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.
I really enjoy meeting and I know I am not always there but as we all seem to have (except Mary-haha) other things come up--with my educational program I am not always available. I really value the group and the meaningful work.
What would I like to see this group do?
·Continue to meet on a regular basis.
·Take time to just get together and enjoy each other's company (like at Marcela's house).
· Continue to work on our dilemmas, other work issues during meetings.
· Go to a conference together.
I truly value the support this group gives me instructionally. As an administrator, the discussions keep me connected to the classroom which is very important in my decision-making. I must keep an accurate point of reference. Next year, I would like to see us commit to one particular day for meetings.
I was totally exhausted and considered not coming, but really value the re-charge I got tonight.
I value the connection with everyone here, even though I am still getting to know some.
The personal invite to Marcella's helped to reconnect me and remind me that this group is all about relationships that push our collective and individual work deeper. With that said, I believe we need to bring new members who are thoughtfully considered.
At this point, I can only say--continue with the work we've been engaged in. Perhaps looking at how to get CFG to administrators i.e. AP's???
I would like to see the group do more of the same type thing. I think the feedback is important.
I think the group can be opened, but I admit to some concern that if there is no real commitment to coming we lose the trust if people (random people) come in and out at will. I do get that sometimes stuff gets in the way--
I like and appreciate the feedback--Thanks.
Comments (1)
Yeah Donna -- I love reading and reflecting on what went on in our meetings. Thanks for the posting.
Posted by Michaelann | May 19, 2005 2:52 PM
Posted on May 19, 2005 14:52