Preparing Our Students to Thrive? Where do we start? How do we know?

During our welcome back event Michael Toth presented research, evidence, and examples of how the education that we provide and offer our students everyday needs to transform in order to prepare them to thrive in an ever changing world! This visual explains and aligns with his definition of the old vs. the new economy:

I understand the "why" we have to transform what education looks, sounds and feels like and I feel a sense of urgency to accomplish this quickly, however, growing up in the "old economy" I find myself grappling with the "how".  What is the first step? What supports do I/we need?  Where is my mind spending its time and is it helping me or hurting my progress and ability to lead? 

I've resolved to fact that "we have to move"!  So what does this mean for us?  For our students?

The GIPs strategic plan explains through our theory of action, eight objectives and strategic initiatives just how to accomplish this.  Empower, Personalize, Design and Partner!

This transformation cannot be accomplished alone!  One of our priorities this year is to engage in professional learning communities where team members know and understand what is critical for students to know and be able to do, are focused on student evidence that aligns with those standards, and where teams collaborate to plan with clear learning goals and aligned lessons that incorporate ways for students to take ownership of the learning!  Think about how our classrooms will look different if this is occurring on a weekly basis!  

Teachers are already trying new approaches--building student teams with defined roles and responsibilities, posing problems and allowing students to question, research and learn from each other!  These are just a few examples of what is "transforming" in classrooms across the district! 

Tweet by Jenifer A

Dani Ryan

This year on Wednesday Walks, the executive leadership and central office team members will be in many classrooms and collecting evidence of our progress with standards based planning through first observing how teachers are using, displaying and communicating learning targets.  District data will be shared on my blog and with principals to keep you all informed about our progress!  We are excited to be in classrooms, get to know you all better and be a support throughout the transformation of the work that will benefit all of our students!