What systems and processes lead you and your organization forward.
I am mindful of this today as I read a large number of posts related to change and growth.
Both individuals and systems need strategic process for this.
I offer the following thoughts.
- Rid your systems of inefficient process and systems. One-size-fits-all professional learning and meeting in most cases is inefficient. Information that everyone needs to know can mostly be shared via video or newsletter.
- Embrace the practice of targeted, inclusive teams. For example, create dynamic teams to foster goal-oriented changes, and give those teams time, resources, support, and a communication vehicle with which to share and develop their efforts.
- Create vibrant, growth-producing communication streams of share.
- Set goals, assess goals regularly, and refine as needed.
- Identify inefficient, ineffective and less engaging learning practices, and replace with dynamic, student-centered process, structure, and schedules.
- Establish, nurture, and regularly review and refine school culture.
- Reach out and in for support, new ideas, and collaboration.
In real time this effort might look like this in a school.
1. What goals have we prioritized for this school?
2. How are we going to effectively and efficiently reach those goals?
3. How are we going to share our work and assess the work's effect?
Specifically, as I look at my own practice I can put this process in place in the following ways.
Goal One: Teaching All Math Standards Effectively
- Study each standard using Khan Academy, CCSS, and other resources.
- Design and synthesize blended learning experiences for each standard with collaborating educators online, at PLCs, during grade-level meetings.
- Review, assess, and refine learning experiences as we move along this learning path.
Goal Two: Teach all Science Standards
- Learn and study each standard with students using Flocabulary raps and song, related videos, diagram design, and hands-on exploration.
- Allow each student one standards' base question to explore, research, write a speech about, perform a Ted Talk with accompanying headline/image Google presentation, and teach the class about.
- Write effective science response answers to questions that match key standards areas in preparation for spring standardized test.
- Work with SuAsCo River Organization and colleagues to develop our outdoor education efforts in engaging, empowering ways.
Goal Three: STEAM
- Work with grade level team to develop STEAM teaching ideas and mindsets.
- Facilitate one STEAM learning experience across the grade-level.
- Continue to develop and utilize a Maker Space in the classroom (and/or school)
- Continue to study STEAM teaching with school colleagues, at conferences, and with online PLN.
Goal Four: Learning to Learn Mindsets and Behaviors
- Continue to foster this through regular teaching, coaching, feedback, and research.
- Continue to organize these materials for the learning community's use and reference.
- Model this in all collegial and classroom efforts.
