Teach Children Well: Reflection #31: Shared Responsibility

Friday, July 19, 2013

Reflection #31: Shared Responsibility

The Massachusetts Educator Evaluation Rubric element 4E1, Shared Responsibility, will be of particular interest to principals whose job it is to create a collective culture of contribution, responsibility, and effective effort with regard to teaching children well. As I analyzed this element, I was reminded of the time two schools merged in my system. Essentially two cultures of learning and behavior expectations came together as one. The merge was optimized over the summer when the principal led a group of educators in multiple meetings to define our combined community's expectations for learning and behavior--expectations we still use today.

As an individual educator, this element reminded me of my role with regard to the collective community of educators and students in a school. I was left with several questions to consider"

What do I do to reinforce the current expectations, and what do I do when I disagree or see room for change in those expectations?
How do we work as a collegial team to review, revise, and create expectations when needed?
How do we teach those expectations to students, and convey the information to families and the greater learning community?

These are questions I'll think about as I prepare for school year 2013-2014.

Guided Reflection

As you reflect on element 4E1, read the standard, indicator, element, criteria, key points, and questions below. Use the grid to reflect and make notes related to this element's implications for your own practice. I’ve included an example of my own self analysis for your review if desired.

Standard IV: Professional Culture. The teacher promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice.

Indicator IV-E. Shared Responsibility: Shares responsibility for the performance of all students within the school.

Element 4E1: Shared Responsibility

Criteria (exemplary)

Individually and with colleagues develops, teaches, and reinforces school-wide strategies and actions that contribute to the learning and productive behavior of all students in the school. Is able to model this element.

Key Points/Questions:

Individually and collegially develops, teaches, and reinforces school-wide strategies and actions that contribute to learning and productive behavior. In what ways do you support school-wide strategies and actions for optimal student learning and behavior?

Element 4E1: Shared Responsibility

Key Points	Question	Effective Efforts	Implications for Your Practice	Results
Individually and collegially develops, teaches, and reinforces school-wide strategies and actions that contribute to learning and productive behavior.	In what ways do you support school-wide strategies and actions for optimal student learning and behavior?	Share your ideas for more effective learning and behavior actions and strategies with leaders and colleagues. Initiate change with regard to strategies and actions related to learning and behavior when needed. Support school-wide behavior and learning expectations. If you don’t agree with school-wide behavior and learning expectations, work for change. Use signage, newsletters, class discussions, and lessons to reinforce school-wide learning and behavioral expectations..