Begin with the Why

In our current, pressure-filled climate caused by reduced resources and higher accountability for results, we are wise to consider the sage advice shared by Lois Brown Easton, in Learning Forward’s spring 2012 issue ofTools for Learning Schools. Lois sets forth a compelling argument that we need to consider the why behind change efforts before we rush to the how and what. In her article, the Why, How, and What of Professional Learning, Lois suggests that professional learning communities embarking on change efforts would do well to explore the following questions before planning a course of action:

• What do we know? What do our data tell us?
• Are we satisfied with what we have learned about our students academically, socially, and personally?  Is their status quo good enough for us?
• If not, are we willing to make change in some way?  (p. 7)

 Experience reminds us that our tendency to jump to solution, before careful exploration of problems, has often resulted in failed change initiatives and a sense of initiative overload on the part of our fellow educators. While it takes time to pause and determine the root cause for the deeply rooted problems we face, we would do well to remember that we save time and resources in the long run by taking this critical first step. As Lois Brown Easton states, “Shared beliefs, common purposes, and focused passion emerge from delving into why.”

Lessons from the "Locks" on Change in Education

• Posted by Lynn Ochs on October 8, 2012 at 9:22pm
• View Blog

In late August, I had the delightful opportunity to present to educators at Lake Superior State University during an inservice day planned by our friends at the Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) ISD in Michigan. After the session, a couple of new acquaintances suggested I enjoy the beautiful afternoon and explore the Soo Locks. Not being from Michigan, I was intrigued and set out to explore.

The Soo Locks is just one of the many reasons tourists flock to the quaint town of Sault Ste. Marie each year. The clean air, friendly people and beautiful scenery draw people from all over the country. Perhaps most mysterious to me is the draw of the Locks.  After exploring the carefully manicured park and Visitor Center, I gathered with over a hundred people in the concrete stands beside the Locks, patiently waiting for the entrance of the next large freighter. I pondered, “How does something so simple keep everyone’s attention so long? Do we really just sit here and wait?” Quite magically, the ships enter one by one from Lake Huron, ropes are tied off and without a sound, rise mysteriously to their new water level 21 feet higher, ready to enter St. Mary’s River, Lake Superior and beyond. With a loud honk, they are ready to move on and seamlessly they are on their way.

As I was flying home over Michigan’s beautiful forests and lakes, I pondered again on the Soo Locks and their mysterious draw. Perhaps the Locks cause us to pause and contemplate on life and its many transitions, some gentle like the one I witnessed – well planned for, carefully executed, with boundaries and ropes to keep us safe – and some not quite so stable and serene.

In this tumultuous time in education, with rapid change and transitions becoming a way of life, perhaps there is a lesson we can learn from the Soo Locks. How can we, like the architects in the mid-1800’s, design a system to help everyone safely rise up to new levels, providing a path forward to learning at new heights? As every learner, teacher, classroom, school and district across the country move away from the old, transitioning and preparing for new waters, how can we, like the Lock engineers, provide a safe environment, with structure and clear boundaries that will help everyone advance and successfully reach their destination…. without the risk of capsizing.

Here are a few things we are learning from our work with courageous districts that are successfully making the transition to higher waters.

1. Have a Navigation Plan. Do you have a clear vision that everyone on board is committed to and working towards? Consider visiting neighboring districts that have successfully made the transition. Seeing a positive example may help you and your colleagues envision the future. Begin now to put into place the support structures you will need, both physical and human. Do you have a leadership team in place to assist with navigation, representing all district constituents? Have you assessed and upgraded your facilities to meet new requirements for assessment and to support a transition from print to digital? Taking the time now to create a comprehensive plan will help you avoid common pitfalls, saving you time in the long run.
2. Revisit Policy and Procedures. This new land will require revisiting existing charts and maps - what policies and procedures need to change to allow for your “ship” to elevate and launch into new waters? What is holding you back, tethered to the past? Think creatively, like the Soo Locks architects. What can be designed to help you bypass the barriers you may encounter? Take a look at what other forward thinking districts are doing to revise their Acceptable Use Policies, opening up access while maintaining control over their waterways. View traditional funding sources with new eyes to find the dollars you need to accomplish your vision and goals. Be creative!
3. Establish Guides. Have you established guides with experience in both the old and new lands? Do they understand the “undertow” and “dangerous waters” that need to be avoided, as well as have a clear picture of the final destination? Guides have a critical role in helping everyone transition through rough waters, finding their own pathways to success. As you recruit your guides, remember that those who are closest to instruction are often the best choice. Do you have innovative classroom teachers who are ready to assume a leadership role and help others? How about library media specialists or your existing curriculum or technology integration specialists? The best guides are good listeners that honor their fellow colleagues and are quick to establish strong relationships.

New Eyes

Another flight, another day, another delay. Tired travelers settle in at a local airport hotel - seeking a place to lay their tired heads down...  In the morning light, life is brighter. Smiles surface, edges soften as we climb on board another shuttle and wait in yet one more line at the airport, travel comrades now, fellow sojourners.

Perhaps the secret discovered this early summer morning is known by all good sojourners. Gratitude ~ recognizing all the amazing little things people do for one another, all the little gifts we are provided if we open our eyes along the way.

The hotel van driver who gently prods so everyone gets on the bus, luggage and all, and gets to the airport on time.
The airport restaurant worker who asks about additional healthy and practical food items we might wish to grab to make sure we get full value for our vouchers.

Someone helping out a frantic mom trying to manage two young, rambunctious boys in food lines.

Smiling, friendly flight attendants...

An unexpected text from a former work colleague, checking in, remembering this was a particularly tight and hectic travel stretch.

A warm text from a colleague who caught the flight delay notification, offering a nod of support.

A virtual hug from your CEO.  Encouragement and reassurance from your boss.

Perhaps travel misfortune can be a blessing in disguise. A forced slow down, time to reflect and write, a time to notice all the random acts of kindness we often miss...

In the end, isn't it really about looking with new eyes when we hit the occasional bump in the road? What might we have missed if we had the desired "smooth ride"? Today I'm going to slow down and watch for the little things I often miss when life's pace picks up.  How about you?

Make Your Mark!

Originally posted in the Know New Ideas Community - September 12, 2012 - In Celebration of Dot Day!

It’s that time of year again, when kids across the nation head back to school, full of hope and anticipation. Shiny hallways, uncluttered classrooms, anxious smiles - a perfect time for International Dot Day – a reminder that each and every day we have an opportunity to expand students’ horizons and encourage them to make their own unique mark on the world.

Reading The Dot always takes me back to my undergrad years as an elementary education major. With fear and trepidation, many of us faced our first art class since elementary school days.  As all great teachers do, our professor set high expectations and then gently led us down the path of re-awakening our inner artist.  A clay otter, paper sculpture Dopey, and wildflower sketch later, I rediscovered the power of translating what I could see in my mind’s eye into art, created through my own hands.

Fast forward to 2007, the Constructivist Celebration in Atlanta’s Botanical Garden, and I face my fears once again as Peter Reynolds challenges us to find our inner artist and join him at the “teacup” art table. As I moved from station to station that day, constructing creative technology projects, and avoiding the teacup station, I realized that time and art supplies were running out at the popular teacup table. Facing my fears and remembering that once before, as a young adult, I had found great satisfaction in making the mind, eye and hand connection, I mustered my courage, approached the table, gathered supplies, sketched and painted.  Unsure, feeling inadequate to the task, I took the leap and put forth my best effort. Much to my surprise, Peter took ahold of my teacup as the paint was drying and showed it to my fellow artists at the table. After several oohs and ahs, I relaxed, feeling supported and quite proud of my little teacup. I had just experienced The Dot in real life!

Peter reminded me that day that as educators we have the amazing opportunity to awaken inside of our students their inner talents and skills, gently nudging, encouraging and celebrating with them small successes along the way. What an honor and responsibility!


Peter left his mark on me that sunny day in June ~ who will you leave your mark on this school year?

Lessons from the Past

Imagine you are waiting on your first shipment of brand new microcomputers! The year is 1983 and yes, those microcomputers are Bell and Howell Apple II’s with marvelous green monochrome monitors, or was it gold? I carefully unpack and set up our first Title I funded computer lab and unwrap our 5¼” floppy disks from MECC. With no NCLB requirements nipping at our heels, we step boldly into the future with our students… confident that we are preparing them for the world they will enter upon college graduation.

Little did I know that when our kindergarten students graduated in 1995 the Internet would just be gaining steam, revolutionizing the way we access information, communicate and do business around the world. By the time these students fully launched their careers, they were carrying more computing power in their pockets than the sum total of all our computers in that little Apple II lab in Houston, Texas.

From Basic programming and MECC Number Munchers to sophisticated digital learning content and tools, technology’s potential to impact learning has grown in leaps and bounds. As I traverse the country, visiting school districts from Michigan to Florida, I am struck by an odd contrast. During the past 28 years, while technology continues to grow in sophistication, we are still struggling to realize it’s true potential in our classrooms.

But wait – this year something feels different. Across the country a new movement is gaining steam, perhaps as a result of budget cuts, community pressure or a push to provide our students with 21^st Century tools and curriculum. 'Bring Your Own Device and Technology' (BYOD, BYOT) programs and one-to-one initiatives are providing students with unprecedented access to technology.

Let’s take a lesson from the past. Will we fail to capitalize on major technological advances, or this time will we make the most of this opportunity and find a way to harness technology’s full potential to transform learning. This time our students are leading the way… Will we follow their lead or be left behind?

Originally posted at: http://www.knownewideas.com

Unsung Heroes

One week in early October it was my honor to be in the presence of an amazing group of dedicated library media specialists in Milwaukee Public Schools.  Despite severe budget cuts and increased responsibilities, with some managing up to 4 and 5 school library programs at a time, they maintain a laser focus on providing high quality digital and print resources to their fellow educators and students.  Daily they model what it means to be a 21^st Century learner – creating, communicating, collaborating and thinking critically about how to manage their time so as to lead and support their many patrons. At the helm is Lisa Chatman, District Library Media Specialist. Vivacious and passionate about the role of library media specialists in schools, Lisa works diligently to support and provide new learning opportunities to her dedicated staff.

I found my unsung heroes that beautiful, sunshine-filled day in Milwaukee, in an unexpected place. 

Who are your unsung heroes? Have you thanked them lately for their dedication to providing a high quality education to our next generation leaders?  Let’s do it today!

Lisa Chatman, Milwaukee Public Schools

Kevin Clancy, Defined Learning; Lisa Chatman, MPS

Flash Mob on Opening Day - Milford School District

You need to take a moment to watch this one! Grace Wenstrup, and a group of teachers at Pattison Elementary in Milford, secretly choreographed a flash mob number for the opening convocation at the High School. Along the way they persuaded all the Central Office administrators to join the group. As you watch the video, keep in mind that the gentleman that starts it all out in the middle of the stage is the Superintendent, Bob Farrell, who is quickly joined by other members of the Central Office team. Upfront on stage and in the aisles you'll see members of the Pattison staff.  

What a great way to start the school year. Check out the faces in the audience. Can you sense the energy in the room? Why not start off the school year with fun, laughter, joy and hope (instead of the usual PPT on district goals)!  
(And yes, I am sorry I missed out on this!)

Milford Schools:Pattison and Central Office Flash Mob