The above line from Rush Hour is a favorite one for my sons and me, so I thought it would be a great way to get your attention….. One of the barriers identified for implementing collaborative inquiry was the lack of a common language. When starting something new, sometimes assumptions are made that we are all on the same page and that you “understand the words coming out of my mouth”. During the summer of 2015, a committee convened to develop an Innovation Configuration map (IC Map) for Collaborative Inquiry. (Check out the below videos to learn more about IC Maps.) One of the great aspects of an IC Map is it is always a working draft as the pilot with the 5 Community of Practice schools in the spring provided some feedback to improve the IC Map. The original IC Map for Collaborative Inquiry can be accessed here. I am excited to share the updated, revised version of the MNPS IC Map for Collaborative Inquiry, where the feedback and information we learned from the community of practice was integrated into it. The biggest revision was to component D. Previously, component D stated, “The team uses relevant data to drive decision making.” A critical aspect that was left out of this component was the collaborative inquiry process; therefore, the below definition of collaborative inquiry was created and integrated into the new IC Map. Now, component D states “The team uses the collaborative learning cycle when investigating relevant data to guide decision making” and the collaborative learning cycle was explicitly added to the component, especially during this time that we are all building our capacity to use collaborative inquiry for facilitating data conversations. Collaborative Inquiry is a data-based team process that consciously uses the collaborative learning cycle (activating and engaging, exploring and discovering, and organizing and integrating) and the qualities of effective groups (fostering a culture of trust, maintaining a clear focus, taking collective responsibility and data-informed decision-making). –MNPS Community of Practice The updated IC Map for Collaborative Inquiry can be accessed here.
If you have more feedback or suggestions for improvement, please feel free to email Margie Johnson at margie.johnson@mnps.org OR complete the feedback form located here. Thanks for all you do and for joining me on this learning journey to foster a culture of collaborative inquiry throughout MNPS.
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In the last blog post, I shared about the beginning of the MNPS collaborative inquiry journey, which included identifying barriers to implementing collaborative inquiry. The IC Map (Innovation Configuration) Map for Collaborative Inquiry helped address the barrier of the lack of a common language. Another barrier identified by the stakeholder group was lack of leadership modeling, or as we call it "walking the walk." The identification of this barrier led to the development of an evaluation plan for collaborative inquiry. When implementing a new idea or strategy, creating an evaluation plan before implementation helps with monitoring progress. Through our partnership with REL Appalachia, MNPS received technical assistance for developing an evaluation plan and for building our capacity to use the plan to monitor our progress. With the evaluation plan created, the next step was to pilot it with the MNPS Collaborative Inquiry Community of Practice schools in the spring of 2016. To answer the evaluation questions, multiple sources of data sources were used. REL Appalachia liaison, Dr. Stephanie Wilkerson, helped MNPS develop data collection protocols, including the Teacher Data Use Survey (to be released by IES soon), Collaborative Inquiry interview protocols, and Collaborative Inquiry Focus Group protocols. Fortunately, the support did not stop there as Dr. Wilkerson and her staff worked with an MNPS team to build our capacity to collect the data necessary for answering the evaluation questions in the future when their assistance is no longer available. Finally, the data collected this spring was triangulated and used to develop the Preliminary Evaluation Report for the Collaborative Inquiry Community of Practice and Infographic. 5 Key Findings and Recommendation from the |
Schools are applying collaborative inquiry practices in differing ways based on their school needs and school leadership. |
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Key Finding and Recommendation #2
The use of collaborative inquiry in schools is making a positive difference in how teachers approach using data to make evidence-based decisions. |
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Key Finding and Recommendation #3
MNPS teachers feel supported in implementing collaborative inquiry, but need more professional learning. |
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Key Finding and Recommendation #4
All schools see value in integrating collaborative inquiry with current initiatives to address key problems of practice. |
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Key Finding and Recommendation #5
To create a culture of collaborative inquiry in using data, a common language and integrated approach to implementation are needed at both the school and district levels. |
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If you have any questions/feedback, please feel free to contact Margie Johnson at margie.johnson@mnps.org.
There’s so much excitement in the air with students full day of class being today. It’s just an honor and privilege to be able to serve the students, parents, and community of Nashville.
With all that being said, I am excited to share a quick update about what’s been happening with collaborative inquiry the past two weeks.
July 25, 2016—The JE Moss Elementary leadership team used the collaborative inquiry process to finalize their vision, mission, and values. They also developed three SIP goals—cultural, literacy, and numeracy. You can learn about their exciting work at http://www.mnpscollaboration.org/je-moss-elementary-leadership-team-meeting.html.
July 26, 2016—The Una Elementary leadership team used the collaborative inquiry process to develop recommendations for a school-wide communication plan. The recommendation will be used by a sub-committee to create the final recommendation. You can learn about their work at http://www.mnpscollaboration.org/una-elementary-leadership-team.html.
July 27, 2016—Dr. Canidra Henderson, Dr. Margie Johnson, and Andres Rischer presented about the MNPS collaborative inquiry work to the Kentucky Principal Partnership Project in Georgetown, KY. The audience was eager to learn about the awesome work being done here in MNPS. Thanks to all of you for making it happen. The PowerPoint used can be viewed at this LINK and here: http://www.relappalachia.org/events/powerful-practice-effective-school-level-data-systems/.
August 1, 2016---Haynes Middle Prep started their year of by using the collaborative inquiry process to develop recommendations for a communication plan, which also went to a sub-committee to finalize. You can see their work at http://www.mnpscollaboration.org/haynes-middle-prep-august-1-2016.html.
August 2, 2016---Jere Baxter Middle Prep used the collaborative inquiry process to develop vision, mission, and values as part of their SIP process. The session was co-facilitated by their SIP Facilitator, Karen Flowers and Margie Johnson. Teresa Hogue, their data coach, was also there to help with any questions. You can view their work at http://www.mnpscollaboration.org/august-2-2016--jere-baxter-middle.html.
Finally, I wanted to mention West End Middle as we co-planned their workshop for August 2nd. Dr. Craig Hammond and Noelle Taylor used the collaborative inquiry process to engage teachers in conversations about the importance of building relationships with students.
If you and/or your school are using collaborative inquiry, please feel free to share it with us as we love learning from one another. Email Margie Johnson at margie.johnson@mnps.org to share it.
Finally, if there’s anything I can do to support you, your work, and your students, please feel free to reach out to me as I’m always happy to help.
Here’s to an AWESOME 2016-2017 school year!!!
The session began with the leadership team engaging in Looking Back and Looking Ahead. Individually, they completed the chart about how teachers worked together when they were in school, how teachers work together now, and how they envision teachers working together. After sharing in small groups, a whole group discussion compiled their multiple perspectives and great ideas.
Before establishing an SIP goal 5, the JE Moss leadership team made observations of multiple sources of data, including TELL survey, Teacher Attendance, and Teacher Retention data. This phase of the process is all about going slow to go fast. During this phase of the process, small groups collaborated to take a deep dive into making observations only about the data. They were to avoid making inferences and conclusions. The pictures represent their observations from the multiple data sets.
Using the current vision and mission statements, the session ended with the JE Moss leadership team using the above data to inform the creation of revised Vision and Mission statements. The below pictures represent each groups’ vision and mission statement. Again, the team decided to come back at a later date to finalize the statements.
If you would like to access the materials used for the meeting, please go to http://www.mnpscollaboration.org/je-moss-elementary-leadership-team-meeting.html
If you are interested in collaboration support, please feel free to contact Margie Johnson at margie.johnson@mnps.org.
One of the lessons learned from the spring CoP was the need for a clear definition of collaborative inquiry. Therefore, during this meeting, the definition created by the CoP was articulated explicitly (see image). As a result we have the Collaborative Learning Cycle and MNPS IC Map for Collaborative Inquiry providing a clearer picture of the collaborative inquiry process.
Speaking of improving, I have had several requests for videos that model the collaborative inquiry process. I have a video of the central office meeting I facilitated and hope to get assistance in getting the video ready to share. If anyone in our CoP is a video guru, please contact me at margie.johnson@mnps.org as I would appreciate your assistance.
For access to the resources used for the CoP Workshop, please use this LINK.
Finally, our CoP has a Workshop Warehouse that has information about all the workshops provided to build our capacity to foster a culture of collaboration. There are also several CI workshops scheduled, so if you are interested in attending any of them, please feel free to let me know. You can get the list of Upcoming Workshops at this LINK.
Hope you are having a great summer!!
Reference:
Lipton, L. & Wellman, B. (2011). Leading groups: Effective strategies for building professional community. Sherman, CT: MiraVia, Inc.
We are excited to have you join our community!
On June 1st, they were introduced to the MNPS Innovation Configuration Map (IC Map) for Collaborative Inquiry and begin thinking about how they plan to implement collaborative inquiry in their schools this fall. Resources for their workshop are available at http://www.mnpscollaboration.org/innovation-configurations-materials.html.
If you have any feedback, questions, and/or recommendations for our community of practice, please let me know. Also, know that I am always here to offer support in implementing collaborative inquiry and look forward to continuing our collaborative learning journey together.
Here's to a wonderful summer!
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