R/D8: Pick out two trends or issues that particularly surprised you and/or hit home and explain why.
When I first started reading about Guidance System for Transforming Education (GSTE) I thought “that’s what my school needs.” The more I read the more I was overwhelmed with how much we would have to do and how little support it would probably receive. Our “district” comprises two school buildings (K-5 & 6-9) managed by a company that delivers from up high. The buildings are right next to each other, but there is very little interaction between the staff. The charter was much better in previous years, but this past year the quality of the students has decreased dramatically. I believe this in part due to our doubling in size. The management and higher administration are just now, in the last two weeks of school, realizing how bad things have gotten. Unfortunately, I don’t think GSTE is realistic for us at the moment. It is too big a pill to swallow especially when most teachers are looking for jobs elsewhere.
I also got excited about Step-Up-To-Excellence (SUTE) when I read Figure 21.1. This seems to be much more manageable. “Build team spirit.” That’s one they’ve worked on. “Periodically secure necessary resources.” They’ve tried their best with limited funds because of doubling our size this past year. “Engage in reflection.” Teachers do that every two weeks regarding their lessons. Further reading dashed my hopes— SUTE can “…be used with failing or low-performing districts if these districts develop the necessary conditions for successful whole-district change.” The book then lists five conditions. If these conditions aren’t in place then they have to be developed in the needed Pre-Launch Preparation phase.
I am learning so much and it is very frustrating not being able to use it. I hope that I can recognize these traits in my next district. I also hope that my current charter school’s management team puts some of GSTE and SUTE into place in the very near future for the sake of the students’ future.
4 comments:
In my blog I commented on how involved the GSTE process is and like you said it is a pretty big pill to swallow. It just almost seems like an unreachable goal or that a district would become so chaotic in the process that they would have to abandon it, or alter it an not get the full effect.
It also gets to me when I see great ideas that I can use because of I don't make the policy , I just follow it. I really hope your school does make the changes you speak of, and your district can get back on track.
Wow that sounds like a bad situation to be in. I think most schools could work on communication better. We have lunch together as a district once a year at the beginning of the school year and that is about the only time I see staff from other schools.
Steps do sound a lot more manageable.
I also sympathize with the fact that s a teacher I really don't have much say in certain aspects even though I am involved as an educator.
Donna,
In order for improvement to happen, you are right in saying that "teamwork" is necessary, and that has to be a struggle when everyone is looking for work elsewhere. With the drastic increase in numbers of students, would your administration look into a technology setup? It does look like a GSTE is necessary, but that is up to the administration, and regardless of the turnover of teachers, it is something that they need to do.
It kind of stinks when you read about things that can fix problems, but then realize that it isn't realistic, or that it won't be given the attention that is deserved to solve the problem. As I wrote earlier, hopefully you can use this knowledge that you are gaining in a setting that utilizes it.
There are many districts in your same boat. Its going to take strong leadership to get over the difficulties.
Post a Comment