Action Steps on Futures Scenario

I took a leap, and sent the link to my future scenario project to my superintendent and associate superintendent.  They were very excited and supportive of my thoughts.  Here is a link that my associate superintendent sent to me about a TEDtalk regarding the need for people proficient in the language of coding and programming. 

And the wheels are in motion....On my way…

Future Proposed Scenario

Capri – Connecting and contributing to the world around us.

Context:

DLI - I am in the fortunate situation to be at a school that offers a Dual Language Immersion Program for grades K-6.  Students have the opportunity to become bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English. 

Technology infrastructure - I also work in a district that has implemented 1:1 iPads for students in grades 3-6.  There has been significant and ongoing professional development in the use of iPads and technology as a way to design student centric learning opportunities and support student growth.

Project Based Learning and Service orientation – Also in place, are teachers who have received training in the design and implementation of project based learning.   In doing so, students are encouraged and empowered to choose topics of interest that drive their application of what they have learned.  A common thread that is evident is the service oriented nature of the projects students select.  Students are constantly searching out ways they can make positive contributions to the world around us.   

Proposal:

I would like to expand what we offer at Capri by introducing a third world language for our students to learn:  the language of coding.

Rationale:

Being able to code programming is the most in-demand skill today.  Coding is a universal language used around the globe.  I believe we need to prepare our students with the ability to not only be consumers of technology, but contributors.  We are in a digital age and our students need to be able to understand coding principals in order to be able to understand how they might improve and impact our current world. 

Capri is in a perfect situation to where our students are constantly looking for ways to connect and contribute to the world we live in.  They attend a school that celebrated diversity, values the ability to communicate with other cultures, and now will be prepared to impact the new digital age.

Capri – Connecting and contributing to the world around us. 

 

 

 

 

New to the Site – Reflecting on Leadership

I presented my SPSA to the school board last night.  I had never presented my plan to the board at my last district, and I will admit I was quite nervous.  I as pleased to say it went well.  I knew my data and felt well prepared with the knowledge of where we are currently and where we need to go.  I outlined specific steps on what we will be doing as a staff to ensure all students will be supported from weekly teacher collaboration, use of formative assessments, deep review of student performance data to inform instructional decisions, shared lesson planning, and timely and specific feedback. 

As a new principal to the site, it is always a balance of how much to push and how much to hold back.  As I am building relationships, it has been challenging to both connect with people and begin to make changes.  They say that the first year is to just build rapport and observe.  While I am doing that, I am also impatient and am gently guiding my staff towards reflection and improvement through my questions and suggestions.  It is a back and forth of pressing forward, and then letting off the gas. 

 

For me, I believe the key is to take the time myself to reflect on my own practice as a leader, evaluate my own connections made or not made, and be brutally honest with myself.  Do not be afraid to ask for help.  Solicit feedback and take it in – the good and the bad.  And then act.   And know the process of change is slow and it is ongoing.  It never really ends, and you are not ever really done.  You just need to know when to come up for air so you can start again. 

Just keep swimming...

 

CUE conference

I really enjoyed this conference.  I was proud to see so many people from my own district in attendance and some even were presenting.  I also appreciated how so many members of our district leadership members were there, learning alongside us.  I feel it really speaks to their true support of their vision of technology implementation and their desire to learn more about how they can improve it.  In doing so, they demonstrate through their actions an alignment with their vision.  I myself learned about many valuable tools and tweeted about them, too.  I plan on going again next year.   

Disrupting Class

Christensen describes disruption innovation theory as change set in an environment where it can fill a void.  He describes education as being that setting which is urgently in need of a new approach to teaching and learning.  He clearly distinguishes that the innovation does not lie in the sole use of technology and further specifies the need for a change in the traditional design of schooling.  Even though there has been an increase in the use of technology in school, examples are provided where computers have simply replaced typewriters and encyclopedias. 

Christensen outlines how technology has the potential to truly redefine our educational system.  He describes on line learning as a system where students will have many more options for courses to fit their interests, as well as it having the capacity to assess and adjust to the performance of the individual student.  This model shifts the teacher into becoming the facilitator of the learning and a support, but differentiation is addressed in a much more efficient manner.  It allows for the teacher to provide more focused individualized attention to students in need. 

It is an exciting time in education on the brink of a total revolution, but there will be a need for a huge paradigm shift.  Teacher preparation will need to completely change in order to implement this new model, and ongoing support and monitoring will be required to assure there is no reverting back to the status quo.  Understanding this is a new viable way to really meet the needs of all students is what will fuel the motors to continue the movement. 


 

 

Building Connectedness Across a District

I enter the stage at a time where a new superintendent is taking the helm at VUSD and is actively working at building relationships and trust. I met the leadership team, and spent some time with them during their retreat to observe some initial discussions around setting the course.  I saw a group of people hungry for a new beginning, open to learning new ideas, and ready to support a new way of doing things. 

Their superintendent is already being well received, focusing on research based approaches to better understand where the organization is currently in their levels of trust and connectedness and how to measure where they will be going. 

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to begin my work with Vista Unified.  My research interest is in district reform and how to implement systemic change across an organization.  I am specifically interested in the role of central office in the change process and how they are able to touch many groups across a district and support the learning required for any change efforts.

My work will be part of a larger project occurring with VUSD, where they will be examining the existing connections that exist across the district in an effort to nurture those ties and establish a culture of trust where learning and innovation are able to thrive.  

I am so excited to be a part of this project and feel fortunate to observe how a new leader works at establishing a vision across the organization and creating a climate of trust and innovation. 

Cognitive Surplus

Clay Shirky presents the idea in this TED talk of creating a culture of generosity and using digital media for the purpose of civic improvement.  He describes the example of the development of Ushahidi as an open source site to provide important information in the political context in Kenya.  He underscores the importance of encouraging and supporting acts from people that are intrinsically motivated to contribute to society and how this movement has incredible potential to change the world. 
In education, accessing digital sites where people can share ideas and strategies is another form of collaboration that will further promote student achievement.  While we continue to implement collaborative structures at our school sites and across our districts, using digital media is another opportunity that offers an abundance of resources.  Celebrating the pioneer teachers who learn about and engage in these new methods of accessing information will create a culture that may invite others to take part, further extending their own growth as educators.