0 Encouraging Innovation in Schools?

Posted by Atsumori. Category:

It's possible to encourage innovation and meet standards too.

Here's a possible scenario.

Teacher X come up with an idea and shares it.

Leadership responds with enthusiasm, "Hey, great idea.  Why do you want to do it?"

Teacher X explains the rationale, leadership listens, and says.  "Let's work together on a bit of structure with regard to the idea including rationale, initial structure, check-in/assessment points, growth meetings. Also, I'd like to make some "company time" for you to grow this idea after all you're thinking about our students."

Teacher X grows idea and tries it out.  Leadership responds, "Hey, how's that idea going. I'd like to come by, talk to students--when's a good time."  Leadership and Teacher X make a time. Then Leadership says, "I really like these aspects of the pilot, but let's talk about these--how can we revise to make these components better. There's real discussion with student learning at the center. The points are specific."

Teacher X continues to grow the innovation with leadership support, encouragement, and response.  The innovation takes positive shape thanks to the collaboration and positive support of many.  It's a win-win-win for leadership, educators, and students.

What matters in this scenario?

First, the teacher is heard. Her idea is taken seriously and given time and support.

Next, the idea is seen as a new innovation, a pilot, and it's expected that there will be time for assessment, revision, and growth.  Leadership is ready and willing to take part, interact, coach, and help out.  All the responsibility is not put on the teachers' shoulders, and the responses are specific and growth producing.

Finally, a new idea blossoms and becomes something positive for teachers and students.

Too often new ideas and efforts are met with fear, dismissal, and avoidance.  No one takes them seriously until something bad happens, then everyone jumps in with consult and ideas.  Too often teachers' time is taken for granted, and everything they do is discounted until something goes wrong.  It's likely that most are happy with the status quo, and little real effort and support is given to growing programs.

Schools can be stifling work environments with little room for growth or creativity, that's why I'm reluctant to encourage young people to teach--the environment today is tough to navigate with so much accountability and so little room for voice and choice.

I've been outspoken so it's not surprising that I'm experiencing this set back.  I've tried to gain allies, but it's too risky for most to speak up and support new initiatives.  I must say I'm tired right now from it all--it's a tough juncture in the teaching path.

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