K-16--Values
Michaelann admonished me for not posting this entry earlier--my apologies.
The K-16 CFG met on May 10 at Best Elementary School in Alief. Present were Janet, Carolyn, Tim, Sharon, Michaelann, Mary, and Donna.
Janet brought in a dilemma that involved getting a team with new members to work more effectively as a team. What strategies can make a team more successful? The questioning and discussion highlighted issues of
·the value of teamwork (Does the school truly value collaboration? How can you tell?),
·shared expectations (for students and adults),
·building trust,
·training, and
·valuing high quality teaching and learning.
After helping Janet with her dilemma, we talked about our own team--this K-16 CFG--and what we value about this group. Here are some excerpts from that conversation:
"I value the collegiality. I value having a place to share and sharpen my work."
"I value being able to share with people on my level."
"I value the support, the instructional connections, the escape from administrative drama."
"I value connecting with people who can push [my skills and thinking]."
"[I value spending time with people who are] entrenched in the work--whose efforts are student centered."
" I value getting input I respect. These people are not in my school, but they understand schools."
Like any CFG, this group values relationships and is a safe place to acknowledge struggles and challenges. However, I think that this particular group is special because we offer a space for experienced facilitators to push each other. I also have a hunch that the work we do in coaches clinics and new coach seminars is improved because of the relationships that we build on throughout the year.
That being said, I also think that it is time to invite others to join the group. I have sometimes been frustrated by low attendance at meetings, and that has affected our progress as an inquiry group. We should think about adding new voices that can advance the work of this group.
REFLECTIONS follow in the extended entry.