teacher they called “crazy” Joe Clark, because of this unorthodox approach to getting things done in education, proved to be the one efficient person to save Eastside High from the slum school it had become. Although he appeared pretty much stern, the man had a deep sense of knowledge and keen dedication in rebuilding the image of the school, supportive to teachers (although he was also strict with them), and allowing students to focus in their studies. As one student said "he is like a father to us." His leadership skills allowed Eastside High to excel and become a reputable high school.
ReplyDeleteJordan I agree the leadership skills Mr. Clarke chose was effective. Mr. Clark achieves the task of improving the testscores as well as school conditions
DeleteJordan and Mirna, I agree with what you have pointed out. East Side High School was labeled a "cauldron of violence." After they were designated this harsh term, Joe Clark becomes the head principal and changes it all. Clarke’s strict disciplining and harsh attitude helps heal, strengthen, and bring to life a struggling high school. As the movie approaches the end, his leadership style takes on the features of team management, Clark and his staff members being sincerely committed to each other had reached their common goal.
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ReplyDelete“Lean on me” is based on a true story of Joe Clark, who took on a major challenge. As a result of his effective leadership, he turned a drug and crime-ridden school, with students failing to pass even a minimum basic skills test, into an organized, successfully performing educational institution, with staff members being committed to their task and aware of their responsibility.
ReplyDeleteMr. Clark once said, "You've tried it your way for years, and your students can't even pass the State's Minimum Basic Skills Test. THAT MEANS THEY CAN BARELY READ! Now, they've given me one year to turn this place around - to get those test scores up - so that the State will not take us over to perform the task which YOU have failed to accomplish: the task of EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN! So forget about the way it used to be. This is not a damn democracy! We are in a state of emergency and my word is law! There's only one boss around here, and that's me."
Sometimes, Mr. Clark demonstrates aggressive, overemotional behavior, with his energy being directed at getting rid of everything and everyone standing in his way. For example, the scene when he fires the music teacher shows how he fails to show enough respect and concern for his staff.
I believe Mr. Clark’s actions were effective because it demonstrated structure and respect for all, at the end of the day. He had a goal in which he was to accomplish; which was to turn around Eastside High. For instance, he chained the locks of the school doors, he expelled the drug dealers and “hoodlums”. He believed this was all to benefit the school. By chaining the doors, he felt that he was protecting his students from the drug dealers coming in. When he suspended the teacher, he saw that as disciplined because the teacher contradicted the instructions he recently gave. Nevertheless, he painted over the school, created a bond with his students, made peace with his staff and much more. He entered Eastside high full of energy and enthusiasm to accomplish the goal. His willingness to go beyond the call of duty shows when he deals with students’ personal issues. For instance, Kaneesha Carter’s situation, whom he helps to deal with her unemployed mother, and later on, with an unplanned pregnancy.
At the end of the movie, his leadership style takes on the features of team management. Some may disagree with the route in which he dealt with situations but he dealt with them in whatever means necessary. Mr. Clark and his staff members were sincerely committed to each other and the common goal. When the test results came back, it showed that the students had stepped up the notch and passed. They did not only improve academically, but also emotionally. He told his students that the responsibility of learning is theirs. “We sink, we swim, we rise, we fall - We meet our fate together.”
Twain. N. (Producer), & Director, Avildsen. J. (Director). (1989). Lean on me [Motion picture]. United States of America: Warner Bros.
I fully support your synopsis of the key underlining themes Mr. Clark brought to the forefront throughout his struggles with the students, parents and teachers of East Side High. These themes include team management, commitment, personal bonding, peace, discipline, responsibility, structure, aggressiveness and overemotional behavior. Mr. Clark was the best advocate to initiate the change East Side High needed because he was as broken as the group of people he was instructed to fix.
DeleteThe movie Lean On Me was released in 1989. The general concept of the movie is of an arrogant yet dedicated teacher sent to be the principal of East Side High in order to improve the basic skills test scores of the students. This was to prevent the school from closing. The challenge of East Side High was that it was a school controlled by gangs and drug dealers.
ReplyDeleteWhat was interesting to note was the fact that the extreme unruly behavior was depicted as being in 1987, a year where I would have believed schools to be barely affected by extreme behavior. However, I realize I was thinking in terms of Belize. The US was already developed and issues such as racism and prejudice were still strongly influencing the minds of many.
Primarily, Mr. Clarke, the new principal, kicked out all the students who were known drug dealers and gang members. This action struck me to be a very bold one. It is true that without making that move the school would not have improved as much or as quickly. However, realistically students cannot be expelled from schools so easily in Belize. There must be continuous documentation and take due process to have such an occurrence.
The parents were another issue in the movie. Struggling parents were identified. Parents struggling financially and also struggling to keep their children in school rather than going with the wrong company.
An instance of inequality was also depicted and was dealt with. A girl wanted to enrolle in auto shop class but was prevented because it was not the “female” thing to do. Yet, Mr. Clarke made arrangements to have the girl join the class.
The major conflict of the movie was the attempt to get rid of Mr. Clarke for locking up the school. I saw this as a necessity. However, the dangers were also evident. This is where the government could have aided the school. Mr. Clarke made large improvements to the school without asking for help externally. The installation of proper doors would have been only fitting to be given to East Side High.
Overall, I identified the use of the school song as a means of bringing unity to East Side High. Mr. Clarke demanded that all students learn the song. All human beings want to have a feeling of belonging and I believe songs unique to schools allow students to feel like they are a part of something great and builds pride.
Mr. Clark leadership was effective in creating a new school culture. Mr. Clark was an assertive and, strong willed teacher who takes pride in his work and school. He was able to raise the student test scores to a level that protected the school from being taken over by the state. One of the first things Mr. Clark did to reform the school was expelling 300 minority students who he claimed were educationally hopeless underachievers, parasites, hoodlums, and drug pushers. To make sure these, now ex-students, stayed out and could not return to cause trouble and peddle their drugs, Mr. Clarke chained and locked the school and emergency exits from the inside. One of the main objective of an organization is to beat its counter -part in any possible way. In the movie, Principal Joe Clark employs three major human resource practices that carry the school from a drug-riddled chaotic hangout for dealers and bullies where teachers are ignored, to a clean, orderly, safe environment that facilitates learning, an authoritarian management approach, benchmarking and creating a climate and culture that facilitate success.
ReplyDeleteThere were a couple of interesting points that struck me while watching the movie. I especially liked the line at the start of the movie, "Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm". This line is very true.It doesn't mean that when discipline is established in school, the students lose the eagerness to learn. In fact, I believe that discipline goes hand in hand with the enthusiasm to learn. But the skill I would like to focus on is Mr. Clarke's decision making.I completely agree with Mr. Clarke's decision making.He was not afraid or threatened with the people who did not agree with him even if it meant being unpopular with the students and his peers.He stood firm with what he believes is right and good for the school.Certainly, Mr. Clarke’s leadership was effective in creating a new school culture because he had attained a common goal which was to execute things effectively. His intelligence, adjustments and openness to experience, possesses these traits as a good leader. He also demonstrated his leadership skills by motivating students to aim high and attaining that aim of high self esteem. In conclusion,I must say that his technique of motivating others, by taking a keen interest in them and winning their hearts through a genuine, warm and charming smile has proven positively and helps them to gain trust and respect.
ReplyDeleteMr. Clark’s leadership was very effective in creating a new school culture at Eastside high School in Patterson, New Jersey. The school was in a state of chaos and no one appeared to have the solution to the problem. Clark was called in to make things right. His method was very unusual, but it worked and worked well. With a bullhorn in one hand and a baseball bat in the other, he slammed the door on losers at Eastside and chained those inside that really wanted to learn, a truly unorthodox method.
ReplyDeleteClark was determined to clean up the mess at Eastside. He wanted teachers to take the reins and to make sure that they were doing their jobs which were to teach. He basically wanted everyone to take responsibility. To him, these students had no excuse to fail. He out rightly told them that they should not blame their backgrounds, where they came from, or what bad breaks they had. If they wanted to succeed they should not lean on excuses but to lean on him. Clark showed them that drugs, crime and anger had not done anything for them. He remarked that the only way to succeed out of this situation at Eastside was to gain an education. While many parents, teachers and the general public did not like Clark’s method, he eventually gained the respect of some of the students and the staff.
Karen Cain
Ms. Cain you are on the money when you mentioned that Mr. Clark is providing the students with an opportunity to lean off their many excuses for failure and lean on the support he is willing to provide that will change their circumstances. The reality that Mr. Clark brought to East Side was a dose of tough love that needed to be harsh in order for it to make an impact that will shake and crumble the feeble principles that these students were building their future on. Mr. Clark had to be candid with teachers and parents for them to acknowledge that allowing these students to continue in such manner will not help them and should not be condone any longer. As you stated, he pointed out that education is and will always be the only way out of their situations and that getting involved with drugs and gangs will never be the solution.
DeleteI truly like your comments Addy, I too believe that Mr. Clark’s methods were a bit unusual but the thing is that he really thought that he was doing the right thing. The situation had Eastside was a mess and it called for a clever and innovative solution to the problem and Mr. Clark delivered the best manner he knew how.
ReplyDeleteKaren Cain
Many principals are afraid of making harsh decisions because of the repercussions and backlashes. Administrators have to make a lot of decisions, whether big or small. And in making decisions, there will always be resistance, not everyone will agree with you. But as an administrator, you should not let this affect you. Although administrators encounter resistance, it doesn't mean that they (administrators) should care less about these teachers or students. Cooperation is still the key in running a successful establishment and as an administrator; you need to persuade these people to see the benefits of your choice. Although as an administrator, you've already made your decision, it is still important to listen to what the "others" have to say. It shows that you value their opinion and are willing to do something about their suggestion.
DeleteMr. Clark was a man of few polite words and bold actions and that made him a very effective advocate for change at East Side High. Mr. Clark understood clearly that in order to make productive citizens out of the students at East Side High and improve the standards at the school, he had to be fair firm and consistent with all individuals involved in the learning process. His bold actions to expel those hindering the process of learning was a decision that I fully support and such decision set the stage for a reformation in East Side High that the parents and the school board needed to transform the quality of education coming from the institution. Students for the first time realized that someone was willing to fight for their rights to receive an equal education as any other child in a ‘white man’ school. Mr. Clark leadership style was aggressive and in the beginning he became the most hated authority figure by students, teachers and parents; but he gave them hope that they never saw possible. Mr. Clark showed teachers that educating these students should not be personal and that in order to improve their lives, the teachers and the parents need to improve their efforts on a whole. What made Mr. Clark effective was that he made sure he was fully involved in all disciplinary and academic actions by doing house visit in Kennisha case and providing moral guidance and structure for Sam and took advice where necessary from his district manager. Mr. Clark knew what he wanted and he molded everyone else to see his vision of East Side High and that is what made him an effective leader.
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