During my student teaching the school district I was in decided to implement a district wide behavior program called Positive Behavior Support. I do not know for sure but I do not believe any teachers or parents were included in the initial "leadership team." It seemed to me that only after it had been decided that they were going to implement this program was it brought to the individual schools where every teacher and aide was required to sign up on one of the different committees to implement the change. The district brought in trainers to show how it was to be completed and then it was up to the school personnel to do it. Needless to say, anytime there is change there will be resistance. It is human nature. But that resistance seems more profound to me when everyone who will be effected by the change does not have a voice representing them in the initial planning. It is hard for this type of change to be successful particularly in the first year or so because of the resistance and resentment that comes with not being involved in the planning process. To me NCLB is one of those systematic changes that did not go well and is now being "piecemilled" in many places.
Ths small charter school where I am teaching this year implemented a reading program last year that was supposed to be a systematic change. However, it ended up being piecemilled in some classrooms and ignored in others. When this school year started, the teachers were told in no uncertain terms that they would implement this reading program, and implement it completely and correctly, or else.
Is there any wonder that there is resistance to change?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I agree that people are very resistant to change without having a voice in how the change is going to occur. It also goes along with our human nature that we don't like to be told what to do. So they are shooting themselves in the foot twice when first they implement a change without allowing the voices of those it will affect to be heard and then telling them this is how it's going to be. You would think that they would realize that these changes would go much more smoothly if they would just remember these two basic things about human nature.
What a coincidence, our school district tried to implement a positive behavior support program and it failed also. On our first day of orientation they brought the new program into the district and instructed the teacher that the program must start the first day of school. Ohhh you know the results. Many ignored the program and resisted. After reading chapter 21 I believe that if a district is really ready of change they must implement a ecological systemic change. However, as I stated in my reflection who will fund the change. Money is of great importance and many district lack financial support. There must be a way to help struggling districts. Change is necessary.
Great reflection and map. I hope you and son enjoy Ireland.:)
Tammy
I agree with the fact that all interested parties need to be part of the process. Ideas for change are usually in the best interest of the school district, but the target audience is overlooked.
Post a Comment