Unlike some, I am blessed

I want to share this post from Chris Lehman because it is similar to others that have been shared recently. Sharing these frustrations has become more evident following the recent NECC conference that did not generate the same enthusiasm for some that it has historically. Many are beginning to question why it is so difficult to create and sustain change in our profession and what needs to happen for systemic change to begin.

It makes me feel good about our culture, our focus, and where we are at in creating Classroom 10 environments. I have a tendency to not focus on what we have accomplished because I seem to always be looking at where we need to be and where the leverage is to continue our journey. Posts such as these force me to reflect on this journey and to be thankful for the commitment and quality of people that we have in our school system. So much to be thankful for.

I believe that we are experiencing success because of the following work that has been ongoing for some time in our system.

• A focus on the knowledge and skills that young people need for success following graduation that have kept us from being driven solely by NCLB and WASL.


• The leadership work that we have done both with principals and in distributing leadership to teachers in formal positions of influence.


• A focus on system learning and Senge's work; mental models, ladders of inference, left and right column.


• A focus on developing skill and capacity for engaging in skillful discussion and dialogue.


• A focus on creating the foundations of PLC's in each building; mission, vision, values, and core commitments.


• A focus on supervision and growth over time instead of the traditional evaluation process.


• A Teaching and Learning department with unparalleled expertise and commitment that we have intentionally developed to meet the challenges of our work.

I am sure there are others, but as I look at the list and think about what I have read over time we have put in place much of what the literature would suggest is necessary for engaging in change that sustains over time and that influences learning for students and adults.

Oh, I need to also thank the caring and committed staff, students, and community members that are making this happen.