Change

Education is changing. Technology is ever-changing. What children need to know to be productive citizens has changed. Why change is important? It's simple. If you don't change you get left behind. How many times have you seen someone with a flip phone with no graphics? Most of us would snicker and at least think, "They need to update their phone." When I began teaching the rage was to have students use a computer in the classroom. There were two or three computers in the back of the class for students to use. Now many schools are a one-to-one institution ( one computer for every student.). My current school is a two to one institution ( providing a laptop and an iPad for students). Frequent reflection on what's working and what's not is necessary for any institution. With the use of the internet, the world has become smaller and changes are happening faster. Before change occurs some questions need to be asked and answered:

1. Why do we need to change?
2. What will happen if we do not change?
3. What are possible change solutions? What are the pros and cons of these solutions?
4. How will we include others in the change processes?
5. What will we need to do to change?
6. What is our timeline for the change?
7. How will we know that the change was beneficial?

Change is necessary, but it is difficult in any organization. Change may require people to change, resources, to change, or even be eliminated. Once the change is deemed to be necessary, a team needs to determine the best path of execution. In my school, I work closely with a parent advisory group, teachers, and other district administrators when looking at change. Change is not and will not be accepted by everyone. What happens when they don't buy-in to change? Allow those who have not jumped on board with the change to express their thoughts. They may be the voice of reason that you need to see the picture of change clearly. They may have some perspective that you may not have considered. Have an open dialogue and try to help them understand the purpose of the change.

However, if the resistance to change will hinder the progress of students, the resistor may have to leave the organization. Moving forward and making progress should never be based on teachers or administrators. I know that it is hard to think or do, but at times it may be necessary to exit someone from your school. If someone is preventing student achievement then they should be eliminated from the equation.

Changing culture can be a slow process. Waiting for things to change may be hard to do. In a time where we have access to information and resources immediately, waiting for change can be almost painful. However, we must give time to see the full results of the change. For example, we have moved from one LMS (learning management system) to another because the original LMS became obsolete. Changing from one LMS to another in a cyber school is a huge undertaking. We needed to present to the school community why the change was important (this took months). We implemented a test group. My 6th-grade students, teachers, and parents were chosen to pilot the new LMS. We then had to train the rest of the staff/parents/ students. I believe that we made the correct choice in switching the LMS, but the true evidence of the change may not be realized for at least 3-5 years after implementation.

Change will happen. Change is necessary. Well-planned and organized change can produce amazing growth.