What would you change?

Since the fall of 2014 I have been fortunate enough to be a part of an ongoing conversation about public education in Texas related to innovation and transformation.  That fall I was introduced to the principals' vision institute program run by N2Learning.  As a part of the institute we discuss the 'Visioning Document' that was created by a group of Texas Superintendents in 2006 with the creation of the public education visioning institute. 

Being a part of a conversation at this level with principals, superintendents, and education thought leaders from across the state and country (guest speakers) has caused a mind-shift affect on the principals that are a part of each cohort.  I have been no exception.

The conversations and the thought processes that come from my experience and discussions about what could be in education are very exciting to  me.  I began to think about what could be in public education.  I began to think about what could be in my own school.

On Tuesday March 22 a conversation was started in the library.  Participation in the conversation was completely voluntary but open to all faculty and staff of AMCMS.  The purpose of this type of a conversation is to open up the ideas as to what is possible in education.  This entire conversation began with one simple question, "If you could change one thing about education what would you change?"

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The discussion was lively, open, honest, and real.  The visioning document was not discussed in great detail as  part of this conversation (that will come in time) but the ideas about what is possible was outstanding.

It was wonderful to see educators talking about real issues, real concerns, real hopes, real dreams, and real desires for students and student learning.  I cannot wait for more of these conversations because the more that we talk about these issues centered about what could be in schools the more likely we are to make actual changes that will transform the learning for our students.

​No matter your role in education I urge you to seek out opportunities to share your hopes and dreams... your visions... of what could be in education for our students.  

"If you could change one thing about education what would you change?"

You do not have to go through a process such as the vision institute to start your thinking about what could be.  You just need to find other like minded educators in your school and district and start taking about what could be.  Identify your obstacles and then talk about what you can do to overcome those obstacles.  

As you begin to think about the possibilities and begin conversations about the possibilities with others you will find there are many things that you can begin today within the current constraints within public education and make real changes for your students.

If you are passionate about doing what is best for kids then you need to develop a vision for your classroom and your school that is centered around doing what is best for kids.  Read the visioning document.  Become inspired.  Become excited about the possibilities.  Start a conversation!

Think.  Achieve.  Succeed.

​Jeff