Going Grade-less — Week 6: Lining up the arrows

Picture a teacher who is making a positive impact on the students in their classroom because of innovative practices or techniques. Now, this one teacher is doing some great things. This innovative and creative professional is moving the district in good directions. Imagine an arrow represents that teacher.

It might look like this:

Now imagine many teachers doing great things, innovative things, but those things are not compatible and may be moving the district in different directions. These teachers are also hoping that they will make a positive impact not just on their students, but also on their school and district. However, collectively the district looks as if it is being pulled in many directions and collectively, there is no progress. If arrows represent those teachers, the district might look like this:

Dr. Casey Koseriek, Superintendent of Schools at Hilton Central School District (my district), proposed this analogy on a superintendent conference day. I loved the unique method of delivering his message. He talked about the many great things that are going on in our district. Needless to say, I understood what he was getting at, but…