2005 Talent Development High Schools Polytechnic High School, Sun Valley, Ca Building & Sustaining Teams Tara Madden TDHS Regional Manager Former Ninth Grade Success Academy Team Leader Philadelphia, PA Guy Lucas TDHS Instructional Field Manager

“ Our schools, are in a sense, factories in which the raw materials (children) are to be shaped…” William T. Harris

Why Organize a High School Into Teams?

The Talent Development model was designed to address apathy and anonymity. Apathy – Relevance Career connections Anonymity – Personal relationships A sense of community

Central Administration Freshmen Centre TL Team A Business Academy TL Team C TL Team B TL Technology TL Arts TL Culinary TL Travel TL Entrepreneurship Academy Principal Hospitality FAME Decentralized Leadership in a Talent Development High School

Teamwork is the fuel for common people to achieve uncommon results. – Einstein

What is a TEAM? A THINK – PAIR – SHARE Activity Where do you find TEAMS? What characteristics do you find in an effective TEAM?

Effective teams are willing to help others who are less effective.

Characteristics of effective teams: Discussions that involve all members. Active listening demonstrated by all. Free expression of feelings and ideas is encouraged. A cooperative, friendly, supportive climate. Everyone understands and is committed to the achievement of the goals.

Simon Gratz High School Attendance Before teams % After implementing teams % Suspensions Before teams % After implementing teams % The size of the 10 th grade rose from 424 students in the fall of 2000 to 613 students in the fall of TDHS Data Results: The Impact of Teams at a Philadelphia High School

How to Build Your Team

A foundation for effective teams

“To build trusting relationships, we need to communicate with the intent to learn from others, not control them. Trust is the glue that makes effective collaboration and teamwork possible. Without trust, people become competitive or defensive, and communication is distorted and unreliable.”

Where trust is lacking Would you: Reveal your weaknesses? Feel comfortable about collaborating? Acknowledge a “True” desire to improve? Be able to be critical about the performance of the organization?

Where trust is present There is: -less stress -more willingness to commit to goals -no feeling of manipulation -easier to anticipate behavior

Willingness is a function of: 1. Confidence – the person’s feeling that, “I can do it.” 2. Commitment – the person’s feeling that, “I will do it.” 3. Motivation – the person’s feeling of, “I want to do it.”

In what ways can you build trust among your team?

Building a TEAM Step One: Identification

Step Two: Moving from a list of names to a TEAM Get to know each other (Formally and Informally) Share experiences Pedagogy Motivations Expectations Identify strengths and assets

What is the value of spending some time creating group identity at the start of the school year? What is the cost? –HOW can we move from a list of names to a TEAM? Step Two: Moving from a list of names to a TEAM

A Team Building Activity

Teacher Team Resume Share your name and the position that you currently hold within your school. Share some of your work experiences outside the field of education. Share the number of years you have served in the education. Note the total number of years served for the entire team. Share some individual strengths that you bring to your team. Collectively, determine a creative way to share your resume with the other teams in 60 seconds.

Examining values –What do I (WE) want in life? –Similarities/Differences Checklist Teaching beliefs and practices Problem solving Brainteasers Step Two: Moving from a list of names to a TEAM

Lunch: An opportunity to Build Relationships Informal lunch meetings Formal lunch meetings Eat with students Invite Parents Invite Administration Invite Community Partners and Stakeholders

Step Three: Set Ground Rules Some topics to consider when creating ground rules: Attendance Promptness Meeting place & time Participation Basic conversational courtesies Assignments Playing by the same set of rules avoids unnecessary conflicts.

Goal Setting Activity At your table, develop 3 Realistic and Defined Goals, how you will measure them, and how you will communicate them to your team. Climate, test scores, attendance, promotion, etc… Be prepared to share your best with the group.

Step Four: Develop a Team Goal /Vision Some things to consider when developing team goals: Limit your goals to 4-5 realistic and defined goals Attendance % Passing Rate % Increased Parental Involvement How will you reach these goals How will you communicate these goals How will you get there…if you don’t know where you are going????

Step Five: Defining Roles and Responsibilities Defining team roles and responsibilities creates a sense of purpose and direction for each team member. An effective team leader knows how to utilize the strengths of each team member.

Step Six: Lead by Example A Team Leader can’t do it alone…you must involve all members of your team to reach SUCCESS!!!

Step Seven: Recognize Team Accomplishments Celebrate Often Be sure to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of your teachers and students

Assessing your Team Individually, how are you communicating with your team members? How are we doing at building consensus and decision making? What are our strengths and areas where improvement is needed?

Self Assessment – Are Your Teachers Hungry? Are your teachers… Satiated? Satisfied? Hungry? Famished? Emaciated?

What are your strengths? What are your opportunities for growth?

Semester Team Assessment Teaming Check-up

Questions/Concerns

Listening Skills Flexibility Knows When to Get Out of the Way Resourceful: Knows Where and When to Get Help Collaboration Skills Motivator for Adults Organized Leads by Example Firm but Fair Consistent Strong Communication Skills Recognizes and Celebrates the Skills of Others What Makes a Good Team Leader?