The K-16 CFG met on Tuesday, September 28, at the Northwest District Office. Present were Mary, Lance, Jonett, Madelyn, Sharon, Marcela, Carolyn, Michaelann, Josephine, Janet, and Donna. After Connections and calendars we briefly revisited the norms that were set at the group's first meeting back in February 2003. Click on the photo to read the norms.
The phrases "Be responsible for each others' learning" and "Don't put personal needs ahead of group needs" were lifted out for discussion, but in the end, we kept the norms as they are written now.
We then spent the bulk of the meeting engaged in a data web activity. Click on the photo to see a larger image.
The purpose of the activity was to refocus our conversations for the year on STUDENT LEARNING and produce a chain that shows how our actions are linked to the overall goal of improving student learning. When the web is completed, the perimeter of the web should indicate what we can use as data to show that we are affecting student learning. Unfortunately, we did not have time to complete this activity and the lack of closure seemed unsettling for some in the group. We will need to figure out ways to revisit and refine the ideas and questions that surfaced during the activity.
We did start a discussion around the question "What can this group affect?" As individuals, we are involved in activities like mentoring new teachers, planning staff development, facilitating CFG coaches clinics, increasing collaboration amongst teachers and schools . . . the list goes on. I liked the way that Lance summed it up--we are all involved in capacity building. We still need to figure out how to measure the effects that we have.
As our CFG begins the process of working as an inquiry group, I am left with so many questions:
·Is our purpose to extend knowledge or solve a problem? (Thanks, Michaelann, for that wording.)
·Do we have enough common interests to have a common inquiry for the group?
·What exactly can this group affect?
·How do we measure it?
·Why is it so difficult to talk about quality teaching and learning?
·How do you make it feel comfortable?
REFLECTIONS
Thank You! Despite "working in my confusion", there are certain thoughts which are quite clear:
· Ideas, conflicts and opinions voiced by this group always energize & motivate me.
· Attitude on EDUCATION, learning and teaching support and sustain my most personal ideas.
· I will willingly be involved in any research, work or sandwich this group "throws" at me!
I enjoyed reconnecting with the CFG. The data web activity that was done just seemed to raise more questions in my mind. Where are we going as a group and how will we get there? This will be an interesting journey.
Confused about the exercise (web) because – nothing new or nothing came up that we have not talked about, webbed, etc.
I always enjoy and need the collegiality of this group.
Maybe I'm expecting others to do what I need to initiate or have more to contribute.
Love everything--liked the confusion and thought the process was a great first step to a long journey. We all have to want to go on the trip--but I am sure that along the way we will have to carry some of us and pull and push but we will all get to the top of the mountain.
Thanks for giving me an opportunity to think about teacher research. I appreciate the time and space.
I like the activity. I do think we need to finish it--why are we here, what do we want to accomplish, how do we know we are doing it--
This will be hard without a consistent group to make the "decisions"--
I think we need to finish the Q. what can this group affect? Until we know that I'm not sure we can do the rest.
As always, I appreciate the wisdom and expertise this group bring to the table.
It feels important that whatever we do connects to teaching and learning. . . either with adults or children.
The web experience doesn't have closure. . . but will keep me thinking. Thanks!
I really enjoyed reconnecting with everyone. And although the web activity was abstract, it brought about a lot of thinking. Good job!
These meetings help me to reconnect with all aspects of the school culture. Our diverse group helps to keep me grounded and up-to-date with new innovative ideas in our pedagogy.