Definitely interesting...especially the commonalities between plans and presentations. I look forward to seeing how the SIP process evolves over time and with a new leadership perspectives.
I find it interesting that in our readings and discussions we have talked about the power of the school improvement plan being a living document. However, the presentations we have heard so far highlight them more as a box to check. It makes me wonder what the reality of the process and paperwork is.
I wanted to share a link that I have found helpful in finding resources to help my most "at-risk" students. It is easy to access and use. I encourage you to contact them for your students that pull your heart strings.
https://www.washingtonea.org/childrensfund/
Do you know students whose families can't afford to buy a warm coat, a new pair of boots or basic school supplies? The WEA Children's Fund can help!
The Children's Fund reimburses WEA members who buy items to meet the modest, immediate needs of their students.
For more information e-mail WEAChildrensFund@washingtonea.org
Listening to the CSIP presentations it occurs to me that we may find ourselves in a different mindset about data and SIP than current leadership - and that current leadership is a product of the environment in which they find themselves. How do we stay current once we are in a leadership position and not get stuck in the status quo?
Yes. It's enlightening to hear from different schools and districts. Great perspectives and data findings. I found many SIPs have a common tread of linking data with various RTI interventions.
I wonder about staying current all the time. It speaks to the need for on-going professional development, no matter where we are in the educational world, because things are always changing.
Glenn also gives pointers in this realm by highlighting the need to continue to be well-read (books, professional publications, newspapers, blogs, and podcasts). Modeling best practice, one Thursday at a time!
It was enlightening to hear about local schools and districts. Realizing a common thread of needing more data was consistently expressed. Making sure the data is present and analyzed is something that we, at WAVA, are still struggling with. That also sounds like a common thread throughout our schools.
Kathi- This definitely appears to be a common thread, but it seems that we all have a common understanding of the importance of communicating data to all stakeholders for creation and ongoing monitoring of CSIPs.
Katie...I was thinking the same exact thing! As each subsequent cohort, across the state, learns about the importance of data and its direct correlation to student success; and begins to lead schools, we may see a change in how everyone looks at and uses data.
This is an interesting point. Do timelines and/or due dates potentially negatively effect the value of the CSIP? In my experience the CSIP is adjustable and can be updated, but to what end? How much is enough, not enough, or too much?
What are the external constraints that drive the timeline for when CSIPs are 'due' -- what entities set the timeline? Kathi made a really good point about a document that is done for compliance vs the 'working' document at your building that can be responsive and be fluid and change as the data changes during the school year.
I have the same question. The living document part of this process is really the piece that challenges me. I would like to observe a school that makes this process look like a living document. I'm not really sure what a "living" SIP document really looks like.
Having a "living" CSIP was the conversation our team had this morning... we discussed everything from making sure that we all define Tier 1, 2 and 3 the same; that we are using assessments that give meaningful information to teachers to inform instruction; and finding the balance between setting goals that are challenging yet achievable. I think it starts with not pulling this document out only once per year.
"Alive"..."living". What gives things life? Belief. Story. History. Maybe SIPs just lack a spark that connects a staff with belief. Maybe presenting the goals and ideal of a SIP through different visual presentation will help it tell more of a story. The entire history of a school comes to a head during the SIP process. Maybe it should be more of a time to celebrate what has come before and help instill vision into the potential of what's yet to be in our chapter of the school's story.
I enjoyed hearing the many different approaches that all of our schools have towards creating/revising their CSIPs. It is also interesting to hear how the approaches range in their use of data, multiple measures, and teacher voice.
Such a wide range of experiences with SIPs/DLIPs. It sounds like there is a broad spectrum of usefulness/engagement with these. It would be interesting to line us up again based on CSIP implementation or involvement in the life of the school and see if there is any similarity to the mission/vision line. There is a TON of work to be done at Kalles with this. Someone hold me accountable to doing this work with fidelity in the next year and half because it's a little intimidating taking on that school of experienced and entrenched teachers!
I'm ready to be your accountabili-buddy. I've stolen that from somewhere. I harbor a hope for your staff that all you need to do, Cassie, is find a way to open their hearts and minds to seeing that they are in an awesome educational setting and the power of a growth mindset in such a place. Perhaps it would be more palatable to highlight the need to refine and refocus great teaching to the areas that need it most. Not a complete overhaul or anything even close, but more like, "We do a great job "broadly", now let's do an excellent job on very focused and strategic areas."
After hearing about plans throughout other schools and districts it sounds like it is common to struggle with the process. Also, how to incorporate it effectively in the work schools are doing. I am hopeful that the cohorts moving into leadership positions will help shift this perception from a document to a tool being used within buildings.
Tonight's class and all the CSIP Analysis that were presented were a tale-tale sign of a paradigm shift in looking at school improvement plans. I am clearly seeing some lack of attention to grass roots of collaboration. As a future Administration, I want to let my staff drive some of the hard conversations so they can be part of the decisions being made.
With so much data out there it could overwhelm the staff of a school. When even simple consensus is sometimes difficult with smaller nuts and bolts type decision making, analyzing the plethora of percentages, growth rates, adjusting cut-scores, proficiency benchmarks, etc. could seem to big a job to accomplish. Even when hearts are in the right places, having faith that it can be done with efficiency and fidelity is tough. If teachers experience that doubt, then it is all to easy to say, "Wouldn't this time be better spent planning formative assessments or creating awesome, engaging lessons?" Our job then is to say YES! This is exactly what creating a strong SIP is about. Focusing goals based on proven needs, and accomplishing those goals with what teachers do best...collaboration and great teaching. It doesn't have to be either or.
This is sincere: Rainier Growlers. Tomorrow @ 4:00. Be there and be awesome!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate how you are group oriented and are working diligently to build relationships. This is such an important aspect of leadership!
DeleteThanks Michele! See you there!
DeleteGreat leadership and example of the importance of the Human Resources frame. Send me a pic of the crew? I'll be with 60+ NBCTs in Semiahmoo.
DeleteLooking forward to it!
DeleteI will be there!
DeleteWish I could make it, but I must be sober for Jive Night at PHS. Next time!
DeleteHearing about the SIP plans is enlightening. Thank you for sharing about your school, your plans, and the data.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely interesting...especially the commonalities between plans and presentations. I look forward to seeing how the SIP process evolves over time and with a new leadership perspectives.
DeleteI find it interesting that in our readings and discussions we have talked about the power of the school improvement plan being a living document. However, the presentations we have heard so far highlight them more as a box to check. It makes me wonder what the reality of the process and paperwork is.
DeleteI wanted to share a link that I have found helpful in finding resources to help my most "at-risk" students. It is easy to access and use. I encourage you to contact them for your students that pull your heart strings.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.washingtonea.org/childrensfund/
Do you know students whose families can't afford to buy a warm coat, a new pair of boots or basic school supplies? The WEA Children's Fund can help!
The Children's Fund reimburses WEA members who buy items to meet the modest, immediate needs of their students.
For more information e-mail WEAChildrensFund@washingtonea.org
That's awesome! Thank you so much!
DeleteThanks for the reminder about this fund! It took me a couple minutes to apply for my student, and the longest part was finding my WEA ID number.
DeleteListening to the CSIP presentations it occurs to me that we may find ourselves in a different mindset about data and SIP than current leadership - and that current leadership is a product of the environment in which they find themselves. How do we stay current once we are in a leadership position and not get stuck in the status quo?
ReplyDeleteYes. It's enlightening to hear from different schools and districts. Great perspectives and data findings. I found many SIPs have a common tread of linking data with various RTI interventions.
DeleteMissing links. Sorry.
DeleteI wonder about staying current all the time. It speaks to the need for on-going professional development, no matter where we are in the educational world, because things are always changing.
DeleteGlenn also gives pointers in this realm by highlighting the need to continue to be well-read (books, professional publications, newspapers, blogs, and podcasts). Modeling best practice, one Thursday at a time!
DeleteIt was enlightening to hear about local schools and districts. Realizing a common thread of needing more data was consistently expressed. Making sure the data is present and analyzed is something that we, at WAVA, are still struggling with. That also sounds like a common thread throughout our schools.
ReplyDeleteKathi- This definitely appears to be a common thread, but it seems that we all have a common understanding of the importance of communicating data to all stakeholders for creation and ongoing monitoring of CSIPs.
DeleteKatie...I was thinking the same exact thing! As each subsequent cohort, across the state, learns about the importance of data and its direct correlation to student success; and begins to lead schools, we may see a change in how everyone looks at and uses data.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting point. Do timelines and/or due dates potentially negatively effect the value of the CSIP? In my experience the CSIP is adjustable and can be updated, but to what end? How much is enough, not enough, or too much?
DeleteWhat are the external constraints that drive the timeline for when CSIPs are 'due' -- what entities set the timeline? Kathi made a really good point about a document that is done for compliance vs the 'working' document at your building that can be responsive and be fluid and change as the data changes during the school year.
ReplyDeleteI have the same question. The living document part of this process is really the piece that challenges me. I would like to observe a school that makes this process look like a living document. I'm not really sure what a "living" SIP document really looks like.
DeleteHaving a "living" CSIP was the conversation our team had this morning... we discussed everything from making sure that we all define Tier 1, 2 and 3 the same; that we are using assessments that give meaningful information to teachers to inform instruction; and finding the balance between setting goals that are challenging yet achievable. I think it starts with not pulling this document out only once per year.
Delete"Alive"..."living". What gives things life? Belief. Story. History. Maybe SIPs just lack a spark that connects a staff with belief. Maybe presenting the goals and ideal of a SIP through different visual presentation will help it tell more of a story. The entire history of a school comes to a head during the SIP process. Maybe it should be more of a time to celebrate what has come before and help instill vision into the potential of what's yet to be in our chapter of the school's story.
DeleteI enjoyed hearing the many different approaches that all of our schools have towards creating/revising their CSIPs. It is also interesting to hear how the approaches range in their use of data, multiple measures, and teacher voice.
ReplyDeleteOk. It's time to continue to nurture our Growth Mindset as leaders. We have learned a great deal about SIPs and have lots to do. Let's do this...
ReplyDeleteSuch a wide range of experiences with SIPs/DLIPs. It sounds like there is a broad spectrum of usefulness/engagement with these. It would be interesting to line us up again based on CSIP implementation or involvement in the life of the school and see if there is any similarity to the mission/vision line. There is a TON of work to be done at Kalles with this. Someone hold me accountable to doing this work with fidelity in the next year and half because it's a little intimidating taking on that school of experienced and entrenched teachers!
ReplyDeleteI'm ready to be your accountabili-buddy. I've stolen that from somewhere. I harbor a hope for your staff that all you need to do, Cassie, is find a way to open their hearts and minds to seeing that they are in an awesome educational setting and the power of a growth mindset in such a place. Perhaps it would be more palatable to highlight the need to refine and refocus great teaching to the areas that need it most. Not a complete overhaul or anything even close, but more like, "We do a great job "broadly", now let's do an excellent job on very focused and strategic areas."
DeleteAfter hearing about plans throughout other schools and districts it sounds like it is common to struggle with the process. Also, how to incorporate it effectively in the work schools are doing. I am hopeful that the cohorts moving into leadership positions will help shift this perception from a document to a tool being used within buildings.
ReplyDeleteTonight's class and all the CSIP Analysis that were presented were a tale-tale sign of a paradigm shift in looking at school improvement plans. I am clearly seeing some lack of attention to grass roots of collaboration. As a future Administration, I want to let my staff drive some of the hard conversations so they can be part of the decisions being made.
ReplyDeleteWith so much data out there it could overwhelm the staff of a school. When even simple consensus is sometimes difficult with smaller nuts and bolts type decision making, analyzing the plethora of percentages, growth rates, adjusting cut-scores, proficiency benchmarks, etc. could seem to big a job to accomplish. Even when hearts are in the right places, having faith that it can be done with efficiency and fidelity is tough. If teachers experience that doubt, then it is all to easy to say, "Wouldn't this time be better spent planning formative assessments or creating awesome, engaging lessons?" Our job then is to say YES! This is exactly what creating a strong SIP is about. Focusing goals based on proven needs, and accomplishing those goals with what teachers do best...collaboration and great teaching. It doesn't have to be either or.
ReplyDelete