Creating a vision for continuous improvement Visioning Training Creating a vision for continuous improvement updated 8/13/18

Fahrig, R. SI Reorg Presentation: DCSI 06/28/18 Introduction ESC staff add introduction and training logistics/norms here Say (2 mins): Over the next 2 hours, we will practice analyzing state accountability data and practice developing problem statements and annual goals that will be the foundation for improvement planning for the year. We will focus on analyzing state accountability data during this session to ensure that we have a deep understanding of why the campus did not meet standard. We will review other data sources during the root cause analysis. Norms

How to use this training Select a facilitator (this should be the District Coordinator of School Improvement) Print enough copies of the note taking guide so that each participant has one Have participants sit at tables with pens/markers and sticky notes; make sure there is chart paper or a whiteboard that all participants can see Look at the presenter notes for guidance in facilitation Invite various stakeholders to the visioning process, including teachers, administrators, parents, students, support staff, etc. Repeat if necessary in multiple groups. updated 8/13/18

Purpose and Outcome The purpose of this module is to guide campus teams through the first part of the school improvement process: Visioning. Outcome: We will create a vision statement that embodies a vision of change, establishes a sense of urgency, and creates a picture of a preferred future. If the campus already has a vision statement: Does it embody a vision of change that will resolves the campus’ low performance? Recommendation: test the current vision statement against the criteria in this presentation Facilitator will review purpose and outcome with participants. Note: if the campus already ahs a vision statement, make sure it is an appropriate vision that will lead the campus to meet standard/no longer be identified for comprehensive support. At a minimum, test it against the criteria set forth in the presentation. updated 8/13/18

Selected Characteristics of an Effective Vision Imaginable: Conveys a picture of what the future state of the campus will look like Focused: Is concise and clear enough to provide guidance in decision making Communicable: Is easy to communicate and explain Collaborative: Created with input from all in order to establish a sense of ownership Facilitators Note: We will use these characteristics to test the vision statement the team identifies at the end of the session. Review this slide with participants. In the note taking guide, answer reflection question 1: why does a vision statement need to have each of these characteristics? (Another way to think of this: what might happen in your planning if your vision does not have these characteristics?) updated 8/13/18

How do we craft a vision statement? “Key ideas, values, and beliefs are the beginning of powerful visions.” The vision describes the organization in a future successful state. Beliefs and values define what the organization stand for and how it will behave in order to improve. Facilitators note: Step 1: Identify core values Step 2: Picturing the Ideal School Step 3: Create the Vision updated 8/13/18

Step One: Identify Core Values Individually, complete the sentence stems under ”Step one: Identify Core Values Individual Reflection” in your note-taking guide. (Take 7 minutes) Give participants a few minutes to reflect on their beliefs. updated 8/13/18

Step One: Identify core values Based on the ideas you generated to complete the sentence stem, select three beliefs you feel are the most important. These will be your core values. Write those core values on a sticky note. (One core value per sticky note.) updated 8/13/18

Step One: Identify core values (cont.) In a group of 3-5: Share your core values and group similar values As a group, come to a consensus on three to five core values. Record each of these on new sticky notes Whole group share out: In your note taking guide, answer the reflection question: What similarities do you notice about the core values from the entire group? Facilitator note: individuals will not form small groups and refine/come to consensus on core values. You will then have each group share their values, and then individuals will reflect on what values the group has in common. updated 8/13/18

Step Two: The ideal school Think of your ideal school. If you were observing your ideal school, what would you see? In your note-taking guide, complete the chart under step 2. (Take 10 minutes) Facilitator gives participants 10 minutes to think about what each group would be doing in a school that fits their ideal. updated 8/13/18

Step Two: The ideal school Reflection question: With a partner, take 5 minute to discuss: How do the core values you identified in Step One create the conditions for these actions to occur? (Record your ideas in your note- taking guide) Have participants answer the reflection question with a partner. updated 8/13/18

Step Three: Create the vision In this step, we will use the core values and the descriptions of the ideal school we’ve identified to create a vision for school improvement Remember, an effective vision is: Imaginable: Conveys a picture of what the future state of the campus will look like Focused: Is concise and clear enough to provide guidance in decision making Communicable: Is easy to communicate and explain Collaborative: Created with input from all in order to establish a sense of ownership updated 8/13/18

Practice: Statement 1 Read the following vision statement: “Texas Middle School will create a dynamic learning environment with a culture of high expectations for all stakeholders in order to move students towards greatness and inspire the community.” In your note-taking guide, answer: Does this statement meet the criteria for an effective vision statement? Facilitators note: First, participants will evaluate 2 sample vision statements to see if they meet the established criteria. Allow time for group discussion and calibration. updated 8/13/18

Practice: Statement 2 Read the following vision statement: ““All Paris High School students will achieve personal success in their learning and become responsible and productive citizens.” In your note-taking guide, answer: Does this statement meet the criteria for an effective vision statement? Facilitators note: First, participants will evaluate 2 sample vision statements to see if they meet the established criteria. Allow time for group discussion and calibration. updated 8/13/18

Step Three: Create the vision Now let’s write our vision statement. Individually, write a draft vision statement in your note- taking guide. (Take 5 minutes to think and write) updated 8/13/18

Step Three: Create the vision In groups of three: Evaluate each draft vision statement. Do they meet all the criteria for an effective vision? (5 minutes) Develop a group draft vision statement that incorporates elements of the individual statements (10 minutes). Record this in your note-taking guide. updated 8/13/18

Step Three: Create the vision Each group will share their vision statement with the whole group: Evaluate each draft vision statement. What elements would you want to keep in the campus’ vision statement? Write the whole group vision statement in your note-taking guide. Record the elements people want to keep on chart paper or the whiteboard at the front of the room. Use those ideas to record the final vision statement. updated 8/13/18

Next step: Attend continuous improvement training at your region service center. Take this vision statement with you! updated 8/13/18

Sources Kotter, John P., Leading Change, Harvard Business Review Press, 2012, Boston, MA Creating a Vision: http://mdk12.msde.maryland.gov/process/leading/vision.html updated 8/13/18

Fahrig, R. SI Reorg Presentation: DCSI 06/28/18 School Improvement Contacts (show slide 18) This concludes the Data Analysis for Improvement Planning training! (Facilitator note: include your contact info/follow up method here) Dr. Belinda S. Gorena, Administrator 956-984-6173 bgorena@esc1.net Ruben Degollado, Coordinator 956-984-6185 rdegollado@esc1.net Barbara Gonzales, Specialist 986-984-6145 bgonzales@esc1.net Benjamin Macias, Specialist 956-984-6234 bmacias@esc1.net