The CFG As Research Team (CART) awardees met for our second support session on February 5, 2008, at Stovall Academy. Present were Debbie, Sharon, Mandi, Acquenette, Sonia, Robin, Cheryl, Terri, Ruby, Nichole, Carolyn, Tim, Chong-Hao, Denise, Michaelann, Lauren, and Donna. The objectives of the meeting were to build community among the CART Grant groups, serve as each other's accountability group, and determine next steps for support.
After Connections and reviewing the ground rules, we did the icebreaker "Self-Disclosure: What's In Your Wallet?" We each chose an item from our purses or wallets and shared what that artifact might reveal about us. My favorites were the high-tech immigration identity card and the trinkets from students that teachers valued so much.
We spent a little time taking care of administrative announcements and reminders, and then moved to the main part of the meeting. We asked each team to create an artifact that described where they were in the research process and acknowledged any changes they'd like to make. Besides chart paper and markers, we also brought the leftover craft supplies from the CFG Reunion including tinsel, pom-poms, chenille stems, and glitter glue. When I tried a similar activity three years ago with the Teacher As Researcher groups, they ignored the fun supplies and just made posters. I was very pleased that several CART awardees utilized the unusual materials to describe their research teams' work!
We then did a Gallery Walk where everybody had an opportunity to both explain their artifact and get feedback as well as rotate around the room to find out more about the other projects and give feedback to their peers.
Click on the thumbnail photos to see a larger photo.
The Reflections are in the extended entry.
Reflections
“1. I think initially I was focused on the unevenness and messiness of the work. As I shared the image of our work became sharper—and I felt a sense of renewed possibility.
2. I was surprised at the number of links I heard from other groups—commonalities—
-refocusing of research question
-deepening conversations
-finding the language to describe the work through research and texts.
3. Thank you.”
“1. We will need A+ support to obtain appropriate district support to continue and begin the action research piece—also to protect our monies from being gobbled up.
2. Not so much.
3. ??”
“1. I learned I am doing some wonderful things in leading my group.
2. Reading Master Teacher program.”
“What did I learn about your own project?
Adding a layer of the observed
adding to the observer’s reflection.
What did you learn about another project=> Tima added a good piece to have the members talk about!
Other comments=>love the location and the food=> and the company=>
Would like to see more “hard” core
see agendas, stuff, reflections, shat was done=> and . . .”
“I enjoyed the sharing and feedback aspect of the meeting. Connecting with others allowed you to view your grant in another perspective.”
“1) It is progressing/growing, perhaps in unintended directions, but definite growth. The project is valued by others outside the groupJ
2) a. Generating safe spaces for voice & sharing (especially if a member is a supervising administrator)
b. Soliciting ‘buy-in’ from potential group members and/or conversation for change
c. Issues of attrition of group members & what to do
3) Enjoyed discussing issues w/ EVERYONE”
“1. I learned that we could take our grant in another direction. That it takes more than just a few of us (cheerleaders) to make ourselves heard.
2. I learned that others are sharing some issues with getting others on board. Learned about an interesting book “Teach With Your Strengths” to use for a book study!
I have enjoyed this time to get a pepper upper!”
“I learned that fluff—attitudes, different levels of expertise, and comfort zones are the driving hindrance to change and implementation of a revised curriculum. I also learned that other CFG’s encounter similar drawbacks while a few are organized, consistent, and strategic in accomplishing their set goals”
“1) What did you learn about your project?
-that we need to redefine our focus HELP
2) What did you learn about another project that you really connected with?
-loved ‘Teach with Your Strengths’
3) Any other comments
loved the activities & pacing”
“1. I think this evening reemphasized the importance of a “safe space” in order to have honest conversations. There is a difficulty in having this when I’m an administrator at the school—it blends the role of coach and evaluator.
I think we have to strengthen the other bonds in the group and find a way to help others to collaborate authentically.
2. I really enjoyed hearing about models of change, and how information asymmetry affected the perceptions of decisions w/ new principals.”
“1. Learn. . .own project
It’s OK to morph. Things have changed & the project has to change.
2. Learn about. . .other. . .saw K reader’s theatre @TSRA in El Paso—that was fun.
3. Other comments. . .
This school was really hard to find—worried about getting out of this neighborhood w/o getting lost.”