These materials were produced with Title I, Part A funds and are in the public domain.

The MI Excel Statewide Field Team at Calhoun Intermediate School District proudly recognizes our partners in this work: Eastern UP Intermediate School District Gogebic Ontonagon Intermediate School District Muskegon Area Intermediate School District We are grateful for their willingness to share their expertise with us and the entire state. Thank you!

Communicating Change: The Role of the District Network Matt Olson, Superintendent Benzie Central Schools Cindy Hunt, MI Excel Statewide Field Team

Systemic Reconfiguration Dramatic Improvement in Student, Teacher, and Leader Performance in a short amount of Time. The Blueprint: Systemic Reconfiguration

Session Description How a district prepares for and manages organizational change during systemic reconfiguration is vital to success efforts. Are District Network leaders prepared to lead and guide change in a way that successfully influences organizational practices? This session will examine the role of the District Network in leading and communicating Blueprint installation including developing a plan to utilize various tools and resources to support communication across the district.

Session Outcomes Participants will: Examine the districts role in systemic reconfiguration and deepen understandings of organizational change; Reflect on the role of the Communication Driver System and how it might be leveraged to manage organizational change; Explore available tools to monitor and adjust our work as a District Network.

Discuss with someone near you: Name, position, district Why are you here? Stand up-Take 10 steps in any direction Discuss with someone near you: Name, position, district Why are you here today?

Folks in the Room Matt Olson, Superintendent Benzie Central Schools Cindy Hunt, Facilitator MI Excel Statewide Field Team

What is change management? Change management is a structured approach for ensuring that changes are thoroughly and smoothly implemented, and that the lasting benefits of change are achieved. (Mind Tools: Essential Skills for an Excellent Career) Evidence of Practice for District Network

Seriously Folks! What does a District Network do? District Networks are the primary vehicle which communicates and creates relationships to impact and manage change across the district!

Evolution of a District Network Build it and they will come! Who, where, when, why Communicate

Evolution of a District Network Blueprint Learning! Who, where, when, why Communicate Keep learning and doing in balance!

Evolution of a District Network Feeling comfortable! Who, where, when, why Communicate Go back to the purpose! Are you stalled?

When you Stall…. Find out why! (From the Evidence of Practice) Is your District Network…. Creating a sense of urgency for the work? Promoting professional risk taking to make dramatic change and improvement? Developing structures to promote collective responsibility? Removing barriers that impede improvement? Leading the Blueprint reconfiguration efforts? Why or Why not?

Reflect…. How evolved is your DN? Discuss at your table: What is your District Network doing to support change across your district? How is your District Network communicating changes, successful or not?

Evolution of a District Network Your District Network isn’t just a meeting. Your District Network is a bridge to developing a network of relationships to help keep urgency of the work. Use your Learning Focused Partnerships as a bridge to the communicate change at scale.

What could possibly get in the way of leading and communicating change? Discuss with someone at your table barriers you have to navigate to lead change.

Getting started and beyond! Start with Routine /Commitment/Learning Move to Deeper Practice / Relationships Focused on Building Leadership. Create Learning Focused Partnerships Superintendent needs support to develop Don’t forget!

Consider- Routine/ Membership/ Purpose

Communication Resulting from Actions

Week at a Glance Matt’s Week

Create the Bridge Your District Network is not just a meeting! The District Network creates relationships which resolve conflicts and motivate others while maintaining urgency for daily systemic change! Are your meeting structures and relationships reflecting that?

Tools and Systems for Change Management Communication… Who? What? Why? Data…What kind? For what? Teams…What kind? For what? Building Teams... For what? Teacher Collaboration… About What? Central Office Partnerships...Why? What other systems, tools, procedures might help you?

Take time to share with your table Next Steps... Got It Reflect on your District Network List what you have going already Need It Reflect on your District Network List your next evolutionary step Take time to share with your table

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These materials were produced with Title I, Part A funds and are in the public domain.