The Only Way Through is Together
Newsletter
I have updated my weekly round up/newsletter. Specifically, I am including a brief writing followed by recommended readings and resources. What do you think? Share your feedback in the comments at the end.
This week we examine the power of cooperative learning and collaborative leadership. For more content, including original articles, discussion threads and podcasts, subscribe today.
Already There
This summer, multiple instructional strategies were identified by our families as areas to develop: authentic tasks, voice and choice, student discussion, clarity of expectations, and proactive communication. These areas are part of my school’s goal of an equitable education for every student.
Goals…when we set them as an individual, the assumption is we need to improve in a specific skill or capacity. That's probably safe.
However, when we set a goal as a learning community, that same assumption is not necessarily true. Many of the areas listed previously are evident in our school. I know this because I see them in action. All five strategies are represented in our collective instruction.
In other words, we are already "there" in that these elements are present in our school.
Our challenge as leaders is to disperse these practices throughout the building, by facilitating professional conversation and opening up our networks. Like adding gears to a pulley system, the more of us we have working together, the lessening of the load we have to carry going forward.
Recommended Reading and Resources
Peter DeWitt recommends team walk-throughs for groups of administrators in this article to better understand virtual instruction this year (Education Week).
Our culture and our educational system in the U.S. would benefit to improve in cooperative learning, a case made in a recent post by Alfie Kohn. (h/t Regie)
Recent features: I offered my thinking on pedagogy in a digital world for the most recent issue of Education Technology (free), and I wrote about followership and listening to lead for recent Choice Literacy newsletters ($).
With these stressful times, how are you managing the systems? Share your questions and suggestions in this slow chat.
I am almost finished reading A Most Beautiful Thing by Arshay Cooper, the true story of the first all-black high school rowing team. It’s inspiring as well as reflective of some of the obstacles created by our systems, including education.
Quotable
“I glide toward the staircase, feeling like I am part of something. Practice was different than other classes at Manley, where teachers focused on your shortcomings. Today, someone paid attention to my strengths.”
- Arshay Cooper