CRL Learns Book Study: The Six Secrets of Change by Michael Fullan
In the first book study sponsored by CRL Learns, participants used a process called “Open Space Technology” to explore topics from the book in small-group discussions. Several people volunteered to host discussions on topics that particularly interested them. Below are notes from the discussions.
Note: For more on Open Space Technology:
• Open Space Technology: A User’s Guide (http://www.amazon.com/Open-Space-Technology-Users-Guide/dp/1576754766/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225297714&sr=8-1)
• Open Space World (http://www.openspaceworld.com/)
Discussion topic: You can borrow or steal a technique, but never a philosophy or culture.” (Fullan, 2008, pg 16.)
Host: Michael Kennedy
Discussion notes:
To what extent…?
-Value system of all?
Where’s our time and money going?
-Too tight-Too loose dilemma
Building from top down
And with the collective gray
-Top-down approaches leave little room for ownership, personalization, [buy-in]
Discussion topic: Secret 3: Capacity Building Prevails
Host: Susanne James
Discussion notes:
Capacity Building
Non-judgmentalism
Urban Education-Are we (KU) climbing the hill or are we circling the base?
-teachers are experiencing heightened sense of fear because of expectations
-vicious cycle of new initiatives with no time for thoughtful practice
-not investing resources and people who support capacity building
-treat each other with respect and appreciation
-professional development VS coaching, thoughtful practice (efficiency)
-Culture of school-paradox-capacity building
Trust does not equal change
-Personalized change to build capacity
-Climb the hill-unrealistic expectations
-Change from bottom up with top down support, not pressure (Fear)
-No lip service of support > provide action
-Interesting content > student interest and culturally relevant context
-Higher Ed Responsibility and Resources
Culturally relevant teacher prep, NOT Multiculturalism Class
-Capacity building is really changing how society thinks/values education
Discussion topic: How to make data transparent?
Host: Steve Lee
Data-based decision making in organizations
Could use part of audio clip of this discussion with a link such as “Hear part of the discussion.”
Discussion topic: Chapter 4: Learning is the Work
Host: Lynn Barnes
Discussion notes:
-Manager (Principal, Academic Leader) is a teacher FIRST
-Partnership Principles
*Voice
*Praxis
*Equality
*Reciprocity
*Choice
*Dialogue
*Reflection
Professional Learning Network?
-Strike a balance between innovation and consistency
-Empowerment
Discussion topic: Secret 1: Love Your Employees
Host: Leslie Novasel
Commitment fostered by people falling love with their peers