Logic Model - Post Two

Our group met for approximately one hour last night to discuss which strategies matched up with the objectives listed on our logic model. We actually ended up deleting some of the strategies we originally posted because we knew that in the amount of time we had available to implement this program, some of the strategies would be impossible. For example, Rebecca already tried to propose Flex scheduling to her principal for her first action learning project, and unfortunaltely did not achieve her goal because her principal didn't agree. Therefore, since we played the change game, and know how long it takes to implement this type of change, we figured it would be pointless to list this on the logic model. We had also originally wanted to link all the strategies to all the objectives, but after scrutinizing the list, we decided that all the strategies did not match up with all the objectives, so we narrowed the list. Vern put the organizer together, and I believe Helena will draw the arrows to the appropriate boxes in the Word document. We met in the Qwaq forum with few glitches. There was some discussion about what specific objective we wanted to work on, but I don't believe anything was finalized. We will discuss it further during our next class meeting.

Logic Model - Blog One

In our last class, we were introduced to the Logic Model graphic organizer. The Logic Model is a long term plan that achieves one goal, with specific strategies that an organization puts in place to achieve certain objectives that all lead to one final goal. For example, our overall goal was to improve student learning. The object, I suppose, was to work backward from the end goal to the objectives. Some of our objectives included: increasing student literacy, increasing circulation, and increasing student knowledge base. From there we thought of specifiic strategies to achive each of these objectives, which all work toward or final goal. Our group had a brainstorming session for strategies. Some of the things we discussed were: implementing a DEAR program, a Reading Pals program, a competitive reading program called Road Runner Readers, and beginning a library helpers program. Vern volunteered to put the graphic organizer together in Word, because she said she wanted practice with the software. We will meet later in October to discuss which strategies with achieve which objectives, and decide which ones to implement for our action learning project.

Change Game Post

During our third class meeting, we played a game called "The Change Game." We worked as a team to try to figure out the best strategies to implement change. Our team acutally got farther than the other teams, so that was good, but it wasn't easy. Some of the main things I learned from the change game were: 1. Change takes a great deal of time. 2. We had to talk to a variety of people to get them on board. 3. We had to talk to some people two and three times before they bought into what we were trying to "sell". 4. No matter how much you talk to some folks, they won't ever see things from your point of view. 5. It is important to talk to the most influential people first. 6. Sometimes people will surprise you with their willingness to help, so you shouldn't rule out anyone. 7. You must get prior approval (speak with administrators) before conducting workshops, staff development, etc. 8. Anything that makes more work for teachers is not going to go over well, so you have to be careful how you present the information. 9. If you pester the wrong folks too much, you will get on their nerves! 10. Change can happen, over time, if you are persistent, get enough people on board (and get the right people), and if your plan is well thought out. 11. Change takes a LOT of work, and a good bit of time. It was approximately 2 years (in the game) before we made any real progress. Even then, our plan wasn't complete. 12. Advocating for change is worth it because it benefits everyone, especially the students.

September 1st Assignment - Interview

My interviews went well. I was asked to interview three members of my school community about the role of the librarian. I was able to interview the Assistant Principal, a sixth grade teacher, and the media coordinator of St. Stephens Elementary. Fortunately, all three of the people I interviewed shared the same idea of what the librarian's role was in the school. We are fortunate to have all flex scheduleing this year. Our librarian is adjusting to it, but with budget cut backs, it's been more difficult than it should be. She said that in a perfect world, flex scheduling is a wonderful idea, but since she no longer had a full-time media assistant, it was more difficult than before when it was partially fixed for grades K-2. She said she sometimes felt overwhelmed and like she needed to be in three places at once, but she loved making the library available to everyone at all times. She said she's always busy (she is, I can attest to that) and that there is never a dull moment. I don't know how she does it, but she always responds to e-mails and requests in a very timely manner. She's always available to help when you need her. I always thought that flex scheduling was preferred over fixed. I never realized there could be drawbacks to it as well.