Dr. Karolyn J. Snyder, President International School Connection, Inc.

Vision for a New Century To prepare students for success in life in the global age!

Chaos Theory studies change in natural systems Change is….. Non-linear & unpredictable Rapid, radical & self generating Self structured Random & uncontrollable Survival links to responsiveness!

Karolyn J. Snyder, 1996 Living on the Edge of Chaos 1. Growing systems respond to environmental changes 2. Disequilibrium Promotes Change 3. Energy Builds Thru Connections 4. Natural Systems Self- Organize 5. New Systems Evolve From Prototypes 6.Change is a Dance of Life & Death Preparing Students For Success In a Global Age

The Environment Matters

What is happening around the World? Growing distance between rich and poor nations Environmental issues Backlash End of patriarchalism Terrorism

Technology & Media Economics & Markets Power & Politics Demographics & Culture The Environment

The World is now a Network Society Information technology revolution Information economy based on networking Transformation of work Culture of real virtuality (Manuel Castells, 2000)

Information Technology Global Markets Multi-national cultures Social Networks Nanotechnology & Biotechnology Entrepreneurs Cross Cultural Work Teams

Percent of 15-year olds falling below international benchmarks 1.South Korea1.411.New Zealand Japan2.212.France Finland4.413.Switzerland Canada5.014.Belgium Australia6.215.Iceland Austria8.216.Hungary Britain9.417.Norway Ireland10.2 * 18.USA Sweden Germany Czech Republic Denmark 17.0

hat’sIt allAbout?hat’sIt allAbout? What is Your Mental Model Of Schooling?

Disequilibrium is * The condition in which dynamic systems are most alive and creative.... * It gives the energy for stimulating the need for change.

This is Sam, who is 12 years old and lives in Boston.

This is Won Mae, who is 17 and lives in Iowa.

This is Tamara who is 17 and lives in Iowa.

This is Dan who is 18 and lives in Michigan.

This is Courtney who is 14 and lives in Montana.

Where everyone has……. * a voice * an opportunity * responsibility * benefits

Weak connections Weak connections generate no energy for growth.

Strong connections Strong connections produce continuous energy

Resistance to change Low SES population Program isolation A few connections exist Connection strategies at work Principal as leader Focus: student success in school Patterns in Low-Involvement Schools

High energy for change Mixture of SES Program Integration Connections everywhere Manage energy explosion Staff/principal leadership Focus: student readiness for the 21st century Patterns in High-Involvement Schools

Far from Equilibrium Far from Equilibrium Disequilibrium fosters new order.Complex systems self-organize.Evolving systems are unpredictable !

Work Culture Effects on Achievement Darlene Bruner, 1997 School Work Culture: Degrees of teacher involvement Planning, HRD, Instruction, Assessment Involvement Patterns Low Moderate High___ Low Achievement Schools 1.5% 60.0% 38.5% High Achievement Schools 6.3% 26.6% 67.1%

52 K-12 Schools – Pasco County in Florida Schools with High Quality Work Cultures were significantly higher in student achievement patterns on State tests. The Integration of Culture Dimensions: Visionary Leadership, Development Plans, Systemic Action, Use of Information, HRD, Quality Programs, Customer Satisfaction Dr. Kristen Snyder, 2000

The Teacher’s Voice in High Involvement Cultures Professional capacities diminish chaos * Professional capacities diminish chaos *Continuous improvement is a dynamic force *Communication provides energy *Empowerment stimulates activity *Development equips teachers to manage chaos

Respond to the environment Use information Build strong connections Self-organize Pilot new ideas Celebrating what works!

It is the life and health of a whole natural system that matters

Promote Pilots Promote Pilots of Complete New Systems *Nongradedness *Continuous Progress *Interdisciplinary curriculum *Portfolio Assessment *Cooperative Learning *Team Teaching

Celebrate Life and Death! The natural cycle of life Is shedding the old and evolving the new.

Schools in… Finland

Sweden

Russia

Dr. Elaine Crum Sullivan