From reading this book, I have taken away many items that are noteworthy to catalog and store. One of the first things that stuck out in the reading is the concept of accountability by everyone. If the community is going to be involved within the school system, then this system will do better if it models the mission/vision of the community. A school and district needs to ensure that staff, students, parents, and community members have a sense of belonging.
Weaving and strengthening the fabric of community is a collective effort and starts from a shift in our mindset about our connectedness. Anyone in a community can make it happen, no matter their background or affiliation. Citizens who take action can be anyone within the community, they do not have to be a leader or an elected official, change can start with anyone. Communities are built from assets and gifts of the citizens, not from needs or deficiencies. Using and utilize the gifts of citizens within the school district help the people of the community feel ownership. This has recently taken place within our school district with the opening of a Montessori charter. There were many members within the community that wanted to have a Montessori option with our public school system. These citizen leaders gathered a group, made a presentation to our administrative team and school board. Once they got approval, this group of citizens authored a DPI planning grant, received the award, and we will now be opening a Montessori Charter school within our elementary building.
Communities that schools reside are essential team players for a successful school system. When the citizens feel that they are players and have a voice within the system, communities can come together to do amazing things for the schools. As a leader of a district, finding a way to listen and give people voice will assist in making the district a successful one.
Ryan, I agree with your statement, “Communities that schools reside are essential team players for a successful school system. When the citizens feel that they are players and have a voice within the system, communities can come together to do amazing things for the schools.” Most of my teaching was in a small school district, and if the community does not support what is happening in the school, it isn’t happening. As a matter of fact, in some cases, the community must start the change.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, to leaders that are aware of how change takes place –Block says it happens in small groups, and I agree, change can happen with the superintendent playing a supporting role. Good luck on the Montessori school. (And you have a cute family)
I believe that listening to parents and giving them a voice is essential. I think schools are doing a great job of connecting with parents through improved technology. I also believe that we are doing a better job of listening. This group of parents sounds extremely organized and dedicated, What was the district level of involvement in assisting them? Was it a team effort or more hands off from the school.
ReplyDeleteHello Ryan:
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree that the voices of a community need to be hear and respected for a community to positively develop. When a school district fails to listen and respect stakeholders in the community then the educators encounter resistance to and reform or change.
I have worked with the parents of special education students in a positive and productive manner. In several situations I found colleagues that received negative comments from those parents often failed to listen to what parents had to say in conferences. When asked why I was often sited as an example of someone who worked with those students, the parents stated that I listened. I could not always respond with immediate or positive outcomes but I heard their voices. When we engage people in an environment or change then the community improves.
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for providing the example of your community being involved in the development of the Montessori school. This is a perfect example of community leaders being accountable in the process of school improvement. This is interesting how this supports the notion of Block's that transformation happens best in small groups. Obviously for this to be successful, which it sounds like it has been up to this point, it takes a commitment from the District to be willing to work with the community stakeholders.
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteYour example is important. Too often, people approach a board, and their efforts go for naught. What Block relates actually works. I think that boards want to say yes, but too often there are constituencies whose interests run counter to the matter before the board. Imagine if someone was worried that this effort might take students away from their program. Too often, it takes very little to stymie a process, but tremendous effort to accomplish change. It is heartening to see that this group was successful.
Karl
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteGreat job at providing an example of your community being involved in the development of the Montessori school. I also agree with your statement about how important it is to have the community involved in the school system. It is critical in the process of building a stronger school system. The community is a major stakeholder in any school system and to allow them to have a voice is important to achieving greatness. This is one area that I focus on with my staff....building a stronger relationship with parents and communicating all the great things we have going on in our schools.
Your points about gifts and strengthening the social fabric are important. We get so stuck on focusing on all of the things that are wrong, that we forget about the things that are good. Your example of the Montessori school is a great one. It shows exactly how using the gifts of others to move something forward can benefit the school system, foster ownership, and build community.
ReplyDelete