Agree completely. Having been in a turnaround situation, it’s frustrating to be pushed into taking actions without first examining and talking about what teachers believe are obstacles and challenges and asking that specific question: what can we do to help you? In really difficult circumstances, with multiple problems (and this is almost always the case), jumping in with a “solution” rarely addresses the core challenges. Teachers are very good at understanding the issues and also know there is no single solution such as a program or curriculum that will fix everything. It takes lots of observations, conversations, and critical thinking of everyone to decide what steps might be undertaken. Rarely is this process honored. That’s why teachers ( and school leaders, I might add), are frustrated and feel left out of the problem solving. How can I help you should be the first question asked in these situations.
Agree completely. Having been in a turnaround situation, it’s frustrating to be pushed into taking actions without first examining and talking about what teachers believe are obstacles and challenges and asking that specific question: what can we do to help you? In really difficult circumstances, with multiple problems (and this is almost always the case), jumping in with a “solution” rarely addresses the core challenges. Teachers are very good at understanding the issues and also know there is no single solution such as a program or curriculum that will fix everything. It takes lots of observations, conversations, and critical thinking of everyone to decide what steps might be undertaken. Rarely is this process honored. That’s why teachers ( and school leaders, I might add), are frustrated and feel left out of the problem solving. How can I help you should be the first question asked in these situations.