Choreographing a K-12 Program for Student Success and Happiness

As I worked on a couple of curriculum ideas today, I thought, "Where are we going to fit in all these great ideas?" Then I realized that we can't do it all at our grade level. I also realized that other grade level educators are probably asking the same questions. So how do we work together across K-12 to choreograph teaching/learning programs that truly result in successful, happy, confident students who know themselves well, and have apt skills, knowledge, concept, as well as the ability and desire to give back to their families, communities, and world in ways that matter?

As I think of the way we work together to achieve this end, I have the following thoughts and questions:

• Who and what do you design learning for? In my opinion, we design learning to enable children to live and learn in positive, proactive ways.
• Who does what? It seems that we have to look at our programs carefully to prioritize what's most important and make sure that there are some who are in charge of those priorities. Together we have to synthesize and coordinate our efforts so the students have a both broad and deep learning program from K-12, a program that builds strong skill, concept, and knowledge as well as a program that helps students learn about who they are, what they want, and where their dreams and passions are moving them.
• How do we work together to make sure that we're teaching what's most important, but we're not all teaching the same thing? This needs to be a constant conversation aided by regular, transparent, and fluid communication. We all need to share in ways that matter in order to propel our programs forward with efforts that really matter when it comes to teaching and learning.
• What are our goals and objectives as a learning team? This discussion, conversation, and evolution needs to be at the forefront of our work at all times.

A team of educators, leaders, students, families, and community members have tremendous potential and promise for good work. How we lead that work in inclusive, transparent, and shared ways makes a big difference with regard to the results that occur. 

What leads your shared curriculum efforts? How do you work together for best gain and result? What communication vehicles keep your work current, relevant, meaningful, and promising? How do you synthesize and coordinate your efforts with other educators in your midst? 

These are all important questions as we move schools forward today.