WATCH!

How to Find Bright Spots

In transforming our systems, we can start feeling the burdens of undertaking a transformational task, but not yet feeling the benefits that come with transformation. While testing changes, parts of it look like a failure. And if, in those times, we slip into problem-solving mode, we'll spin our wheels, because there are problems everywhere. That’s a recipe for inaction, for paralysis. In times of change, you need a bright-spots focus: look for the early glimmers that something is going right. And when you find a bright spot, spend your time replicating what is working; asking yourself, “How has that been implemented?”; and studying that success. If you can get clear on what’s working, you can spread those answers. Are you spending enough of your time scaling solutions rather than just solving problems?

The next time tests of change begin to feel burdensome, remember

• Bright spots or subtle differences are strengths 

• Building on strengths is an effective way to gain momentum in change

• Identifying bright spots to replicate or build upon is part of the Cycle of Inquiry

• Bright spots are a strategy for working with change

Watch Dan Heath’s 2:15 minute video, How to Find Bright Spots.

LEARN!

Learning from Our Successes

Learning from our successes and bright spots goes beyond simply reflecting on and sharing them with others. A critical part of the growth process is taking the time to deeply analyze various aspects of the success, pinpointing specific actions, conditions or strategies so we can gain valuable insights and leverage even the smallest of details. So to prompt some of that deep learning, we share with you one of our favorite protocols for highlighting bright spots. 

The Success Analysis Protocol is a powerful collaborative tool to intentionally examine and discuss bright spots within your team or school. It creates a structure for individuals to understand key factors that contributed to successes, learn from them and replicate them moving forward. Don’t be fooled, for some people, sharing successes can be hard. So using this protocol provides a safe and predictable structure, helping to develop trust as well as an opportunity for colleagues to provide refreshing and sometimes unexpected insights.

Success Analysis Protocols

• Success Analysis Protocol - educator practice

• Success Analysis for Leadership - leadership practice

ALIGN!

School Improvement Planning - 90 Day Cycles

School Improvement Plan got you down? Developing a plan in the Fall for a year filled with uncertainties can often lead to stress and missed opportunities. Traditionally we look at School Improvement Plans as a year long process. Adopting shorter planning cycles focused on achievable goals that help maintain momentum and focus. Robyn Jackson’s article, “The Problem With Annual Improvement Planning”, offers insights into a more effective, manageable approach. By breaking your School Improvement Plan into 90-day cycles, you can quickly identify successes and build on those bright spots throughout the year.

As we look to the second half of the school year, look at one area of your SIP - a living and working document - and test out a 90-day plan cycle.

Let us know how it goes!