Collaborating Effectively in 21 st Century Schools Thomas Miller Roger Bacon Academy UNCW

Goal Professionally discuss and practice a researched positive collaboration tool that you could be embedded into your school this week.

What is your current role in education? 1.Teacher 2.School Administrator 3.Central Office Personnel 4.State Education Employee 5.University Faculty 6.Other

What does collaboration look like in schools? How, When, and Where do we collaborate?

According to recent research, what should collaboration look like? Deeply focused on improving instruction Comprehensive set of meetings woven into teacher schedule in creative ways Data-driven

According to recent research, collaboration is most effective when… Sufficient time is provided for teachers to discuss student learning needs and share, review, and provide feedback on instructional practices that address these needs Collaboration meetings are part of a coherent school improvement plan and are structured with clearly mapped goals and objectives District and school leadership see collaboration as primary vehicle for improving instruction and student performance

On average, how many hours do you collaborate with peers per week? 1.Less than 1 hour More than 5 hours

In your experience, what is the most effective collaboration strategy? 1.School Based P.D. 2.Scheduled Interdisciplinary Meetings 3.Faculty Meetings 4.Teachers Lounge 5.Teacher observation & post conferences

How often do you use the strategies you learned in a professional development? 1.Every time. 2.Most of the time 3.Some of the time 4.Hardly 5.Never

Research states, the current collaboration issues include: –Busy schedules –overload of classes and students –Meeting content, structure are often weak inconsistent –Unproductive goal setting –Unprofessional interactions –Ineffective plans to address shared purposes

What are teachers options?

How familiar are you with a Critical Friends Group? 1.Very Familiar 2.Somewhat Familiar 3.I have heard the term. 4.What is a Critical Friends Group?

Critical Friends Group Critical Friends Group A Critical Friends Group (CFG) is a professional learning community consisting of approximately 6-8 educators who come together voluntarily at least once a month. C.F.G.s generate effective practices for teachers to share materials, develop support systems, and promote and support holistic approaches to meeting the teaching and learning needs of schools around the nation (Cromwell, 1999)

History of Critical Friends Groups Annenberg Institute for National School Reform (Brown University, 1995) Created Professional Learning Communities work together to: –Engage in reflective discussion –Inquire into, analyze and reflect upon student work –Develop shared norms and values –Focus on Student learning –Connect Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction

CFGs provide three occasions for reflection Peer Observations –During observations Small Group Meeting –3 CFG members –Post-observations Full CFG meeting led by CFG Coach: –CFG Participant Driven Topic

Video Annenberg Media Critical Issues in School Reform –Innovations in Professional Collaboration: Making Teaching PublicInnovations in Professional Collaboration: Making Teaching Public

What makes me think this will work? Dissolving Boundaries

Critical Friends Group (Southeast Region Elementary School Data) Critical Friends Group (Southeast Region Elementary School Data) Demonstrated: –Teachers are more likely to be observed during difficult/engaging lessons –More personal feedback, discussions about education –Not sit and get: Teacher receives modeled lessons –Trained Coach to: Set an agenda, no pity party comments –Participant centered professional development -Greater impact on the community, ripple effect -Teachers develop true professional relationships

Documented Benefits to Teachers Support and Trust School Based Professional Development Diverse Range of Foci Shared Relevant Strategies for Student Success Journal reflecting about their connections, generalizations, applications increased personal learning

Impact on Student Learning Stronger Classroom Management Open Dialogue Amongst Students Linking Lessons to Prior Knowledge Effective Strategies for Success Fresh New Ideas that Gain Student Attention/Motivation Focus on Students Needs

Effective Shared Strategies (8 weeks – 3 cycles) 29 Implemented Strategies Through CFG 9 Through Staff Development 8 Through Grade Level Meetings 3 Through Informal Collaboration

Lets Practice…Practice?

Questions?

So…can a CFG support your role? Call or me before September 5 th –Miller.t (SKYPE) – Thanks for your time

Critical Friends Group Resources National School Reform Faculty – Anneberg Media and Professional Development Coalition of Essential Schools Northwest