Chapter 21 reviews different meanings for systematic change and describes ecological systemic changes for P-12 education. As I read the chapter, I reflected on a recent conversation I shared with several colleagues where we discussed the sustainability of public education and integration of pedagogy to strengthen student achievement. The author suggests an ecological prospective and transformational process as having implications for teaching and learning. Education as a complex system is continually developing strategies for student achievement which can be interpreted as a “piecemeal” approach.
In the GSTE approach, the Michigan Department of Education has framed this idea through ED Yes and the school improvement process. The importance of schools and teachers has been questioned for decades. Several studies have been conducted which explain that effective schools can make a big difference in the achievement of students.
My school is working on a school-wide strategic plan. The framework for our strategic plan can be framed using the GRTE (or a similar) approach. For example, Phase I- Introduce Systemic Change Efforts – change the image/focus of our school from a discipline school to one of learning and academics with social skill development; Phase II—determine a plan for an effective curriculum and a safe and orderly school; and Phase III of this process resulted elimination of our behavior lab. Phase IV created an ideal approach for changing our school culture, using a positive behavior support.
In our district, we are working on a strategic plan for strengthening leadership and support for educational improvement. The administrative team was tasked with assessing their own readiness for this process by complete a self-assessment. Additionally, we assessed our readiness for an ecological systemic change. We began this process by meeting with our leadership team to develop a district-wide framework with broad participation.
The administrative team developed a three-year (change process strategy) strategic plan to address the following goals: 1) provide key services to support student achievement; 2) strengthen development of our human capital; 3) strengthen and expand technology leadership; 4) provide facilities required for quality programs; and 5) continue to develop appropriate organizational visibility.
The admin team will communicate district level designs to our respective programs and evaluate the process strategy. Yearly, the admin team will meet to discuss any new ideas we have for moving forward along the process for change.
3 comments:
It looks like your school distict is working its way through the exact things we are learning about. I like how your leadership team has come up with a strategic plan to address their goals. I think that having a definite plan in place that everyone believes in can make a huge difference when trying to change and improve any environment. Hopefully you have found the process to be a good experience and you see the strategy working.
Hi, Patricia,
I really enjoyed your discussion on the changes at your school and district. Changing the focus of the school is a major challenge, but it seems this vision is driving a lot of the other changes. I found it interesting that your administrative team goals emphasized student achievement and developing human capital - HPI? - as well as expanding technologies. It sounds like things are moving in a progressive direction.
By the way, I hope you saw my reply to your question from Week 8 - I didn't check my blog last week, so didn't see it til Monday - it was a good question. Thank you.
It appears as if your school district is making positive strides towards educational improvement! I was wondering how sucessful they were as a district with the 5 step process you outlined at the end of your blog. It is interesting that point number 3 revolves and bases itself around a technological increase in the educational process.
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