What I Learned This Week (Volume 6)

            I have been enjoying the weekly reflections that are creating these posts and am very appreciative of the feedback received and the time taken by colleagues to check-in each week. Brandon (@AlwaysPrepped) has checked in and asked if I would write a blog for his site using this theme and with a technology angle. The timing could not have been better as my last week had a number of technology moments and served as a great reminder of the potential for so much more learning.

 

            George Couros (@gcouros) started the Leadership 2.0 initiative through Twitter with a stated purpose to create something similar to a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for leadership, He asked colleagues to help provide some of the nine sessions that will be taking place over nine consecutive weeks. Mine is coming up in two Tuesdays with the theme of “Understanding and Responding to the Larger Societal Context”. I’d love to hear from colleagues about their views as I prepare my session. This open, online course is free to anyone who cares to participate and I have found the exchanges to be fascinating and the follow-up to be quite informative. I’m not sure I fully understand (or even remotely understand) the technology behind these Blackboard Collaborate sessions but I am amazed by the capacity they provide, as people from around the world gather to share their views. I have not met most of the facilitators of the sessions but feel like I know lots about them from participating.

            With the amount of travelling I do, I am always looking for ways to stay connected with family, friends, and clients. I enjoy using Skype and iChat to link up and consider them (generally) to be better than the phone of days gone by. As my oldest granddaughter approached her third birthday, I know we will communicate more using this technology. The downside usually happens with some less than satisfactory hotel Internet service (and that’s a column on its own) resulting in a return to the phone connection.

            I also took advantage of iChat to connect with a school in Winnipeg while I was in San Francisco and then back home in Gibsons. We were able to lay out some good plans and then also discovered some flaws with the process, which we will address in time for me to present a session to the entire staff from the comforts of my home office. While I will always prefer the “in person” contact, I have found this approach to be helpful in laying some groundwork for subsequent work when I arrive.

            My final technology connection happened as I spent an extended period of time with my co-author Chris Weber (@Chi_educate) working through a couple of chapters on our next book. I remain in awe of the potential of the tools that allow us to share ideas, graphics, and tools while in the development process. Chris and I may not be in the same room until after the book draft has been completed and that is certainly a 2012 way of creating a book.

            I’m certainly no technophile and am likely more hesitant than most to get the new tools once they are released. I still enjoy the look on students’ faces when I tell them about a significant historical moment I experienced while listening to my transistor radio. Their complete amusement at my description of the small rectangular box I held to my ear while shifting directions to get better reception is a good reminder of the changes that have happened during my career as an educator. I look forward to becoming more technologically literate and am thankful for colleagues who have taken the leap first and are willing to share with reforming Luddites like myself.

What I Learned This Week (Volume 5)

            I spent most of this past week in the United States and was working closely with a middle school staff in Texas. I really enjoy these opportunities as I feel it really adds to my knowledge base and also serves as a reminder that effective practice transcends geographic borders.

            The staff at Richland Middle School is working to create more positive outcomes for their students. We spent time identifying what they value the most and creating a vision and purpose statement for their work. The y drafted a motto, “equity for all”, that accurately captures what they want to be known for. What became clear during this work was how difficult this process can be when everyone becomes fully invested in the process. Each word in their vision had to be internalized and agreed upon by the staff in order for it to be a part of a school-wide belief and a way of doing their fine work. As I mentioned in my post last week, the best vision statements are not about what we do but who we are. The RMS team under the guidance of Dr. LeeAnn Bartee reminded me of this.

            Many schools I have worked with, and the educators that inspire the students that attend them, will share with me their belief that “all kids can learn”. In fact, I can’t recall a time where I encountered someone who didn’t espouse this. The point I’m trying to make is that our actions need to mirror our intentions. If we really believe this, then we will spend our time and effort on ways to actualize this. We’ll steer clear of the time wasting debates about zero as an earned grade or the unfairness of second chances. “All kids can learn” means we’ll do whatever it takes to make that so. Not by lowering our standards but by elevating all students to reach them.

I also learned that I’m not the only one who gets annoyed by the CAPTCHAs that are now on most websites. I’m not sure why these need to be so challenging with wavy lettering, blurry numbers, and lines through them. CAPTCHA is an acronym from Carnegie Mellon University. To complete the obnoxious nature of these, it stands for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart". Bill Ferriter (@plugusin), was equally annoyed by these devices, when he tweeted:

Thinking about buying bifocals so I can actually read the

Captcha codes on people's blogs. ‪#gottatrysomething

I replied with a tweet of my own that summed up my feelings:

These remind me of the worst assessment devices created.

They are designed to confuse and prevent the end goal being reached!

It’s clear to me that the whiz kids at Carnegie Mellon could also design a really ineffective summative assessment. Here’s hoping they don’t enter that line of work!

            Finally, this week proved conclusively that the time on the road (23 days in the last four weeks) is made infinitely better by two factors – the quality of the work (and I have a passion for the topics I share) and the quality of the people I get to work with. The people I spent time with during the day extended their hospitality and shared their company during the after-work hours. Thanks LeeAnn and Chad, Staci and Justin, Nancy, Ann, and Jenn for the extended hours!

What I Learned This Week (Volume 4)

            This last week has provided opportunities to learn from educators that I have admired for a number of years. The week on the road (Atlanta and Winnipeg) was great in terms of the chance to present and interact with colleagues but I also stepped into the role of learner during those times when I was not sharing content.

            The Atlanta Assessment conference hosted by Solution Tree featured Doug Reeves as the day 2 keynote speaker. I appreciate that he always brings new research to his presentations but it was his take on a couple of standard items that had me scribbling notes. “Schools and districts are drowning in data but thirsty for evidence” was the first quote I scribbled down and tweeted out. Judging by the number of re-tweets, it resonated well with others also. It was a great reminder to collect data with a purpose and intention to do something with it. “The best vision statements don't need strategic plans or, for that matter, words”, was the second piece that really stuck with me as I thought about the work I do with schools as it relates to defining what they stand for. The best vision statements aren’t about what we do, but who we are.

            After two days in Atlanta, I headed north for three days in Winnipeg and the launch of the Hulley Centre, another Solution Tree project. Wayne Hulley has been a mentor and good friend for at least fifteen years and I cherish any time I get to spend with him. Watching someone who presents a topic he passionately believes in, and with such joy is inspiring. I always learn something new and it usually centers on the way Wayne makes everyone feel important and a part of the solution. “Nobody washes a rental car” was the piece that stuck with me as we talked about educators owning the solutions and the plans for moving schools to greater levels of success.  I am excited to being a part of his work going forward and know that it will make a significant difference in schools across Canada.

            While I am aware of how busy the lives of educators are, this past week has reminded me that nurturing the passion we have for the work we do can make a positive impact. I know it’s important for me to remember to take the time to learn even when I am helping others with their learning goals. 

What I Learned This Week (Volume 3)

            My reflections for the third in this series of blogs actually covers much more than last week due to finding myself in a very reflective mood as a result of what happened during the week. What I discovered is that it’s amazing what difference a year can make. That became the filter for my musings.

            I realized how fortunate I am to be able to have the kind of work I do and that I am thoroughly enjoying. A little more than year ago I was in a period of transition as I had left a great job as Assistant Superintendent for the Sunshine Coast to head to a great job as Executive Director with the BCPVPA. Two months later, I transitioned out of that job to devote my full time and energy to expanding my work as a consultant and author. The unequivocal support of my wife made the decision manageable as we were leaving the safety net of benefits and five years of pensionable service before hitting the maximum.

            Solution Tree has been a large part of my growth as an educator and a key part of my learning as a consultant. From the opportunity to work alongside luminaries like the DuFours, Mattos, Hulley, and Muhammad (and the conversations at events where they share so many of their insights) through the support of key folk like Stubby MacLean and Claudia Wheatley (who know when to encourage and when to develop further skills) to the chance to publish under the guidance of Gretchen Knapp and Robb Clouse, I have had lots of growth. This all came together as I debuted the two day workshop based on my book “Pyramid of Behavior Interventions: Seven Keys to a Positive Learning Environment” in Toronto. Educators came from NB, NH, NY, and ON and developed great products as we processed the key components through various activities. It was a nervous “night before the event” as I must have run through the slides and activities a dozen times in my hotel . To see the flow and connections for the participants made all the prep time worth it. I’m looking forward to my upcoming schedule of four more workshops in the United States.

            I had a lengthy road trip and went from Toronto to Raleigh, NC and then Woodridge, IL for some workshops as a result of another great educational organization that has brought me on board. The Leadership and Learning Center has grown from the work of Douglas Reeves and he has been another one of those larger than life educators who has given willingly of his time to aid a colleague honing his skills. Working alongside Larry Ainsworth has been a real treat and sharing his insightful work on rigorous curriculum design with educators has been a bonus for me. The sessions in both these communities were well received and I love when I receive a Tweet that reads “this was the best PD I’ve had in 30 years”. It encourages me to continue to develop the work I do to ensure folks have a positive learning opportunity. I appreciate Kristin Anderson extending herself and supporting me as I joined the Center. I’m not sure she ever displays anything other than total positivity and is one of the most encouraging people I have met. I am excited about the potential to do more work as I explore other areas of education that appeal to me and are strengths of the work of the Center.

            My trip concluded with a very positive day that grew out of Twitter connections I have with John Bevacqua and Rose Pillay. They were the key figures behind a day entitled “Teachers Learning Together” that had participants from six Catholic schools within the CISVA. The combination of activities, conversations, and questions made the day go quickly and I am eager to follow-up with the participants to see how they implement some of the plans. What was very clear was a level of passion for the work they are doing, the faith that is part of their daily lives, and a commitment to being difference-makers for the students they serve. John and I headed out to see some other Twitter pals who were in town presenting at the BCPVPA conference. It was wonderful to connect with people we rarely see and equally enjoyable to reconnect with many Principals and Vice-Principals from days gone by. I really enjoyed seeing many of my former colleagues from my days in Nelson.

            While all of the above was very affirming and indicative that the decision made a year ago was the right one, it all pales in comparison to the best thing that happened as my Friday was concluding. A bit of background is necessary to frame my emotions. Last year my family was reeling from the toughest news we have ever had to deal with. My oldest daughter was told that her pregnancy was no longer viable at the four-month mark. I can recall for you in minute detail where I was as I spoke with her, and my inability to contain the waves of emotion that rolled over me as I felt so incredibly helpless as a Dad, unable to take her pain away. For someone who prides himself on words and relationships, I was at a loss for the former and the latter seemed inconsequential in the moment. Fast forward to last Friday and my daughter in the delivery room as she fought through all of the emotions and pain that had tormented her to deliver a healthy 9 pound, 10 ounce baby boy. Liam was destined to be surrounded with love regardless but the journey of the last year made holding him and my daughter all the more special. 

          

            I know life is a roller coaster ride and this past year has been a less than subtle reminder of that. I also know that rides, taken with loved ones and close friends, can produce at least an equal amount of joy to offset the pain that sometimes comes. Thanks to all who have supported over this last year. You know who you are. 

What I Learned This Week (Volume 2)

            October is a month of tremendous travel for me and I am very excited for, and appreciative of, those opportunities. What I learned this week is that I get really energized by the ideas and efforts of educators.

            I visited with the staff and students of the DSBN Academy and once again left in awe of the dedication and commitment the adults display for the students and each other. Every conversation I held with an educator had a level of intensity and passion to find the right approach for each student that I can’t help but believe they will have success with every student. The staff is so thoughtful and collaborative that they push each other to be all that they can be and it is done with a level of deep sincerity and appreciation for the contribution each person can make. Listening to them share their “appreciations” at the end of the week, I couldn’t help but notice how respectfully attentive every person was and how meaningful their words were. And here’s the clincher for me – it’s having a big impact on the behavior and achievement of the students. When the adults model the desired behaviors (both social and academic) for the students, the desired outcomes become easier to achieve. Rather than the “do as I say, not as I do” approach, I have long held the belief that if we don’t model what we teach, we are teaching what we model. One part of the Academy’s creed reads “we are our brother’s and sister’s keepers” and this is more than a trite recitation for the school community. It is a firmly held and strongly demonstrated pillar.

            As part of my second day in the DSBN, I was able to work with the educators at both E.W. Farr and Glendale schools. We spent the morning talking about creating a positive school culture and how to link academic success with behavioral success. The insights shared by individual teachers as well as some of their challenges reminded me that we have a common bond in our roles.  

            I also had the opportunity to spend a day with the educators in the Palliser School Division. As is often the case, the time flew by (at least it did for me!) and I left before I could take in all of the great conversations that were evident as we worked through how to ensure the remaining nine months of this school year are as effective and productive for their students as the start-up has been. In planning for what the end result in June was going to look like, they began the process of aligning their next steps to achieve that goal. I did get a chance to talk with members of the host school, County Central High School, about the work they have done in creating their overarching expectations for all members (adults and students) of their school community. A small group had attended a session I had given in Ottawa and they took the information back to their colleagues who then added their own context to produce an approach that is an excellent translation of the 7 Keys I wrote about in “Pyramid of Behavior Interventions”. It’s so good I may need to consider taking the group with me to subsequent presentations! Principal Ken Garinger took the unnecessary step of thanking me publically for the shift in focus at the school, when the reality is the teachers and school leaders determined what they needed to do to support all students in achieving success, and then charted the course to get there. He is very open to sharing the steps they took and would welcome any contacts from colleagues wanting to know more.

            On a personal note, I also learned that back-to-back turkey dinners are not a bad thing. I enjoyed the two days of rest but clearly ate and drank too much so it’s back to the road with a few more kilometers to log. See you next week.