HANCOCK CENTRAL SCHOOL INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Building on our Success Organization, Process, and Focus AGENDA Welcome and Opening Characteristics of High Performing Teams Establishing Team Norms Reflecting on Beliefs Creating Focus Operational Expectations Looking Ahead —Developing the Plan of Action

BUILDING A HIGH PERFORMING INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM Organization, Process, and Focus Purpose:To enhance the use of high performing leadership teams as a contributing structure towards a culture of high expectations…. By: Drawing on the rich experience of each member Engaging members through a variety of structures Using current research and resources on collaboration, teaching and learning, and compliance

Think of a team you have served on that you consider highly effective, very rewarding, and memorable? WHAT MADE IT THAT WAY? When we serve as a TEAM, there are BENEFITS for the: members Team school district CHILDREN

The team shares common vision, mission, goals and is committed to achieving them. Members understand why the team exists and are dedicated to accomplishing goals. The team creates an informal, comfortable climate of TRUST. Everyone accepts responsibility for participating. Communication is open. There are few hidden agendas. Members listen well. Ideas are accepted without criticism. Individuals are VALUED as unique resources. Differences in style are celebrated as benefits to a high performing team. Diversity of opinions, ideas, and approaches are encouraged. Flexibility and sensitivity are recognized as necessary and are practiced. CHARACTERISTICS of HIGH PERFORMING TEAMS A SYNTHESIS OF THE LITERATURE

CHARACTERISTICS of HIGH PERFORMING TEAMS Conflict and disagreement are viewed as healthy and natural— they are surfaced, not avoided, with an emphasis on resolution, not on personalities. Decisions are reached through consensus. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, distributed, and carried out. Leadership is shared. The team works with the larger organization and is responsive to external (and internal) change. The team regularly “self assesses,” seeking to improve itself by examining processes, practices, and results. An attitude of continuous improvement prevails. Team members create a climate where successes are celebrated.

Forming Norming Storming Performing

RULES, GUIDELINES, STANDARDS, THAT GOVERN GROUP INTERACTION...

WISH LIST

Be child-centered Bring positive energy to the task *Maintain professional responsibility and integrity Work collaboratively to reach consensus *Be prepared; review materials; represent your colleagues; be informed; be on time; avoid side conversations

Building a Culture For High Expectations To improve student learning through rigorous study, focused collaboration, and implementation of: Professional Development Common Core Learning Standards Evaluation Systems Data Driven Instruction

CONSENSUS… TOWARDS A COMMON, WORKING DEFINITION “YOU MIGHT HAVE CONSENSUS IF”… All group members contribute/participate Everyone's opinion is heard and encouraged Differences are viewed as helpful Everyone can paraphrase the issue Those who disagree seek to understand All members agree to support the final decision All members take responsibility for implementation All members seek the success of the decision CONSENSUS DOES NOT MEAN… A unanimous vote The decision is everyone’s first choice Everyone agrees Resistance will be overcome Minds will change

 FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS  First Wednesday: 10/3 11/7 12/5 1/2 2/6 3/6 4/3 5/1  LENGTH OF MEETINGS  AGENDA  Collaboratively designed  MEMBER RESPONSIBILITY

Your FACILITATOR  Runs the meeting  Plans Process aligned with agenda  Gives good directions  Keeps group feeling smart  Monitors process  Is committed to process  Refocuses team as needed  Checks for balanced participation  Handles blockers with skill  Paces the team N E U T R A L OR N O T?

The beaver is very skilled at its craft. It knows exactly what to do to fix a dam. The last thing it needs is someone on the bank shouting out dam instructions. -Author unknown

 Professional Development Offerings  Next meeting: Wed, 10/3 at 2:30 PM  Between now and then  Questions, Comments

Together we’ll grow...