Innovation, change, and growth can result in disruption--storms of new ideas, practice, and results. Change is met with a myriad of emotion, response, and actions. Some passions flame while others diminish--it's not a simple, predictable path, but I believe it is a path worth the effort.
How does one travel the path of change with both respect and effect? How does one differentiate between debate, disagreement, and disrespect? When is a question pointed, targeted, and positive, and when is a question deemed inhospitable or aggressive? What sense of urgency should fuel your journey?
The unpredictable, and sometimes stormy path of innovation and change can sometimes deter professionals from taking that path. Is there a way to make innovation and change less disruptive and more inviting for all? What protocols lead growth and change with positivity? What is the focus for changing patterns, innovative ideas, and new strategies?
Moving old systems like schools ahead may be more arduous than moving a start-up forward. Old systems can be mired in traditions too steep to change. Making the distinction between classic, formidable traditions, and traditions that simply survive due to age is imperative. What's old might make a strong foundation, but what's old might also serve to impede apt progress.
As I think about the year and the many changes we embarked on to teach children well, I've learned a lot. I can't say that I've learned so much that I now understand how to navigate a path of new practice without error, emotion, or surprise. If you know that secret, please let me know. In the end though, my intent has been focused on serving children well with best practice, and I'm always open to debate, honesty, and discussion when it comes to that topic as we weather the storms of innovation, change, and growth.
