In recent weeks, I’ve posted about how to sustain changes that
lead to improved student learning. In
order to stay the course in educational change, teachers need the opportunity
to engage in ongoing, focused, challenging, professional learning. Teachers’ professional learning can (and
should) take many forms, however, sit-and-get is not one of them. Passive
professional development experiences tend to result in more frustration than
change. Instead, teachers benefit from
the opportunity to think and talk together, to try the new ideas they will be
using, and to have time to plan for their revised instruction.
These opportunities can occur during released-time trainings and
summer institutes. They can also be job-embedded, supported by instructional
coaches and department heads. Planning
periods, PLC time, and faculty meetings can be oriented toward professional
learning.
During the first year after we created our shared vision for
literacy instruction, our district kicked off the change process by bringing
all administrators and literacy teachers together for a full day prior to the
beginning of the school year. Literacy
coaches and other lead teachers met together frequently, and quarterly grade-level
trainings focused on our implementation
benchmarks. We charted our course together as we discussed what the new
practices looked like in our classrooms. Trainings were also held at each
building during faculty meetings, led by the coach or another instructional
leader. Collaboration time that focused
on achieving our future vision was built into team meetings. In year two, similar
experiences occurred, with three districtwide, grade-level, half-day trainings.
The plan for year three focused on sustaining change and supporting
flexibility. Districtwide, this included
a “Literacy Summit” in the fall, onsite support during calendared collaboration
days, and optional lab
visits to allow for observation and deep learning.
Active and purposeful professional learning for teachers supports
educational change. When teachers work together toward clear goals, they “can find better ways to answer the learning needs of
students.”* Effective professional development provides opportunities for
collaboration, is focused on student learning, and is sustained over time.
Full Steam Ahead
During the literacy adoption in my
district, there was a lot at stake, and I felt the burden of stewardship – for
the funds we were spending, but, more importantly, for the students whose lives
could be shaped by how these materials would be used. It was a chance for change, and it seems that
it worked. Visiting classrooms, the
difference was visible: powerful, engaging vocabulary instruction; common
language so that kids were clear about learning targets, and a focus on meeting
the needs of individual learners. State
test scores (all-important to district administrators) also showed significant
increases – a needle that is hard to move in a large district.
In your school or district, communication,
shared
vision, and ongoing support can sustain change that makes a difference in
students’ learning. As an instructional coach or team leader, your influence
could make the difference. Set your sail on a steady course that is grounded in
best practice and responsive to your local needs, and encourage those around
you to do the same. Share the research about sustained change and the need to
hold steady once a course is charted. You can assure that the latest
innovation, if it’s a good one, is given a fair shake. Instead of focusing on
the next new thing, teachers can be given the chance to do this thing right,
whatever it is. If we are stubbornly
persistent, we will see the differences we are hoping for.
* Lieberman, A. & Wood, D. (2002).
The National Writing Project. Educational Leadership, 59(6), 40-43.
This week, you might want to take a look at:
What makes professional development
effective:
Jim
Knight tells principals how they can support coaching:
The
role of identity in learning:
When
conferring is an interruption:
And some beautiful images and music for
inspiration:
That’s it for this week.
Happy Coaching!
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