Schools are changing as we embrace new technology, learning strategies and in some cases, physical and scheduling structures.
What protocols can we institute to support changing systems.
Communication: How and when do you communicate with the learning community--what are the learning community members (educators, family members, students, administrators and community members) looking for with regard to communication patterns, information and venues. That would be an interesting survey and/or discussion topic.
New Ideas: I believe that every system should encourage new ideas and use protocols to help with regard to sharing and discussing those ideas. This would be another good topic for discussion.
Problems: When issues occur, what is the protocol? Of course, this will differ from issue to issue. Organizations are problem-solving entities, therefore problems should be analyzed and responded to in the most efficient, dynamic ways possible.
Roles: Changing schools have brought changing roles with little discussion of role definition. It may be time to revisit roles and responsibilities in every school to make sure we're all on the same page with regard to expectations and priorities.
Leadership: Changing schools also require greater intersection of leadership as we move from teaching specific content to a greater focus on teaching each child well. In what ways do leadership protocols change in this regard?
Curriculum: The integration of technology allows us to respond to student learning with greater sensitivity and personal response. How does this affect protocols when it comes to curriculum choice, delivery and analysis.
Sometimes when protocols have not been discussed or outlined, the fluid movement of an organization may be hindered. The more we can analyze, organize and communicate the changing nature of schools, the better able we will be to teach children effectively. This movement will demand dynamic discussion and debate--and that, again, is a new challenge for educators as we move from "factory model schools" to learning communities, a challenge that could possibly benefit from consultation and education.
