Get through chapters 1-4 and write your reflections this weekend! I am going to commit to really understanding both the Danielson framework and the AWSP leadership framework. As I continue through this program I want to be able to reflect through the lens of school wide evaluation systems.
I've already found myself thinking through "the lens of a principal" which is a completely different feeling than walking the halls thinking like a teacher. Even though it's a little overwhelming, I'm kind of excited to dive into the data that drives our school and the decision making process. Thank you for all of your insight -- I've learned a lot from all of you and your many experiences.
I find myself far me excited about review data than ever before. I am excited to start looking over the data for the students who qualify for extra support and plan activities that will support them.
I really enjoyed the conversation around our articles. I enjoyed hearing about some of the articles that I hadn't read. It excites me that many of the conversations around assessment are going to continue and go deeper. I am really excited to learn more about data, more specifically how to use it to improve myself, my team and my school.
I agree Vern. That was my favorite part of class tonight. I plan on reading the articles that were suggested tonight that I didn't read. I am also excited about sharing some of the articles on data and common assessment with my 8th team.
Vern and Tawana, I second that! There is SO much to learn and so much to talk about each with each other. Having the resources from Glenn and the time and to discuss our learnings is really building a collaborative community. I appreciate our varied backgrounds and experiences and how the make our wonderings and conversations even richer.
Class discussion can be so powerful, I really wanted to share tonight but I I couldn't keep the articles apart in my thoughts! They were all so closely tied together! It was enriching to read the same ideas through the eyes of the authors from different perspectives, and having the opportunity to hear everyone's take aways.
I agree! Thank you Glenn! The partner and group conversations where very insightful! It is nice to hear others thinking and seeing similar things as me.
I really appreciated going through the Leadership Framework for Principals! I felt kind of relieved to see how similar it is the teacher evaluation system. I have a lot of follow up questions though. I'm concerned about the consistency among evaluators as well as the process that is being used to collect evidence for all of these areas. I also am wondering if Criterion 3,5 and 8 work the same as the Criterion 3,6 and 8 for teachers, where if you don't meet your data goals, you cannot be considered distinguished. Also, I am LOVING learning how to lead with data. I think that this will make us all powerful, effective leaders right out the gate. Go cougs!!!
I think the TPEP process is going to be inconsistent to some degree as principals and districts are still trying to figure things out. I'm hopeful that each year will become clearer for all stakeholders. I'm eager to talk to my principal about the process he went through last year as well as what evidence he used for criterion 3, 5, and 8.
Alyssa I want to dive deeper in to the leadership framework as well. The information Glenn provided was intriguing. Although I think we had great questions, I feel the discussion have us a more focused agenda for our principal interview. I know my ultimate goal is understanding my SIP abd being able to articulate it. I also have decided that when I get my own building, I want my staff members knowing and understanding the SIP so when asked they have the and understand the path we're taking to get there.
I really enjoyed the class tonight! The discussion was rich and the company delightful. I didn't realize how much I missed being a part of the conversations. I'm looking forward to the book game and digging deeper into data analysis as well as improving my technologies skills. I really appreciate all of your advice and tips Glenn.
Wow, my head hurts! We have a lot of things to look forward to as we go through the next few months. Glenn, I appreciate the narrative about the new initiatives and the explanation about the waiver process. As I look over the document, I feel like I have a better understanding of the situation that Washington State is in and that I will be able to share how we got to this predicament to some degree. As always I love being able to network! Your thoughts, comments, insights are invaluable.
I so appreciate the narrative about the new initiatives and the explanation about the waiver process too. This morning on King 5, Randy Dorn was being interviewed about the McCleary Lawsuit, NCLB, and losing the waiver. I was actually able to explain to my husband what it all meant!
Our conversations around principal evaluations and the use of data systems in their buildings revealed to me just how inquisitive and committed our cohort is. The questions posed by us tonight were thought provoking. The collective knowledge and experiences we bring make for some really lively conversations. I love that we come from different districts, roles, and years of experience. Just think of how much we will learn from our readings, from Glenn, and from listening to our different reflections. Looking through the AWSP Leadership Framework and what it takes for a Principal to be proficient in criterion 3 and 8 (Planning with Data and Closing the Gap) was eye opening. It's a daunting responsibility and one that will require a lot of positive relationship building with a staff before attempting to dig into that work! Thank-you for sharing that with us Glenn. I also really appreciated you modeling some "formative assessment" practices by noticing that we had many questions around the many initiatives in Washington state and then providing us some extra information around them. You're the best! -Elissa
I left tonight feeling once again privileged to be part of group of educators who truly want what's best for students and are willing to do the work that others are not! Like Elissa stated, I am excited that we all come from various backgrounds, job descriptions and districts. There is such a wealth of knowledge and experiences brought to the table each time we meet. Although there are times during the week when I am exhausted trying to juggle a full time teaching job, my own family's schedule and now college coursework, I always leave class feeling energized and ready for the work ahead of us. Like Glenn said, it all starts with relationships and this class has been the beginning of just that!
I feel the same... I haven't had students yet, just conferences, but there is always so much to do, as a teacher, mom and student- wondering how I'm going to get it all done, and done well! I too left feeling excited about what is ahead, and anxious to learn more!
It was so interesting to hear everyone’s reflection on the articles we all read. I read all eleven articles and chose the ones I connected with most to reflect on. So I was curious to hear why others selected the articles I did not. Many of you provided valid reasons why the specific articles grabbed your attention and it makes me want to go back and re-read the articles I did not reflect on. I appreciate the intriguing discussion. The exchange of ideas has allowed me to see the same information from a variety of lenses. Thank you for providing this opportunity to learn and grow from each of your expertise.
I agree, Lori. There were so many insights from the articles that I felt I missed after hearing everyone share their thoughts. It made me go back and look at the articles again and read them from a different perspective.
Having the dialogue with this class is rich in content and perspective. Like Sari said, the relationships in the class that we are building is the beginning of great work. We are practicing what we will do as administrators, build relationships to foster student growth. I appreciate Glenn giving us the opportunity to develop our bond, and being ever so flexible in the syllabus. I started this course thinking the class time was long, but it goes by so fast!
I enjoyed class last night, listening and learning about the AWSP leadership framework. Knowing what my principal is going through and what is ahead for me helps to understand what I need to do. I heard from Glenn a few times how the evaluation can be subjective, and it really comes down to relationships. The article entitled, What the right data can do, she talks about the teacher and student relationship and the huge value in that. One thought I had last night and this morning is how to make sure as a principal I help teachers to remember that, nurture that, and how having great relationships with students will help them to be great teachers, and be able to change the "data" for the better. I too left class feeling so excited and energized about what is ahead. I am anxious to see what I can do to help make a difference where I am right now, with what we are learning.
Lauralee, that is a very powerful statement, and your right. It does come down to relationships. It's not just about the connections with the families, and the staff, it's the whole community from the top down. I think Dr Yeomans, in PSD has made some very profound changes to shift our way of thinking and the support we offer to each other. Great insight Lauralee!
Class last night was fabulous---from the AWSP framework discussion to the article reflections, my head was going a million miles per hour. I love how our discussions and collaboration which lead to such deep thinking and analyzing of our current and future practice. Glenn, thank you for giving us the gift of time to learn from one another. We are an amazing group of educational leaders if I do say so myself!
"A million miles an hour" does just about sum it up. As a result, I think we only have time to graze on a few thoughts in our time together. And somehow it is encouraging to assume we are all processing an incredible amount of information and trying to produce our best hypotheticals in leadership and administration. At the end of the evening we have done some "deep thinking" about future practice and it is exhilarating to be a part of.
My big "take away" last night was in realizing the important work of reflection and evaluation is getting done through RELATIONSHIPS. Even when the rubric is a bit ambiguous, teachers, superintendents and administrators are having real conversations about improving student learning, instructional practice and leadership. The collaboration happening in evaluation meetings is where the real stuff is happening. On a side note, it was new info for me to learn that Superintendents evaluate principals, or delegate others to do so. -Paul
It seems as if everything comes back to RELATIONSHIPS at all levels: classroom, school and district. Relationships will be essential in creating a culture of trust and collaboration.
I am a huge believer in the RELATIONSHIP component. In my new leadership role, we are in the midst of a lot of change. For some folks, the change is being associated with the new leadership, yet...regardless of who would have sat in my place, the changes would be happening. It is an interesting place to be in as we shift through the mass transitions. I went from being a peer to being the "evaluator" and the "boss". I am amazed how this change in "politics" changes everything. I am starting to look at the other frames (I know that this is the other class yet it is all so closely connected) besides human resources. How can we reorganize our structure in TPS, capitalize on our human resources, distribute power accordingly and celebrate where we come from and where we are going all while keeping data as our entry point? I am also spending a lot of time thinking about TPeP. How do we reframe and work collectively and collaboratively to merge the work of 5Ds and AWSP? As we finished drafting our assessment calendars to send out to schools Friday, I find myself looking at the purpose of assessment differently. Our principals need to have the tools to show student growth over time and the data literacy skills to make data driven decisions. Up until this week, I saw the assessment calendars as an organizational tool for teachers. Now, I am seeing them as a guide and support for principals. We (across the educational system vertically and horizontally) are all in this work together more than ever before.
Indistar is required... and principal's need to know what it is and how to use it...Terry Bergeson's CSIP guide is more comprehensive and provides more protocols and sequential steps to follow for improvement. You could use the ideas and procedures in the CSIP guide to develop the framework you'll follow to promote school improvement using the required Indistar resources.
Years ago, after a conversation with one of my principals where he wanted me to lead a committee, he pointed out after I said I am not a leader, that my leadership style is servant leadership. I had no idea that I was leading through serving. He talked to me about how the relationships I work so hard to foster and they way I care for people makes them want to be around me...who knew. My take away again this week is "relationships are essential!" Servant leadership is all about relationships and caring for others. I found myself pulling out Business Leadership this week and rereading chapter 9 by Robert K. Greenleaf where I was reminded of this..."the best test, and difficult to administer, is" Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, and more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?" I know that these are the things I need to keep in mind.
As we progress on this journey it continually amazes me how many wonderful leaders we have at our disposal to learn from. As individuals who aspire to be leaders, we are destined to be life long learners. How lucky are we! But the component of relationship continued to resonate with me. The change we can create by taking the time to foster meaningful relationships operating under a common vision; our students.
Get through chapters 1-4 and write your reflections this weekend! I am going to commit to really understanding both the Danielson framework and the AWSP leadership framework. As I continue through this program I want to be able to reflect through the lens of school wide evaluation systems.
ReplyDeleteAre you supposed to let class finish before starting? I do like your challenge though!
DeleteGreat idea Nathan! That frees up the following week to prepare our power point presentations.
DeleteGreat idea Nate! I plan to do the same. I think if I can read just a chapter a night, it won't be so overwhelming, maybe 2!
DeleteI've already found myself thinking through "the lens of a principal" which is a completely different feeling than walking the halls thinking like a teacher. Even though it's a little overwhelming, I'm kind of excited to dive into the data that drives our school and the decision making process. Thank you for all of your insight -- I've learned a lot from all of you and your many experiences.
ReplyDeleteI find myself far me excited about review data than ever before. I am excited to start looking over the data for the students who qualify for extra support and plan activities that will support them.
DeleteI really enjoyed the conversation around our articles. I enjoyed hearing about some of the articles that I hadn't read. It excites me that many of the conversations around assessment are going to continue and go deeper. I am really excited to learn more about data, more specifically how to use it to improve myself, my team and my school.
ReplyDeleteI agree Vern. That was my favorite part of class tonight. I plan on reading the articles that were suggested tonight that I didn't read. I am also excited about sharing some of the articles on data and common assessment with my 8th team.
DeleteVern and Tawana, I second that! There is SO much to learn and so much to talk about each with each other. Having the resources from Glenn and the time and to discuss our learnings is really building a collaborative community. I appreciate our varied backgrounds and experiences and how the make our wonderings and conversations even richer.
DeleteClass discussion can be so powerful, I really wanted to share tonight but I I couldn't keep the articles apart in my thoughts! They were all so closely tied together! It was enriching to read the same ideas through the eyes of the authors from different perspectives, and having the opportunity to hear everyone's take aways.
DeleteI am using two of the articles in our team meeting this Monday. I will let you know how it plays out.
DeleteI love how applicable the content is! Let us know how everything works out!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI agree! Thank you Glenn! The partner and group conversations where very insightful! It is nice to hear others thinking and seeing similar things as me.
DeleteI really appreciated going through the Leadership Framework for Principals! I felt kind of relieved to see how similar it is the teacher evaluation system. I have a lot of follow up questions though. I'm concerned about the consistency among evaluators as well as the process that is being used to collect evidence for all of these areas. I also am wondering if Criterion 3,5 and 8 work the same as the Criterion 3,6 and 8 for teachers, where if you don't meet your data goals, you cannot be considered distinguished.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am LOVING learning how to lead with data. I think that this will make us all powerful, effective leaders right out the gate. Go cougs!!!
I think the TPEP process is going to be inconsistent to some degree as principals and districts are still trying to figure things out. I'm hopeful that each year will become clearer for all stakeholders. I'm eager to talk to my principal about the process he went through last year as well as what evidence he used for criterion 3, 5, and 8.
DeleteAlyssa I want to dive deeper in to the leadership framework as well. The information Glenn provided was intriguing. Although I think we had great questions, I feel the discussion have us a more focused agenda for our principal interview. I know my ultimate goal is understanding my SIP abd being able to articulate it. I also have decided that when I get my own building, I want my staff members knowing and understanding the SIP so when asked they have the and understand the path we're taking to get there.
DeleteI really enjoyed the class tonight! The discussion was rich and the company delightful. I didn't realize how much I missed being a part of the conversations. I'm looking forward to the book game and digging deeper into data analysis as well as improving my technologies skills. I really appreciate all of your advice and tips Glenn.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Tawana!
ReplyDeleteThanks for having my back Jenna. You are amazing! Your comments and dedication to the class is inspiring.
DeleteWow, my head hurts! We have a lot of things to look forward to as we go through the next few months. Glenn, I appreciate the narrative about the new initiatives and the explanation about the waiver process. As I look over the document, I feel like I have a better understanding of the situation that Washington State is in and that I will be able to share how we got to this predicament to some degree. As always I love being able to network! Your thoughts, comments, insights are invaluable.
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate the narrative about the new initiatives and the explanation about the waiver process too. This morning on King 5, Randy Dorn was being interviewed about the McCleary Lawsuit, NCLB, and losing the waiver. I was actually able to explain to my husband what it all meant!
DeleteOur conversations around principal evaluations and the use of data systems in their buildings revealed to me just how inquisitive and committed our cohort is. The questions posed by us tonight were thought provoking. The collective knowledge and experiences we bring make for some really lively conversations. I love that we come from different districts, roles, and years of experience. Just think of how much we will learn from our readings, from Glenn, and from listening to our different reflections. Looking through the AWSP Leadership Framework and what it takes for a Principal to be proficient in criterion 3 and 8 (Planning with Data and Closing the Gap) was eye opening. It's a daunting responsibility and one that will require a lot of positive relationship building with a staff before attempting to dig into that work! Thank-you for sharing that with us Glenn. I also really appreciated you modeling some "formative assessment" practices by noticing that we had many questions around the many initiatives in Washington state and then providing us some extra information around them. You're the best! -Elissa
ReplyDeleteWell said Elissa!
DeleteI left tonight feeling once again privileged to be part of group of educators who truly want what's best for students and are willing to do the work that others are not! Like Elissa stated, I am excited that we all come from various backgrounds, job descriptions and districts. There is such a wealth of knowledge and experiences brought to the table each time we meet. Although there are times during the week when I am exhausted trying to juggle a full time teaching job, my own family's schedule and now college coursework, I always leave class feeling energized and ready for the work ahead of us. Like Glenn said, it all starts with relationships and this class has been the beginning of just that!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same... I haven't had students yet, just conferences, but there is always so much to do, as a teacher, mom and student- wondering how I'm going to get it all done, and done well! I too left feeling excited about what is ahead, and anxious to learn more!
DeleteIt was so interesting to hear everyone’s reflection on the articles we all read. I read all eleven articles and chose the ones I connected with most to reflect on. So I was curious to hear why others selected the articles I did not. Many of you provided valid reasons why the specific articles grabbed your attention and it makes me want to go back and re-read the articles I did not reflect on. I appreciate the intriguing discussion. The exchange of ideas has allowed me to see the same information from a variety of lenses. Thank you for providing this opportunity to learn and grow from each of your expertise.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Lori. There were so many insights from the articles that I felt I missed after hearing everyone share their thoughts. It made me go back and look at the articles again and read them from a different perspective.
DeleteHaving the dialogue with this class is rich in content and perspective. Like Sari said, the relationships in the class that we are building is the beginning of great work. We are practicing what we will do as administrators, build relationships to foster student growth. I appreciate Glenn giving us the opportunity to develop our bond, and being ever so flexible in the syllabus. I started this course thinking the class time was long, but it goes by so fast!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed class last night, listening and learning about the AWSP leadership framework. Knowing what my principal is going through and what is ahead for me helps to understand what I need to do. I heard from Glenn a few times how the evaluation can be subjective, and it really comes down to relationships. The article entitled, What the right data can do, she talks about the teacher and student relationship and the huge value in that. One thought I had last night and this morning is how to make sure as a principal I help teachers to remember that, nurture that, and how having great relationships with students will help them to be great teachers, and be able to change the "data" for the better. I too left class feeling so excited and energized about what is ahead. I am anxious to see what I can do to help make a difference where I am right now, with what we are learning.
ReplyDeleteLauralee, that is a very powerful statement, and your right. It does come down to relationships. It's not just about the connections with the families, and the staff, it's the whole community from the top down. I think Dr Yeomans, in PSD has made some very profound changes to shift our way of thinking and the support we offer to each other. Great insight Lauralee!
DeleteI am excited too about what I can do RIGHT NOW with the new inforamtion I am learning each time we meet.
DeleteClass last night was fabulous---from the AWSP framework discussion to the article reflections, my head was going a million miles per hour. I love how our discussions and collaboration which lead to such deep thinking and analyzing of our current and future practice. Glenn, thank you for giving us the gift of time to learn from one another. We are an amazing group of educational leaders if I do say so myself!
ReplyDelete"A million miles an hour" does just about sum it up. As a result, I think we only have time to graze on a few thoughts in our time together. And somehow it is encouraging to assume we are all processing an incredible amount of information and trying to produce our best hypotheticals in leadership and administration. At the end of the evening we have done some "deep thinking" about future practice and it is exhilarating to be a part of.
DeleteMy big "take away" last night was in realizing the important work of reflection and evaluation is getting done through RELATIONSHIPS. Even when the rubric is a bit ambiguous, teachers, superintendents and administrators are having real conversations about improving student learning, instructional practice and leadership. The collaboration happening in evaluation meetings is where the real stuff is happening. On a side note, it was new info for me to learn that Superintendents evaluate principals, or delegate others to do so.
ReplyDelete-Paul
It seems as if everything comes back to RELATIONSHIPS at all levels: classroom, school and district. Relationships will be essential in creating a culture of trust and collaboration.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge believer in the RELATIONSHIP component. In my new leadership role, we are in the midst of a lot of change. For some folks, the change is being associated with the new leadership, yet...regardless of who would have sat in my place, the changes would be happening. It is an interesting place to be in as we shift through the mass transitions.
ReplyDeleteI went from being a peer to being the "evaluator" and the "boss". I am amazed how this change in "politics" changes everything. I am starting to look at the other frames (I know that this is the other class yet it is all so closely connected) besides human resources. How can we reorganize our structure in TPS, capitalize on our human resources, distribute power accordingly and celebrate where we come from and where we are going all while keeping data as our entry point?
I am also spending a lot of time thinking about TPeP. How do we reframe and work collectively and collaboratively to merge the work of 5Ds and AWSP? As we finished drafting our assessment calendars to send out to schools Friday, I find myself looking at the purpose of assessment differently. Our principals need to have the tools to show student growth over time and the data literacy skills to make data driven decisions. Up until this week, I saw the assessment calendars as an organizational tool for teachers. Now, I am seeing them as a guide and support for principals.
We (across the educational system vertically and horizontally) are all in this work together more than ever before.
Also, I am curious to see how Indistar is similar and different to Terry Bergeson's SIP building. Should we focus on Indistar?
ReplyDeleteIndistar is required... and principal's need to know what it is and how to use it...Terry Bergeson's CSIP guide is more comprehensive and provides more protocols and sequential steps to follow for improvement. You could use the ideas and procedures in the CSIP guide to develop the framework you'll follow to promote school improvement using the required Indistar resources.
DeleteMakes sense. Thanks. :)
DeleteYears ago, after a conversation with one of my principals where he wanted me to lead a committee, he pointed out after I said I am not a leader, that my leadership style is servant leadership. I had no idea that I was leading through serving. He talked to me about how the relationships I work so hard to foster and they way I care for people makes them want to be around me...who knew. My take away again this week is "relationships are essential!" Servant leadership is all about relationships and caring for others. I found myself pulling out Business Leadership this week and rereading chapter 9 by Robert K. Greenleaf where I was reminded of this..."the best test, and difficult to administer, is" Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, and more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?" I know that these are the things I need to keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteAs we progress on this journey it continually amazes me how many wonderful leaders we have at our disposal to learn from. As individuals who aspire to be leaders, we are destined to be life long learners. How lucky are we! But the component of relationship continued to resonate with me. The change we can create by taking the time to foster meaningful relationships operating under a common vision; our students.
ReplyDelete