As a special education leader, it is crucial that you have a process by which you regularly evaluate what is working well and what is not. This important process is about achieving and sustaining success, a process that consists of components that can be replicated. Sustaining whole system change in education requires leaders at various levels of the organization engaging in collaborative conversations, designing innovative and meaningful programs, and having the ability to manage outcomes. For this Discussion, you will evaluate components of sustainability and apply those skills in analyzing the two Sustainability Scenarios. As a leader in the field of special education, how will you create an effective model of measuring sustainability?
To Prepare:
- Review the articles on sustainability. Make notes of components of sustainability identified in successful districts.
- Review the McIntosh et al. article. Reflect on the four factors contributing to sustainability.
- Reflect on the Ontario Reform Strategy in Chapter 5 of the Fullan and Quinn text, concentrating on special education aspects.
- Read The Components of Sustainability provided in the Module Resources. Focus on components of sustainability evident in both districts. Consider other aspects of the Coherence Framework that support sustainability.
- Identify five additional scholarly sources that would support your position on components of sustainability.
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post your analysis of effective components of sustainability identified through your research and module resources. Based on the components chosen, identify components of sustainability evident in both districts. Which components of sustainability might be missing in the unsuccessful district? Compare and contrast any notable differences as they relate to sustaining and achieving success. Explain which components of the coherence framework are evident at Kristi’s site as opposed to Jenny’s. How do these factors impact the components of sustainability? Explain your answer. Include at least five scholarly resources to support your position.
SCENARIO is attached.
Also more graphics A full-color version of this infographic is also available for download at http://www.corwin.com/ books/Book244044 under “About” and then “Sample Materials and Chapter
The Components of Sustainability
The Components of Sustainability Program Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING]CHRISTY: Jenny? Hi, I’m Christy.
JENNY: Hi Christy. It’s so nice to meet you.
CHRISTY: It’s nice to meet you too. I’m so glad we could finally get to meet. How are you doing?
JENNY: Oh, I’m getting by. How are you?
CHRISTY: Oh, I’m doing well. Well, let me start off by explaining the CEC, new teacher mentoring program. And then I’ll tell you about my background. And then, I’m going to find out how your first couple of month’s teaching are going.
JENNY: That sounds good to me.
CHRISTY: OK, the Council of Exceptional Children started a mentoring program for new teachers in the field years ago to help support and hopefully keep new special education teachers. This is my fifth year of being qualified as a mentor.
JENNY: I am really counting on this program. Everything seems so overwhelming right now.
CHRISTY: Well, we’ll be here to provide you guidance, resources, and support throughout the year.
JENNY Thank you so much. I could really use the help.
CHRISTY: So about me, I started as a general education teacher and did that for five years. But I always love working with my special ed students. So I decided to get my license, and I’ve been a special education teacher for 15 years now. And trust me, I’ve had my ups and downs, but there’s absolutely no profession I would rather be in. And once you get acclimated and build up your resources, you’ll find the job much more rewarding.
JENNY: Wow, you’ve been in the field for a really long time. I always thought I wanted to be a special education teacher, and I just graduated last year with two special education licenses, but these first few months have been really tough. I’m beginning to think if I have the skills to do this.
The Components of Sustainability
CHRISTY: Trust me, most beginning teachers say the same thing. I felt like that when I first started. And actually I’m starting in a brand new school so, it’s a bit of a fresh start for me too.
JENNY: Oh, it must be nice starting at a new school. The school I’m at in Grand City is older and kind of run down.
CHRISTY: Oh, it is nice. My new school has all the latest technology, new curriculum, and all the latest resources
JENNY: The school I’m in hardly has any technology. I have to use my personal iPad to give the students some exposure. We have one classroom computer, but it’s really old and runs slow. All the teachers fight to get into the computer lab, so I don’t use it very much with my students.
CHRISTY: If you need help planning out some lessons, just let me know.
JENNY: I love planning creative lessons. I’m just having a hard time finding time. Our principal is really strict, and he has really high expectations. Most of the teachers stay here well past 5:00 to finish up work, and even take it home with them.
CHRISTY: Just like your resources, you’ll find different leadership styles at different schools. Sometimes you have to make do with what you have until you can upgrade your tools. Sometimes you might have to look for opportunities elsewhere.
JENNY: Our principal is really smart. I mean he really knows his stuff, but he can be really condescending sometimes. As a first year teacher, I feel like I’m not doing anything right, and I don’t hear anything positive. He’s so worried about test scores.
CHRISTY: I haven’t looked up Grand City recently. How are the scores looking?
JENNY: Low, for both reading and math, not to mention poor attendance and high rates of student mobility.
CHRISTY: Yeah, those are hard enough to deal with trying to teach any kid, especially ones with exceptionalities. I know this seems so overwhelming right now, and it sounds like you’re at a school with a lot of challenges, but your students need a dedicated teacher like you. And trust me, you will make a positive impact on them.
JENNY: I hope so. I guess I need to focus on that.
The Components of Sustainability
CHRISTY: No matter what happens, this will be a good learning experience for you, and will make you a stronger teacher.
JENNY: I just want to last through the year. I don’t think my principal likes me very much.
CHRISTY: Maybe it will just take some time. I’ve worked for different principals with different leadership styles, and right now I’m just lucky to work with an amazing principal. That’s part of the reason I decided to go to the new school when it opened. My former principal took a position there, and we all decided to follow her.
JENNY: What did she do that you like so much?
CHRISTY: Well, she was a teacher for many years herself, and she understand what it’s like. She has an outgoing and kind personality. And she also acknowledges that teachers are professionals and experts. She’s set up numerous committees and teams to ensure she’s getting feedback prior to making decisions.
JENNY: She sounds amazing. Our principal says our team should meet up at least twice a month, but I don’t think most teams are doing that.
CHRISTY: We have a mandatory team meeting each week and it’s so beneficial. We review curriculum and standards. It’s a great way to hear new ideas. The reading specialists and the technology specialists, they make their way around the different meetings and share interesting things in their world. I encourage you to start talking to the other special ed staff, and ask them to set up weekly meetings.
JENNY: That is a good idea.
CHRISTY: Recently, I’ve been nominated to be the representative for a school improvement team, that also works with other schools in the district. It does mean some extra hours, but I get to work with other staff, parents, and community members to create goals and action plans for school and district improvement.
CHRISTY: Wow, you’re really busy. I don’t know how you can do all of that.
CHRISTY: Oh, part of it’s because of experience and part of it because I’ve had good leadership in the schools where I’ve worked. Don’t worry, these things will happen for you too.
The Components of Sustainability
JENNY: I really hope so. I really want to be a good teacher, but I’m just so overwhelmed with meeting the needs of the students while trying to figure out the policies of the school.
CHRISTY: I’ll be here to offer you support throughout the school year. We can make time for problem solving or brainstorming whenever you need help.
JENNY: Thank you so much for being here. I really appreciate it. I’m feeling a little better already.