Graduating All Students Innovation Ready © Iowa Association of School Boards At the Board Table Discussion Tool

IASB Staff Resources Harry Heiligenthal Board Leadership Director direct (515) Mary Jane Vens Board Development Director direct (515) www.ia-sb.org

Overview This discussion tool is based on the article by Tony Wagner titled, “Graduating All Student Innovation Ready.” There are three parts of this tool. 1.Reflections 2.Questions 3.Thoughts from IASB

Overview, continued Every board wants their students to graduate “innovation ready,” but do they agree on what this really means? What price are they willing to pay to accomplish this? This article and, more importantly your board’s discussion of this article, will help you make difficult decisions ahead.

1. Reflection

“Some argue that innovators like Steve Jobs are born and not made, and so the schooling they get doesn’t matter. However, I have come to understand that most young people can be taught to innovate in whatever they do.” See handout p. 2 Reflection

2. Questions

1.What are your reactions to the quote? 2.How similar or different are your ideas to other members of your board team? 3.What implications do these similarities or differences have for your work as a board/superintendent team in moving forward to ensure all children graduate prepared for success? See handout p. 2 Discussion Questions

3. Thoughts from IASB

Steve Jobs’ biography describes him as succeeding "in spite of" his education; rather than being assisted by it. He relied on his parents and friends to help him meet his creative potential. Not all our students can do that. We want them to meet their potential because of what our schools offer. We believe all students have the right to experience learning opportunities every day, in every classroom, that help develop their full, creative potential. See handout p. 2 Thoughts from IASB

Whenever we work with boards we find that board teams recognize this need and want more individualization of student learning opportunities. But - how to get there? Key actions for the board/superintendent team are to express their beliefs that all children can learn at high levels and their confidence that with excellent staff development learning opportunities, they have the right staff to make this happen. See handout p. 2 Thoughts from IASB, continued

1. Reflection

Wagner describes highly effective schools where students are expected to collaborate in teams in order to “pose and solve problems and generate or answer complex questions.” He states that what is unique about these schools is the learning culture they have created. See handout p. 2 Reflection

2. Questions

1.How would you describe the learning culture in your district? In five years, if you were asked to describe the learning culture of your school district – what would be your best hopes for this vision? 2.What are some examples of what you as a board team can, or are currently doing, to model an innovative culture of learning at your board table? See handout p. 2 Discussion Questions

3. Thoughts from IASB

Your vision for the future may be like Wagner describes, and this may be happening in isolated classrooms. However, an important part of this vision is that all teachers are well equipped to structure learning opportunities that encourage students to take risks and to learn from possible failure. The focus of classroom instruction should provide students time to collaborate and solve complex problems based in academic content. See handout p. 2 Thoughts from IASB

These real-life learning opportunities help students learn from mistakes and persevere. Boards can model this innovative culture at the board table by being open to new ideas and by demonstrating the willingness to listen to and support new strategies for empowering students to become creative thinkers. Thoughts from IASB, continued

Dedicating time to learn together at the board table, accepting that change may not always be easy, and persevering themselves or "not giving up" are important board attributes as well. Thoughts from IASB, continued

2. Questions

1.What was the most striking message you gained from the article? 2.Reflect on why this idea was the most provocative to you. 3.What other questions does it generate for you? See handout p. 2 Questions

3. Final Thoughts from IASB

Probably one of the most striking messages in this article is that change is not only possible, but necessary, for public education to continue to be meaningful, relevant and effectual. See handout p. 2 Thoughts from IASB

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