Bright Spots: Enhancing collaboration with effective protocols

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BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

I started my teaching career in Hawai’i on the island of O’ahu 20 years ago. Because of this, Hawai'i will always hold a special place in my heart. Aside from the beautiful beaches and warm weather, it is the people, the places, and the aloha that ground me every time I am back in the islands.

Last week, I had the opportunity to work with charter school leaders along with an amazing team of educators from around the world. After a year of planning, collaborating and meeting virtually, we finally had the opportunity to connect in person to support the unique and important vision and mission of each of the charter schools and align the desired outcomes and evidence to measure what matters.

There were so many highlights throughout the week but a Bright Spot I want to call out is the power of protocols to enhance collaboration.

With Gratitude,
Katie

We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Building Networks Through Collaboration

Over the course of two days, we connected deeply as individuals, rooted ourselves in the mission and vision of each school and why they must exist and then thought deeply about the evidence that is collected, why it matters, and what was missing. On our second day, school teams paired up and engaged in a consultancy protocol.

As I moved from facilitator to participant, I was filled with joy listening to the leaders share their ideas and challenges and discuss how to move forward. Each team listened and asked thought provoking questions. They reflected and identified their next steps. As the protocol wrapped and we moved to break, the conversations deepened. Plans were made to visit schools, continue collaboration, and share resources. Through the collaboration, networks were forming.

When we build a network and create connections with people who offer divergent ideas, we have more opportunities to learn and evolve our practice. We improve when we open ourselves up to learning from others, share ideas, and create something better. And, when we improve, our students benefit.

Ready to discuss strategies to intentionally build networks through collaboration in your school or district? Let's connect!

Get in touch

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to support educators and leaders in implementing protocols to increase collaboration in your school or district.

1. Consultancy Protocol. Interested in exploring how you can think more expansively about a particular, concrete dilemma in your learning context? Try out the Consultancy Protocol with your team! Access here.

2. What is a framework and why do you need one? Mission, Vision, Values, Learning Model, Learner Profile, Success Metrics. See how these all work together and can be put into action with educators and students to achieve your district vision for learners. Read the blog post.

3. Get started with place-based learning. Place-based education can look completely different from school to school and place to place. Explore the benefits and resources for building place-based education in your community here.