Change as a Collaborative Inquiry

What information from the article did you connect with the most and why?

In the article, it talks about the need for buy-in vs ownership. The author wrote about how in most districts decisions are made by either an individual or a small committee without other discussions. After the decision is made, teachers, community members, or other staff members are left with the "homework". Our school recently started the process in becoming a "Higher Reliability School". It sounds like a wonderful initiative, but I do feel like we were told what we were doing and didn't have much say or ownership in the actual decision of adopting this program.

Thinking of your own school community, what are the issues and concerns regarding school improvement? How are these addressed with the administration and staff? What can you and other staff members do to work towards a more collaborative constructivist approach towards improvement?

We have many small committees that speak for many different areas including curriculum and school climate. We have at least one representative from each grade level on each committee. The job of the representative is to be the mediator between the committee and the other grade level teachers. This works fairly well.

Part of "Higher Reliable Schools" is having ways for community and staff members to anonymously report concerns. We are in the process of creating an area to do this in the school, but we do have a link on our website for the community to post any concerns or ideas they may have.

One way I can get others to work towards this approach is by getting them to "speak up". I often see people complain or whine about issues, but then never do anything about it. I think there is value in knowing how others feel about certain issues so we can find ways to meet in the middle.

How do you see the action research you do in your classroom supporting adaptation and process of change?

My action research is on the importance of relationships! Students will gain skills to help themselves learn and grow while also being cognizant of those around them. Students will feel safe enough to be assertive when asking for things.