Well, for this week's assignment, there were many ways to tackle it. I really didn't even have to BLOG. I could have just commented on someone else's entry, but instead I am trying to build my BLOGGING MUSCLES and blog more often. So I chose to answer the assignment via this question:
How do you go about creating innovative practices in your schools?
Certainly, as a new principal, at a turn-around school, I believe that I have not focused on innovation as much as I would like to; however, I do recognize innovation when I see it, and I know how to support it.
I believe the easiest way to create innovative practices in our schools is ......simple......
YOU JUST SAY YES!
I have some brilliant and daring faculty who are true innovators. When they come to me and ask, "What do you think about this?" or when they inquire, "Would it be okay if I tried this?" my answer is always YES! YES! YES!
As the experts in the classroom, the teachers need my support when they are feeling courageous and want to branch out, especially in areas connected to technology integration.
I can recall multiple times over the course of the year where a teacher wanted to try something new. I fully supported them, and their idea blossomed, was a success, and it resulted in increased student engagement in learning. Risk-taking leads to innovation which leads to growth and success!
Step 2 for creating innovative practice at our school has been my Promotion and Praise of those who have taken the risks leading to innovation. I have 3 venues where I promote the practices of those who are taking the road to innovation. I promote and praise in my Monday Memo called the Cheetah Chat, in my Friday Focus called the Cheetah PUPdate, and during faculty meetings and/or after-school professional development sessions. The way to continue risk-taking behavior is to make certain it is rewarded.
Innovation is critical in our ever-changing world. The technology is advancing so quickly that I can hardly keep up, and I am pretty close to the cutting edge of many types of tech. The problem will reach the tipping point in education when the majority of children entering our schools know more about the technology than the teachers teaching them. In actuality, this might already be true in most high schools and many middle schools. Teachers MUST be innovators and need to embrace the culture of innovation to maintain relevance. I have set a new goal for myself this fall to try a brand new technology that I have not used yet. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get there next month. May we all be innovators. Our students need it.
Hi Carol - this is a great topic to write about. I agree we are all about innovation and the first thing we need to do is say YES to our staff - that in a very real way can be liberating to staff who have not had the opportunity to innovate in the past. I truly believe that there is greater wisdom in the collective. As a leader, I need to respect that every day.
ReplyDeleteWhere I sometimes run into trouble is when I get to far ahead of the curve and i push too hard. This does not display a desire to innovate it displays an overarching ego. When I recognize this I know i need to draw back. I need to be more humble and more respectful of where the staff is at this moment. If I can do this we will continue to innovate as a team.
A good lesson I am trying hard to learn!! Thanks for this.