In the Spring, 2009 of The AdvancEd Source, Brian MCulty, Ph.D. writes that the single biggest challenge among educators is the lack of follow through. There is not a lack of knowledge, but a instead a lack of action throughout the system. He refers to this as the "knowing-doing gap." Further elaborating on Brian McNulty's article "Five Actions for Success..."
Action 1, Use data well: Although we often give lip service to collecting and using data, are we taking the data and establish performance targets? Once this is done, are we continuing to collect data and analyze our progress? Lastly, is it having an impact on student learning?
Action 2, Focused goal setting: This process is get everyone's attention on a limited number of focused goals and strategies. This means get a whole lot of focus on just a few items for implementation. Revisiting the goals frequently in our formal and informal meetings helps. Does everyone in your school (district) know what the goals are for the school (district)?
Action 3, Focus on developing shared instructional practices: School and districts that are successful are clear about goals and expectations (here is where I make my shameless plug for the class Crucial Confrontations which spends a great deal of time discussion how make your expectations clear). It may also mean that we even whittle the wording town to 3 or 4 catchy phrases that are the focus for your school.
Tomorrow, we will continue our look at the last two steps to improve your implementation of your goals for the year.
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