---

 

The Starfish Analogy; by William Purkey

The starfish lives to eat oysters. To defend itself, the oyster has two stout shells that fasten tightly together are held in place by a powerful muscle. The starfish finds the oyster and places itself on top of its intended victim. Gradually, gently, and firmly the starfish uses each of its five points in turn to keep pressure on the one oyster muscle. While one point works, the other four rest. The single oyster muscle, while incredibly powerful, gets no rest. Inevitably and irresistibly, the oyster is opened and the starfish has its meal. By constant, steady pressure from a number of points, even the strongest muscle (and the biggest challenge) can be overcome.

	Programs Parent Involvement Community Outreach Teach to Pass Wellness Focus Peer Counseling Enrichment Opportunities
Policies Attendance Admission Re-admission Promotion Grading Discipline Grading Identification			Processes Academic Orientation Interdisciplinary Teaming Networking Higher Order Thinking Skills Democratic Ethos Cooperative Procedures Collaborative Interactions Evaluative Opportunities
	People Trusting Inclusive Respectful Optimistic Accessible Courteous Intentional Caring	Places Functional Attractive Clean Efficient Aesthetic Personal Warm Inviting

---