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.