I have had the wonderful opportunity to read many books and articles over the past several years. The book I am currently reading, “What the Bleep Do We Know?” is an interesting look at the similarities that exist between spirituality and quantum physics. One of the concepts I found most enlightening was the idea of asking great questions to help change the direction of our lives. The examples given were directed primarily toward individuals, but I thought about how that concept would easily extend to groups and organizations. So, I started our pre-service talking about reflecting on great questions, including asking lots of What? Why not? How?
Some of this is evident in Rick DuFour’s work with professional learning communities. What do we want our students to know? How will we know they’ve learned it? What will we do if they don’t learn it (or what will we do if they already know it?) But I also think that we can go deeper than that. Included among many important questions we must ask of ourselves as an organization are, What is our purpose? What is essential for our students (and staff) to be successful? And, for myself as I look at the 21st century skills framework, what great questions can I ask our staff, board, community, and most importantly, students, to develop the best educational system possible?
I look forward to the conversations that develop from these questions.
3 comments:
How many conversations have developed from these questions? Do you have meaningful conversations with anyone other than staff? Have you or any of your staff gone up to a parent you don't know and sat down to have a conversation with them? Have the board members done this? I think you would be surprised at what you would learn if you would. There are a great many resources,opportunities and talents in the surrounding communities,that all our students could benefit from. Have you even tried to tap into any of these? All people have gifts and talents to share, as well as opinions. Are you really ready and willing to listen and learn from them? I think the board and administration need to be much more willing to listen to those opinions that differ from their own and try to be more receptive of those opinions. I think the board discounts the community as a whole, and only concentrates on the matters they find of personal benefit, they need to open their minds more and work in a collaborative effort with the whole community.
I am really surprised by this comment! Why should the administration or board have to come to you? If you have a comment, idea, question, or opinion you need to go to them. I am sure they would be happy to listen to you. If people in the community have talents, resources or opportunities to share they should let that be known. There are many organizations they can help out with and volunteer. The board and administration are trying to make decisions that benefit all children. Of course they care about their own children, who doesn't? Remember, the board members volunteer for this position and see very little gratitude for many of the wonderful decisions they make, but are criticized because you may not know the entire, correct circumstances. When is the last time you went to a board meeting? It is a great place to listen and let your thoughts be known. So try it!
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