4.+Implementing+Change

__**Implementing**__ __**Change**__

There are several key features of professional learning networks (Katz et al, 2008) or communities of practice that work together towards the creation of new knowledge by educators that will lead to lasting change that will engage students and positively impact their success. Teachers must play a central role in planning for change as top-down change "driven by larger school reform efforts, curriculum implementation initiatives, or teacher preparation programs often do not address the real questions of teachers" (Crafton and Kaiser, 2011). Such is a reason that initiatives such as the Year 2000, implemented by BC Ministry of Education in 1989, did not succeed. Educational reform is dependent upon "enhancing our collective ability" (Case, 1994) for change by building Communities of Practice. A Community of Practice is created when a group of educators combine their efforts to see the change they believe is necessary to improve student learning. By ensuring the following key features are considered, educational reform can help develop teachers who are creating and sharing professional knowledge, enriching their practice, developing deep and sustainable changes leading to student success.

(Katz, Earl, 2006/7)

**Key Features:** **1. Purpose and Focus:** There must be a clear focus determined by the group in order to move towards purposeful change. This could focus on classroom practice, school improvement or student learning. "Teacher-initiated collaboration is sustainable and fosters deeper changes in practice" (Hargreaves, 2000).

**2. Relationships:** In order to build relationships, an environment of respect and trust must be established. These relationships are built upon communication and a shared purpose. "What teachers need for complex learning to occur are the same conditions that support students' meaningful learning" (Crafton and Kaiser, 2011).

**3. Collaboration:** Sharing our professional knowledge, our classroom practices and broadening our professional learning networks are all part of improving our own practice creating a shared learning community dedicated to a common purpose that extends beyond our individual classrooms. When teachers continue to learn, their students will also learn.

**4. Inquiry:** Teachers who pose important questions about student learning and seek answers through the inquiry process are creating a deeper understanding of shared practices. "When teachers participate as knowledgeable professionals, capable of engaging in reflective practice and collaborative inquiry, that is who they become" (Crafton and Kaiser, 2011).

**5. Leadership:** Leadership can be informal and formal within the learning network and is not relegated to one individual. Individuals can take on various leadership roles and investigate different areas within the main focus. When leadership is an organic process of collaboration, and shared leadership is established, there is a sense of cohesion within the group.

**6. Accountability:** The learning community needs to be transparent in their purpose and closely monitor their progress. Are the changes making a difference to student learning? How will you monitor these changes? Using assessment for learning to gauge where we are at, where we need to go and how to get there will increase our own learning.

**7. Building capacity:**For significant changes to happen in schools, teachers must come together as learners seeking to improve student learning, together with school administration, parents and the community. Building capacity means having a clear focus and purpose, sharing it with those inside and outside the school to increase the support for change. "Building capacity involves developing new knowledge, skills, and competencies; new resources (time, ideas, materials); and new shared identity and motivation to work together for greater change" (Fullan, M., Cuttress, C., & Kilcher, A. 2005).

This voicethread presents key elements for teachers implementing change. Question: After listening to the voicethread please add your thoughts to the last slide. Make connections to the readings, your own experiences or pose questions you have in regards to implementing change. In order to comment you will need to sign up for a voicethread account. You may also use the link to view in a full size format. @http://voicethread.com/share/2428645/

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