The Cowboy Solution

Texas Staff Development Council Conference

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:49:17 GMT

Texas Staff Development Council Conference
Start Date: 15-Jan-09 8:30 AM
End Time: 15-Jan-09 5:30 PM
Location: Crown Plaza Hotel Houston, TX
Speaker:

Crown Plaza Hotel Houston, TX

Montgomery County Hospital District EMS Awards Banquet

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:25:19 GMT

Montgomery County Hospital District EMS Awards Banquet
Start Date: 6-Dec-08 7:00 PM
End Time: 6-Dec-08 8:00 PM
Speaker:

Is it the student or the system that is failing?

noemail@cowboysolution.com — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

A March, 2008 editorial in the Houston Chronicle title "Back to School" once again focused the light of truth on the problems of educating our children. And like thousands of other studies and billions of dollars spent on them, the conclusion is the same: “Houston, we have a problem.” However, this piece did shed light on a few new ones.

The letter stated that “almost no one believes that the law (NCLB) can achieve the main goal of having every child in America reading and doing math at grade level by 2014.” One can only wonder what would happen if we not only believed this statement, but accepted it as our only goal. The Effective School Movement, on which the NCLB is partly based, says that social, economic, and environmental factors are not to blame for poor student achievement. It states that all students can learn, but they learn at different rates, different times, and in different ways. But all students can learn.

What if educators, school boards, parents, civic clubs, and communities all believed and understood the complete statement (but they learn at different rates, different times, and in different ways) and joined forces to find a viable solution to help each child succeed and to reach his or her full potential. What if failure were not an option? Imagine the positive results if all students were helped to achieve a high standard at each grade level before moving to the next? Passing a student on to the next grade level by using low standards to make our school systems look “exemplary” or to insure that we do not “lower a neighborhood’s desirability and property values” seems to succeed in only in exacerbating the problem. Where exactly is the focus on the student in that statement?

It seems unconscionable that school districts must adopt two reporting methods to avoid losing federal funding rather than focus on the real root of the problem which is how best to teach all children. Protecting property values to avoid losing tax dollars insures that our students will suffer. Perhaps a back to basics approach is needed. How can we help our teachers in the classroom?

The editorial also stated, “the law will work better if it is tweaked to distinguish between schools that, according to standardized math and reading tests, are failing miserably, and those in which only a handful of students are not adequately passing.” Do laws teach? What if we took a no excuse approach to teaching to a higher standard for all students? Do the concepts of math, science, history, or any other learning have anything to do with racial, ethnic, or class biases? Isn’t 2+2=4 the same if you are poor, rich, Hispanic, African American, or Caucasian? High standards are not affected by race creed color or religion.

The last sentence of the letter is the critical one. “How best to achieve it is a puzzle from which a nation must not turn away.” Absolutely true. But, it is not the lack of desire or lack of efforts for the past 20 years that has caused the problem. The real problem just may be that we are focusing our attention on the “problem of the problem” instead of actual solutions. After decades of spin to show that we have met our testing goals the truism is that students are at every grade level have been left behind.

If we are to succeed in changing our approach, failure cannot be an option.

15-Jul-08 8:00 AM

The Billion Dollar Drop-out

noemail@cowboysolution.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

It is widely recognized that the U.S. and the world have moved towards a knowledge-based economy—one where knowledge and technology are vital to economic growth. Knowledge, of course, is embodied in human beings and thus the use of the term “human capital,” which seems to hold the key to our nation’s future success and its ability to compete in a rapidly changing global landscape. Social observers in fact agree that a city’s prosperity depends on finding, attracting and retaining the nations most skilled and creative knowledge workers.

How will Houston or any other city be able to accomplish such a feat when our education system continues to fail the very students it is supposed to help?

Much discourse of late including articles and editorials in the Houston Chronicle and other publications through out the United States extol the efforts of public educational institutions to find better ways to help our children learn. Acts mandates, and initiatives abound all designed to help “each child reach their full potential.” But, student outcomes do not improve by spending more dollars or by adding more bricks and mortar. Instead, teachers must be empowered to bring out the best in all students.

Teacher accountability in Texas began in 1983. Now, 23 years later, “student achievement in the U.S. remains effectively flat even as the demands of a 21^st century stiffen,” according to the Washington-based Thomas B. Fordham Foundation. The report indicates a national average grade of D for student achievement. And, there are more mandates, acts, and initiatives than ever. Another recent study, Quality Counts at 10; A Decade of Standards-Based Education, reports that the Texas education system received a grade of C with only 18 states receiving a score above that mark.

Billions have been spent on these studies, all of which urge change. The real issue is not that we need to change, but what are we going to do to initiate change. With so many accountability issues facing schools today, we often forget that the real key to student achievement -- not to mention our most important resource -- is the teacher.

Of the 10 recommendations made by the National Center on Education and Economy’s 2006 study Tough Choices, Tough Times, not one actually addresses the real problem. How are we helping our teachers teach?

Perhaps the issue is that our education system fails to come to grips with the actual definition of the word “teach.” According to Webster, teach means “to cause to know.” There are no excuses or extenuating circumstances. Webster does not even mention the student in the definition. What is the basic goal of education? To cause all students to know—plain and simple.

The Department of Education cites that the greatest single influence on student achievement is the teacher. Yet, there is not one recommendation related to teacher training in a quick review of the 10 recommendations made in the Tough Choices study.

The “Six Big Goals” outlined in HISD’s five-year plan are certainly lofty and needed. In essence, they reflect many such educational plans throughout the US. However, not one of the goals focuses on teacher training.

In the end, the solution may be to ask some simple questions. How are we preparing our teachers to teach? Not how can we spend more money? Not, will new technology will help? Will more police help? Will branding help or more community involvement?

Maybe the real question is how can we help our teachers to inspire a student to learn? What techniques can be used that will help with the critical issue of transference of knowledge? What is our current teaching process?

Perhaps there is a simple solution.

What would happen if…

Teachers were given effective tools to help students learn.
If students were not allowed to go forward until they had mastered the subject matter to an acceptable (high) standard.
- Not just to the next grade
- but to the next unit or concept

What would happen if…

Our focus was on insuring success in the teaching process
Our teachers were able to inspire students to learn

I suspect that if we spent more time focused on preparing our teachers for the classroom rather than on the next act or mandate we might not require marketing campaigns and programs which are costing our nation billions of dollars a year. It is beyond disheartening to know that the U.S. spends $268 billion a year on high school dropouts. And, those figures do not include marketing plans, safety programs, management efficiency studies, acts, mandates, and the litany of initiatives. Congress could certainly find a good use for $286 billion dollars.

Failure should not be an option. Because in the end we all lose. We pride ourselves as a world power, but we are letting our children down by not helping the people who can make the most difference in their lives on a daily basis. Their teachers.

If our global economy and future do in fact lie in a knowledge-based economy, it seems incumbent upon our education system to insure that our students can learn. And, that our teachers are more empowered to teach.

8-Jul-08 11:00 AM

How Can a Horse and a Cowboy Improve Education?

noemail@cowboysolution.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The COWBOY SOLUTION PIONEERING EDUCATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Debra Ford, Ford & Company debralford@comcast.net; 281-415-0673 HOW CAN A HORSE AND A COWBOY IMPROVE EDUCATION? Houston, Texas…In an arena in Houston, 350 new teachers have gathered to start their careers. This is day two of a week of development training they will attend to orient themselves to the education profession. Armed with notebooks, pens and a serious attitude they come face to face with….a cowboy and a horse! And, what they walk away with is a series of simple, yet extremely effective tools, they can use tomorrow in their classrooms. Don Hutson has worn many hats in his 30-year career, but his favorite by far is the black cowboy hat he dons to conduct his Cowboy Solution teacher training seminars. For the past three years, The Cowboy Solution has provided a no-nonsense, simple approach to...

Cowboy Solution in Katy, Texas

noemail@cowboysolution.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Cowboy Solution Pioneering Education MEDIA ALERT HOW CAN A HORSE AND A COWBOY IMPROVE EDUCATION? Teachers in Katy will soon find out. WHO: Dr. Don Hutson, Cowboy Solution WHAT: Will conduct a clinic for Mayde Creek High School to help improve teacher effectiveness in the classroom. In the past 5 years, Cowboy Solution has provided a no-nonsense, simple approach to teaching that has reached more than 5,000 teachers across the state. This unique and inspiring educational program provides teachers and administrators with a set of simple, yet powerful, teaching tools, guaranteed to provide positive results in the classroom. The ultimate goal? To insure that every child is given the opportunity to reach his or her full learning potential. Nationwide, $286 billion is spent annually on high school dropouts. Perhaps it is time for a fresh approach in the classroom. Designed for teachers, administrators, school board members, principals and parents, Dr. Hutson's Cowboy...

Pioneering Education

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:09:26 GMT

Looking for a fresh and unique way to train and motivate your teachers and to ensure success in the classroom? Host a COWBOY SOLUTION Pioneering Education seminar! Not your typical professional development program.... The Cowboy Solution is a unique and inspiring educational program providing teachers and administrators with a set of simple, yet powerful teaching tools, guarateed to provide positive results in the classroom. The ultimate goal? To ensure that every child is given the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Our Mission: Rejuvenate and inspire teachers with a can-do spirit, encouraging them to re-evaluate their current teaching methods. Present specific strategies, tools, and techniques easily transferred to the classroom. Provide a fresh and dynamic seminar which is motivating for all participants. Program participants will walk away with: A teaching philosophy geared towards positive results and student achievement. A set...

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:07:12 GMT

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Pioneering Performance

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:46:22 GMT

Equine Assisted Partnership Development Equine assisted partnership is an exercise in recognizing and overcoming personal fears, constraints, and uncertainties, so that they aren't communicated to others. It's about giving clear confident direction. Falter and your horse will ignore you. Take charge and the horse responds obediently. Our Mission : Rejuvenate and inspire leaders, encouraging them to re-evaluate their current leadership methods. Present specific tools and techniques easily transferred to team building and team leadership. Provide a fresh and dynamic seminar, which is motivating for all participants. Program participants will walk away with: A philosophy geared towards positive results. A set of tools which can be easily applied to achieve efficient and effective leadership and team building. Available Programs: Cowboy Solution programs are...

Reviews

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:58:45 GMT

Media Reviews - Dr. Hutson's seminars have been featured in newspapers throughout Texas, including most recently, the Houston Chronicle, Longview News Journal, the Wood County Democrat, the Ft. Worth Star Telegram, the Jacksonville Daily Progress , the Breckenridge American, and The Conroe Courier. The program has also been featured on NPR, ABC News, and Fox News. Want to call or write references? Click here. La Porte teachers meet with Don after a workshop Don Hutson on his stallion Ike Hutson models teaching methods when he takes volunteers from the audience to work with horses. A few comments from past participants The Cowboy Solution brought a perfect message to our teachers and administrators for the beginning of a new school year, get to know...

Horse Training Clinics

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:30:58 GMT

A Matter of Respect One and Two-Day Horse & Rider Clinics Appropriate for any equine discipline or level of rider Clinic size is kept small so Don can work with each participant. NEXT ONE-DAY CLINIC Date: TBD Place: Hancock Farms, Montgomery, Texas Event: Matter of Respect Tuition: $125 per rider with horse; observer $30 Group Size: 10 riders Submit name on contact form and indicate interest in attending an upcoming clinic. Riders will learn How to gain control of the horse on the ground (Including bending left/right, backing from left/right side, disengaging the hips left/right, and moving the shoulders sideways left/right) How to transfer that control in the saddle through rein and body movement Emergency control...

Why Horses

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:32:54 GMT

Why horses?

Dr. Hutson uses horses to demonstrate certain concepts and to make a lasting impression.

Why?

Remember horses played a pivotal role in shaping this nation. Their energy brought the early pioneers through the wilderness and into the new world, breaking new ground. In essence, today's teachers and corporate leaders are also pioneers.

Each day, they must help lead their team through uncharted territory -- today's frontier. They must harness the energy of their students or employees and help them become successful.

Conveniently, horses also represent the complete psychological spectrum of those students and employees we work with, teach and train everyday.

They are young, old, stubborn, from the right side of the tracks and the wrong side. They've been abused. They're good, bad, and ugly. But there's not one of them that you can't train. And not one will reach full potential unless you teach them.

Finally, many times, when we look at something through different eyes -- perhaps in a different setting or even with horses serving as students -- we see something completely new.

Don Hutson

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:41:06 GMT

Products

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:28:35 GMT

The Cowboy Solution offers a series of seminars and training sessions designed to meet your needs.

Pioneering Education I is designed for teachers and presents a philosophy and a specific set of tools to help ensure student success in the classroom. The seminar focuses on the effective teaching process and helps participants learn how to transfer knowledge to all students in such a way as to help each child reach his or her full potential.

Pioneering Education II is a continuation of Pioneering Education I and focuses on the practical application of the philosophy and tools presented in version one. When offered in conjunction with Pioneering Education I this seminar becomes the perfect mid-semester or mid-year event.

Pioneering Performance is designed specifically for school administrators that lead and manage education's greatest resource; the teacher. This interactive seminar provides all participants with a set of simple, yet powerful tools guaranteed to provide positive leadership results by building strong teams and powerful learning communities.

Each seminar is offered as a half-day and full-day event. See Booking page for pricing information.

Take a look at this video http://cowboysolution.com/videos.

Booking Info

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:37:18 GMT

Call now to schedule a clinic at your location Hutson demonstrates why it is so important that educators communicate, partner and take control of every teaching relationship. This is something that comes as second nature to most cowboys... Jackie Barker, Houston Chronicle Now Booking On-Site Clinics for 2008- 2009 2008 SEMINAR SCHEDULE April 11: Pioneering Education: Mayde Creek High School; Katy, TX July 22: Pioneering Performance: Brazosport ISD; Brazosport, TX July 25: Pioneering Performance: Frenship ISD; Lubbock, TX August 12: Pioneering Performance: City View ISD; Wichita Falls, TX August 13: Pioneering Education: City View ISD; Wichita Falls, TX August 14: Pioneering Education: Brazosport ISD; Brazosport, TX August 18: Pioneering Education: Irving ISD; Irving, TX August 19: Pioneering Education: Grand Saline ISD; Grand Saline, TX August 20:...

Booking Info

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:44:51 GMT

Call now to schedule a clinic at your location Hutson demonstrates why it is so important that educators communicate, partner and take control of every teaching relationship. This is something that comes as second nature to most cowboys... Jackie Barker, Houston Chronicle Now Booking On-Site Clinics for 2008- 2009 2008 SEMINAR SCHEDULE April 11: Mayde Creek High School; Katy, TX July 25: Frenship ISD; Lubbock, TX August 18: Irving ISD: Irving, TX August 14: Waskom ISD; Waskom, TX August 19: Grand Saline ISD; Grand Saline, TX August 20: Elkhart ISD; Elkhart, TX August 21: Anahuac ISD; Anahuac, TX August 22: Rains ISD; Emory, TX October (TBD): Klein ISD, Klein, TX Available at your location: Pioneering Education I & II, Pioneering Performance 3-hour Seminars- Held at your location (or covered arena/ horse...

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noemail@cowboysolution.com — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:53:18 GMT

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Release Date: 23-Jan-08 2:53 PM
Expiration Date: 23-Apr-08 2:53 PM

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2008-01-23T20:53:18Z

Instructor: Instructor

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