The K-16 CFG met tonight at The Rice School/La Escuela Rice. Nine people came--Cat, Christian, Donna, Jonett, Madelyn, Marcela, Mary, Michaelann, and Sharon. During introductions and Connections, I was struck with how many of us are CFG orphans. Although we may use protocols in our classrooms and work to build collaborative relationships whenever we work in a group, we no longer have CFG's on campus. Why is this? It seems like a lot of groups starve from lack of time and support from campus administrators. Do administrators view CFG as irrelevant? Why? In contrast, Michaelann has had a stable group since 1999. They are still meeting on the second Monday of each month, and members that have moved to other campuses or other positions still make a commitment to participate in their CFG. That warms my heart. Maybe I'll feature Michaelann's CFG in an upcoming newsletter.
After Connections, we split into two groups. Jonett wanted feedback about her experience using Collaborative Assessment Conference in her fifth grade classroom. [Jonett, maybe you could write about your experience in the comments section.] Madelyn led a text-based discussion about action research around this focusing quote: "Teachers often leave a mark on their students, but they seldom leave a mark on their profession" (Wolfe, 1989). We used two short articles for our text--"Teacher-As-Researcher" by Beverly Johnson and "Teacher Research" by Sharon Parsons.
Of course, the discussion enlarged my understanding of these texts, but it also spurred me to action. I think that one of my unwritten duties as a Consultant for CFG Support is to act as a role model. Now I want to model engaging in action research as well as modeling continuous reflection and transparent facilitation. The questions I'm mulling over are "How do we sustain CFG's?", "How do we nurture groups and the people in them?", "Why are some groups more successful than others--is it better coaching, better support from administration, better buy-in from members?" Now--what data do I need and how do I go after it?
Reflections
"A few new faces tonight-a few regulars. I really like the mix of people and perspectives, and I really like having two options. As people come in an out, I wonder how we can maintain a sense of community--felt awkward when one person shared [during Connections] something that was obviously emotional for her, and I'm wondering how supported she felt. Really want to bring my own work in, my own dilemmas, but am still unsure of how much to trust. Our coach is a natural--a great model for me."
"As usual, it was an uplifting and insightful meeting. Despite the rain and imminent threat of flooding, people still showed up to be here! YEAH!!
Silences in connections were as welcomed as the thoughts shared.
Jonett's piece and dilemma were powerful. I love hearing about the work that is truly authentic and meaningful. I, myself, got ideas for something I want to try. THANK YOU!"
"I thought the action research articles were interesting. It was difficult for me at first to relate it to my classroom, but through the discussions I was able to connect it. I think every campus should have ongoing action research because we all have something that needs improvement."
"The group discussion was extremely insightful and rich in dialogue. Thanks to Madelyn for sharing the articles and informing us of the newest problem-solving technique/method of action research. I now have a new title, Christian W., Action Researcher, and knowing that I've been one for many years is encouraging. I haven't been sitting by the wayside waiting for others to solve my problems!
This was a great meeting, one with energized dialogue and new learning. It didn't hurt that we were here while the rain storm blew over."
"I came to this meeting tonight with no expectations--I decided after last month to let things happen--maybe I will learn something new--or maybe not but I can participate and have fun. Maybe my role or my self-identity is changing. I need to reevaluate my own self-concept.
What holds a group together? Maybe we need to explore this issue in the Houston community."
"I am so glad I waded through the waters to make it to this CFG meeting. I made a commitment to myself to regenerate my practice of reflection and collaboration with my colleagues in 2004. I miss the dialogues that create the professional atmosphere that we work in with the students.
Administration is SO mundane. This gives me the outlet I need from a monotonous day of disciplining students."
"·It was so very nice to be back after such a long absence and be so warmly welcomed.
·Received lots of constructive ideas re my CAC [collaborative assessment conference] dilemma.
·I'm really saddened to hear that all our CFG's have fallen by the wayside, with the exception of Michaelann's. What does that say out our schools' priorities? And we come back to the old question: How do we get administrative support to meet on PD days? With all the mandatory after school tutoring, club sponsorships, etc., there's no extra time."
"I really enjoyed the meeting this evening. It really made me realize how much I miss my CFG. I had the opportunity to discuss my article for the upcoming coaches clinic. The members of my group had me to analyze the article from a variety of ways. I really appreciate the comments and feedback. I reel so refreshed and I felt like I really connected on this evening."
Comments (2)
I am wondering about your question, Donna. How do we sustain CFGs, especially in schools? The original training seemed to capture the imagination of the participants. My thinking tends to center around keeping the passion and imagination alive in the coaches who have been touched by the philosophy surrounding CFGs. Do we need to go back and look at the philosophy? Do we need to go back and redefine the definition of "the work". Those questions truly puzzle me.
What is "the work"? How can it be sustained when a campus is constantly changing. New principal. New teachers. Accountability pressure. Personal trauma. All those situations create orphans. Is there a haven for the orphans? Yes. The CFG for coaches is such a haven. We have one going. It there room for others? Questions - Do we really want to build capacity? or Do we want spectators to come and watch us work? Answers to these questions would help to focus action. Clarity, of thought and purpose, binds people together. Once the mission has been determined the warrior moves foward.
Thank you Donna.
Posted by Marilyn Cameron | February 13, 2004 9:05 AM
Posted on February 13, 2004 09:05
I missed the last 2 meetings; however, after reading the reflections from the last meeting, I am reminded again of how important this cfg is to me personally and professionally. The conversation that I think all educators would benefit from goes on in this forum. The experience and the perspective that springs from the participants is inspiring and pushes me to want to continue to grow.
Thanks
Posted by Carolyn Thibeaux | February 13, 2004 3:53 PM
Posted on February 13, 2004 15:53