In Trends and Issues I really began to see where my district got some of its ideas. The figure on 21.2 first peaked my interest, but as I began to read I really noticed a correllation between what the book was saying and what I've noticed the last couple years in my district. We have started to align everything in the district to meet the state's grade level content expectations (glce). This summer I worked with the math team to create district-wide math tests to be used after each chapter. We also went through all the curriculum and matched this to dates so every teacher knows exactly what to teach each week and what will be assessed after this. The district is pretty big so this is a big deal to have every teacher going over the same lesson in all 16 elementary schools during the same week.
Something I found interesting is when the book explains double loop learning. I really like the idea of asking why something did not work and not just what didn't work and how to fix the problem. This can be related to smaller things than a whole district needing to change even. After given a test it is good to ask why the students didn't get a concept, not just what I need to do differently. If I consider the why I'm sure I'll go through a deeper thought process, which will help. I even have to remember to ask why when student's behaviors change and not just what changed and how I'm going to react to the change.
Sounds like your district has a great handle on working together. I'm not sure each teacher should be on the same page/chapter at the same time, as many students excell and others need more review, but maybe it will work. I think broader goals where we should be would work better as I still believe learning is individual, but realize we must be held accountable and meet state standards and pass the tests.
ReplyDeleteMargie
Since you refer to Figure 21.2, do you think of the change going on in your district as undergoing ecological systemic change or districtwide systemic change? If you see it as ecological, what kind of efforts has your district made to ensure every groups' interests are represented in this change?
ReplyDeleteMany schools have been going through this change of "adapting" their content to the state standards. This is appropriate but be ready for more change on the horizon in this same area. Michigan has adopted the common core standards which have been developed/are being developed at the federal level. Which means more changes in the content at the school level. It is a good thing we are studying this information about change, we may be able to put it to good use in the near future!
ReplyDeleteOn one hand I am glad to hear of the team work that is occuring but on the other hand it bothers me that all teachers will have to be on the same page at the same time. I have always adjusted classroom instruction to best fit the speed needed for the learners. All students recieve the same content in the long run and nothing is left out but some classes need more time in some areas than others. Is there flexiblity for that?
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