Leadership and Planning - Week 6

I really took a lot from this course. It made me look back at changes that I have been a part of while at Messmer. In many ways, it reinforced my method of implementing change. I have not treated all changes the same way. Only a handful of them were widely discussed with different stakeholders. Others were decided between me, the principal, and the president. The method was determined by the scale of the change. Small, school level changes were done with smaller groups (like our fall registration process). Larger changes (implementing block schedule, switching to Google Apps) were a much longer, thorough process, involving many different people.

I have noticed many people in my schools being teacher leaders since starting this class. Previously, I considered them people who go above and beyond what was required, not necessarily viewing them as teacher leaders. I now have a little different view of what they do and how they affect others. We have some really strong leaders at all of our schools, which is encouraging.

My opinion of my leadership potential has not really changed. I know I can lead but I am the type who likes to work in the background and not really be noticed. I don't even want credit for the changes I put into place. I want to spend my time making sure the change goes smoothly. I have confidence in my leadership abilities. Now, with a change in my position at Messmer, I will no longer be able to work behind the scenes. That, in my opinion, is a change for the better. An announcement will be forthcoming on my new appointment. Stay tuned!

As far as improving education from within, I think communication is the key to improving. I need to make sure I keep talking with others, being in the technology field, I also need to make sure that I provide as many forms of communication as possible. The more ways we have to communicate the more we will communicate. Communication improves how people view the school, the students, the administration, the parents, and the mission.

Leadership and Planning - Week 5

Holy cow! What a tough, frustrating game. Just when you think you were making progress your next move gets shot down. I have been involved in a number of changes at our school, from a new student information system, to personnel issues, to a new schedule at the high school. I know that we talked a lot with different groups during all of these changes but I don't remember talking as much as we were required to talk during this game. It was very disappointing that, at the end of three simulated years, we didn't get very far.

I know changes take a long time. I have mentioned before that our school is going through some major changes in personnel after the departure of our principal/vice-president of 22 years. Our president has authority to fill this position. He is taking his time and thoroughly thinking things through. These changes will affect everyone at all of our schools. His decision have the potential to reshape our school and change its direction for years to come.

One more week in this class and I can honestly say I have taken a lot away from this course. As I transition from technology into administration I will need these skills to be successful. This course came at the perfect time.

Leadership and Planning - Week 4

Well, the Change Game certainly was interesting this week. I think our group felt pretty frustrated when we were denied moves for going too fast or not getting enough information. It was good to see that we were in the same place as the other groups when the hour was over.

After the game was over I took some time to think about the change process in our school. I should have applied what I know to the game. Instead, I tried moving too fast. I compared the game to what we recently went through with changing our high school schedule.

For years we had a straight 8 period per day schedule. A few years ago we looked into alternative schedules including modular, block, and rotating day schedules. We surveyed schools, talked with students, staff, board members, and parents. We gathered all of our data and presented it to the administration. They then took the information and did some more data gathering and research before making a decision. That process took almost 2 years.

After it was decided that we would switch schedules we had to plan the change. We setup professional development days and days when we tested the schedule with students. That feedback was gathered we were able to tweak the schedule to fit our needs. The beginning of this year was the implementation of the schedule. We have been reviewing it and taking feedback along the way. We will also ask for teachers to complete an end of year survey. This information will help us further refine our schedule.

Now, I need to apply that method to the game next week.