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!
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It was the final paragraph in Chap 8 which really gave me the encouragement I needed. (I was still wallowing, Kathy)...
ReplyDeleteMy "approach will be dictated" by the situation in my school. I (with a support team?) will need to create a plan for immediate action and long-range steps. "[our] school depends on it. [our] library program depends on it. And most importantly, [our] students depend on it." (p.93)
Alison Zmuda reminds me that I am hired to teach students. Anything that I do needs to keep that mandate at the forefront. I need to collaborate because it will benefit our students. I need to overcome the roadblocks because it will benefit our students.
I've listed a number of roadblocks (some listed in the book)... and now I'm working on the action plan.
It was the final paragraph in CHAPTER 7 ... sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteHere we go again. Another timely chapter. Got me on page 87 with "often administrative decisions to cut support staff have an enormous impact on the LMS's ability to collaborate." Next year will be difficult- I've already been wallowing at lunch saying things like "I won't be able to do ____ and _____ without Jen being there full time. " I saw a bit of that on Friday when Jen was taking one of my students around for "Book Day" (that's another story) and I was trying to do centers (photography at one; students creating a book at another and kids trying to check out books at the circ. desk- YIKES!)
ReplyDeleteSo I was ready for overocoming the roadblocks on page 92.
We do so much of this already-we're right on top of ATLAS,etc. What else? Ask people to read this chapter that don't work in the library? I guess I need to take a few breaths and do what Marcia is doing and work on an action plan. By the way, Marcia - I love your Zmuda mantra!
Shall we share at a meeting? We learn so well from our group!