This post highlights how when trust runs both ways- leaders trusting teachers to be experts and teachers trusting in their leaders to support their work- amazing things (like the development of comprehensive responsive curriculum!) can happen!
Rhonda - your post and Matt's chapter have highlighted part of the problem in the curriculum development process that has been occurring where I live. A large majority of teachers have shared they do not trust our government's handling of the curriculum development process. Your reflections about the elements of trust along with Matt's book, have given me inspiration to look at the implementation of our new curriculums a bit differently. While I cannot change the written curriculums or the development process, as a school we do have agency over how we bring curriculum to life through learning activities, assessment practices, learning environments and pedagogical approaches. Thank you for the reminder that we still have many decisions to be made and through trust, we can confidently approach the new curriculum together.
Thanks Heather. It always comes back to a teacher and their students negotiating the curriculum together.
Related, I thought Tom Newkirk had a spot on statement on Twitter the other day:
"Teaching is situational. Research can describe tendencies in larger populations--but it cannot dictate what to do in the moment. That takes judgment."
Thank you for your reflection and honesty about how the acquisition of new curriculum typically takes place, and how that process doesn't necessarily grow one's "expertise." That point is often missed. Your reflection on the experience with the kindergarten teachers that embedded the principles of consistency, compassion, communication, & competence offers readers a different approach to consider when looking at PD and/or curricular purchases. Sharing this experience, and how the four elements of trust played a critical role in growing the expertise of those involved was a breath of fresh air to read!
It is so exciting when motivated teachers come together to figure out what is best for kids. Everyone wins!!
Rhonda,
This post highlights how when trust runs both ways- leaders trusting teachers to be experts and teachers trusting in their leaders to support their work- amazing things (like the development of comprehensive responsive curriculum!) can happen!
Rhonda - your post and Matt's chapter have highlighted part of the problem in the curriculum development process that has been occurring where I live. A large majority of teachers have shared they do not trust our government's handling of the curriculum development process. Your reflections about the elements of trust along with Matt's book, have given me inspiration to look at the implementation of our new curriculums a bit differently. While I cannot change the written curriculums or the development process, as a school we do have agency over how we bring curriculum to life through learning activities, assessment practices, learning environments and pedagogical approaches. Thank you for the reminder that we still have many decisions to be made and through trust, we can confidently approach the new curriculum together.
Thanks Heather. It always comes back to a teacher and their students negotiating the curriculum together.
Related, I thought Tom Newkirk had a spot on statement on Twitter the other day:
"Teaching is situational. Research can describe tendencies in larger populations--but it cannot dictate what to do in the moment. That takes judgment."
(Source: https://twitter.com/Tom_Newkirk/status/1548284285471191045?s=20&t=ef-uAHsOpepKaValsS5R3Q)
Rhonda,
Thank you for your reflection and honesty about how the acquisition of new curriculum typically takes place, and how that process doesn't necessarily grow one's "expertise." That point is often missed. Your reflection on the experience with the kindergarten teachers that embedded the principles of consistency, compassion, communication, & competence offers readers a different approach to consider when looking at PD and/or curricular purchases. Sharing this experience, and how the four elements of trust played a critical role in growing the expertise of those involved was a breath of fresh air to read!