One theory I now see in practice often is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.  The premise of Maslow's theory is we need to have basic needs met BEFORE we can be in a psychological state for learning.  Not only have I seen this theory in action at MNPS but with one of my own sons.  Hence, the reason I'm excited about the work that the MNPS SEL department is leading in our district.  Schools that are working to develop a safe, welcoming culture and climate are well on their way to increasing student success.

I share about this collaboration not only to applaud them for their work in supporting student basic needs to foster learning, but to highlight how they have embedded the collaborative inquiry in their work.  If your school chooses to have a culture and climate walkthrough using the tool that the SEL department developed through collaboration with national experts, then the collaborative inquiry process is used to analyze the data and develop next steps. 

To see an example of the collaborative inquiry process in action, please see the below minutes from Goodlettsville Elementary school's walkthrough.  Babs Freeman-Lotis, from the SEL department, facilitated the discussion.

Do you have examples or ideas for how the collaborative inquiry process might be used?  If so, please feel free to contact Margie Johnson at [email protected].

On February 9, 2017, Two Rivers Middle leadership team began the journey of developing their SIP goals for 2017-2018, which will be used to guide their budgeting.  After that meeting, two more meetings were held.  The next meeting occurred on February 23, 2017 to develop draft SIP goals.  The final meeting was held on March 9, 2017 to solicit feedback and finalize the 2017-2018 SIP goals.  The collaborative inquiry process was used to facilitate each meeting. 

To read more about their work, please check it out HERE.

East Nashville Magnet Middle Prep also used the collaborative inquiry process for developing their SIP goals.  However, they took a different approach by first having common planning time teams make data observations.  The East Nashville Magnet Middle leadership team then used the observations to develop SIP goals for 2017-2018.  Again, the SIP will be informing the budgeting process at East.  Read more about East Nashville Magnet Middle's journey HERE.

One great thing about the collaborative inquiry process is the fact that it can be used in different contexts and different ways to support schools.  If you want to learn more about the collaborative inquiry process or have a great example to share with us, please contact Margie Johnson at [email protected].