Communication Arts : Synergy in Parkway

Outcomes for our time together What is synergy? Why is it Parkway’s theme? Long Range Planning Connections to today’s sessions

Synergy The bonus that is achieved when things work together harmoniously. Synergy The bonus that is achieved when things work together harmoniously. Mark Twain

Synergy Synergy is achieved when two or more people work together to create a better solution than either could alone. It’s not your way or my way but a better way, a higher way. Stephen Covey

Synergy Synergism is the simultaneous actions of separate entities which together have greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects. Buchholz and Roth

Synergy Conflict is inevitable in a team…in fact, to achieve synergistic solutions, a variety of ideas and approaches are needed. These are the ingredients for conflict. Susan Gerke, IBM Leadership Development

Synergy is best explained as, One plus one equals more than two. Today’s world requires a critical mass of transformational leaders who will commit to creating a synergy of energy within their circle of influence so new level of social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual success can be reached.

Synergy helps… You realize the value of others, and secondly, encourages you to find the right people. Synergy is a dynamic form of leverage. Avoid using it, and end up working four times as hard for half the results. Use it and watch the results expand exponentially!!!!

The Timing is Perfect…

Long Range Planning for Parkway (Phase 1) MSIP Cycle IV began July 1, (Phase 2) MSIP Cycle V begins July 1, 2011

Board of Education Goals/Focus Areas Department & Division Goals School Goals Spheres of Influence

Goal 1: Increase Academic Achievement and Engagement for All Students ( ) consistently implement  Develop and consistently implement an aligned PreK-12 guaranteed, viable, district curriculum that is designed to increase student engagement & achievement. Guaranteed : What ALL students will learn for students to learn Viable : Enough time and resources to teach for students to learn what is guaranteed instructional strategies  Implement evidence-based instructional strategies including technology best practices that promote high levels of student engagement & achievement.

Goal 1: Increase Academic Achievement and Engagement for All Students ( ) consistently implement  Develop and consistently implement an aligned PreK-12 guaranteed, viable, district curriculum that is designed to increase student engagement & achievement. Guaranteed : What ALL students will learn for students to learn Viable : Enough time and resources to teach for students to learn what is guaranteed instructional strategies  Implement evidence-based instructional strategies including technology best practices that promote high levels of student engagement & achievement.

Planning Backwards 1.Identify desired results – “I Cans” 2.Determine acceptable evidence 3.Plan learning experiences and instruction From Understanding by Design, Wiggins & McTighe, ©2005

Long Range Goals 2007 – 2008: Stage One – Desired Results Identified the “I Cans” Cross referenced to other standards (CRS, NETS*S) 2008 – 2009: Stage One – Desired Results Essential Questions Enduring Understandings 2009 – 2010: Stage Two – Acceptable Evidence Authentic Assessments, Performance Events

Long Range Goals 2010 – 2011: Stage Two – Acceptable Evidence Authentic Assessments, Performance Events 2011 – 2012: Stage Three – Learning Experiences Differentiation, critical pedagogy, inquiry, web-enriched collaboration

EQUITY Through Alignment… Everyone knows what the priorities and expectations are and can align their efforts to achieving them. Everyone knows how success is defined, how it will be measured and when. Everyone is involved in finding ways to achieve the priorities within the context of his or her own work and collectively learn what is and what is not working. Decisions are well informed and resources are targeted, giving successful new initiatives a far better chance of being sustained and continuously improved over time. Conzemius and O’Neill

Alignment = Shared Vision of the ideal Parkway graduate Results

Student Academic Performance College Going & Completion Rates Career Readiness Educated Citizenry Earning Potential Global Competitiveness

WHAT THE RESEARCH CONFIRMS  Establish a single expectation for all students  Define knowledge and skills necessary for readiness  Adopt College Readiness Standards ™ (ACT)  Monitor College Readiness early  Create longitudinal data systems Making Readiness a Reality — Five Priorities

ESTABLISH A SINGLE EXPECTATION FOR ALL ACT Research: Ready for College and Ready for Work

ADOPT COLLEGE READINESS STANDARDS Example: English College Readiness Standards

LONGITUDINAL ASSESSMENTS College Readiness System Scores

Shared Commitments To core competencies and grade- specific essential questions Backward Design Transfer

New Tools E- Feedback – faster, clearer, more effective Online collective inquiry using Web 2.0 tools Brain-compatible music and rhythm-based methods to expand expressive language

PARKWAY SYNERGY Together gears perform tasks at a rate that makes machines run quicker, smoother and more efficiently. As a team of gears works in unison behind the scenes they are moving in different directions and at different speeds; linked together they each have their own responsibility, but the same goal. You are an integral part of Parkway’s team, allowing us to work better together and in turn driving us to success. You are a perfect fit.