Chapter 8: Advocacy for Collaboration

As I read this chapter I thought to myself, "Alison would not like this!" :-)

Overall, I thought this chapter had a lot to offer. But, I have to admit, I came away thinking, if we did all this we'd be exhausted...it is overwhelming. Burnout comes to mind when I read of all that we should be doing. I think the best approach is to select one or two areas to focus on and work on just that...small, manageable chunks at a time. Later, on page 106, I was relieved when Buzzeo talked about choosing 5 items to target, and giving ourselves a timeline and action plan to accomplish this. Sounds like a plan to me. I am glad she recognizes that this chapter is overflowing with ideas, but reading it reminds me just how essential advocacy is!

I also liked breaking down the ways one can be an advocate: inform, engage, support, enlist and lead.

Marcia and I were leaving the last board meeting when Garry said to us to be sure and keep getting the accolades we've been getting. We've always been good advocates for our program, I believe it is now more important than ever.

Personally I need to be better at advocating and leading at my building. I think the suggestion to get involved and doing in-service training (esp. in technology) is a good one, but one that I don't relish doing. I worry about keeping myself up on all the technology!

Perhaps Ellen or Marcia can remember what Ross Todd said about advocacy? He made a comment about it at the start of his workshop, it was a good point, but darn if I can remember what is was??? Help!

Chapt. 7: Roadblocks to Collaboration

This chapter was, for me, was both extremely helpful, but yet a bit uncomfortable. I know there are roadblocks, I deal with them all the time, as we all do. But it was almost as if we articulate them, they become more real? Does that make sense? As I read through the page I started to think- "Yes, yes, I know all this..." but then I got to page 92 and thought, "Yes, Finally, how to fix it!" I liked Buzzeo's comment, "Rather than wallow in the difficulties posed to us by the four major road blocks..." Wallow was right...I find myself indulging in wallowing on occasion, especially given the recent budget situation. But having attended Buzzeo and Todd's workshops recently, and having read the section on "Methods to Overcome Roadblocks" I feel empowered. As I read through these lists I felt that even if I did just a few of these things I would be helping rather than wallowing! I like concrete answers...give me steps and a list and I'm on it.

As I read thought the list of things to do to garner administrative support I thought, we do a lot of this. But, I know we talked about this before, and I can't stress it enough- we need to be better about keeping monthly reports, collaborative logs and copies of projects and units. Personally my goal for next year...collaborative logs! I plan to use Suzanne's template as a model and keep track for the year. This has got to help (I hope) if our support staff comes under scrutiny again. Also, the emphasis on expectations. Alison Zmuda and Ross Todd both talk about this as well. If administrators have the expectation that teachers collaborate, they will. Hmmmm....

The school culture list also made me think. I am not good about attending dept. meetings in the high school. I know you guys are much better than I about that...another goal for next year.

But I thought the most intriguing category were the roadblocks created by testing mandates. I am very glad that we are tackling this issue this year, showing an interest in, and investigating, Data Mentor, reading this book, discussing ways to assess, monitor etc...are all great steps, and being proactive can only help! We all know we impact student achievement, but if we can focus on data-driven collaboration we will have more visible/concrete evidence of our role in achievement. I thought she articulated the steps to over come these roadblocks very well.

I am anxious to see what everyone thought!