Executing Change
Significant change starts with a clear understanding of where we are starting and the motivations behind our actions. The reason that has sparked my desire for change (watch the video below) has ignited a passion that I aim to carry forward in the upcoming year.
I propose to bring forth a new method of learning for new teachers in my innovation plan. Our new teachers deserve the best! To achieve significant improvement, we will work together to develop a strong 4DX plan. This framework will guide us in creating a more effective learning environment.
Beyond the Whirlwind: Achieving WIGs with 4DX
As educators, whether we are teachers, instructional coaches, or administrators, our days are a whirlwind of tasks and challenges. Our to-do lists seem endless between lesson planning, meetings, and goal setting. However, getting caught up in the daily grind can hold us back from innovating. When we want to implement a new initiative, it can easily get lost in the shuffle without active support and monitoring.
We will implement the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) framework to strengthen ownership and engagement. Our new teacher academy in the district will introduce a blended learning model. This approach will enable everyone to actively participate in setting goals and devising a plan for successful implementation. The positive outcomes from this initiative will then pave the way for mentoring and supporting new teachers, ultimately leading to successful blended learning experiences for students in the classroom.
Although I have suggested some initial goals for this new learning model, these are just a starting point for the bigger picture that lies ahead. Our aim is to collaborate and fine-tune the process in order to develop a plan that will promote the greatest success for our new teachers and their students.
We will implement the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) framework to strengthen ownership and engagement. Our new teacher academy in the district will introduce a blended learning model. This approach will enable everyone to actively participate in setting goals and devising a plan for successful implementation. The positive outcomes from this initiative will then pave the way for mentoring and supporting new teachers, ultimately leading to successful blended learning experiences for students in the classroom.
Although I have suggested some initial goals for this new learning model, these are just a starting point for the bigger picture that lies ahead. Our aim is to collaborate and fine-tune the process in order to develop a plan that will promote the greatest success for our new teachers and their students.
Discipline 1: Focus on the Wildly Important Goal
The team will prepare and support teachers through blended learning who can implement instructional change in the classroom to show student growth and success.
- 80% of our teachers in our new teacher academy will take the blended learning model that we present in our new teacher academy and use it in their own classroom and show student growth and success.
Discipline 2: Act on Lead Measures
To achieve our Wildly Important Goal (WIG), let's identify measurable and predictable lead measures. These will tell us if we're on track and what actions have the biggest impact. Here are three potential lead measures I'd like to discuss with my teaching and learning team. I believe these will focus on high-leverage behaviors that move us closer to our WIG.
Possible Lag Measure: To establish a culture of blended learning, new teachers will implement the practices from the new teacher academy, using their own online LMS to assess student progress three times every six weeks.
Hypothetical Lead Measure: The teaching and learning team and teachers will meet every two weeks during their in personal new teacher academy session to exchange feedback and discuss student input and growth.
Hypothetical Lead Measure: Have new teacher meet with their colleague on their team and hold each other accountable by sharing their ideas, resources, data, and problems they face.
Possible Lag Measure: To establish a culture of blended learning, new teachers will implement the practices from the new teacher academy, using their own online LMS to assess student progress three times every six weeks.
Hypothetical Lead Measure: The teaching and learning team and teachers will meet every two weeks during their in personal new teacher academy session to exchange feedback and discuss student input and growth.
Hypothetical Lead Measure: Have new teacher meet with their colleague on their team and hold each other accountable by sharing their ideas, resources, data, and problems they face.
Discipline 3: Keep a Compelling Scoreboard
As a team, we will build a transparent and engaging digital scoreboard to track our WIG progress and hold ourselves accountable. The scoreboard should be:
- Simple and easy to understand: Everyone regardless of their team or subject can grasp their progress at a glance.
- Attract notice and attention: We will prominently feature the scoreboard during our in-person new teacher trainings, allowing new teachers to engage with it tangibly. Additionally, we will make a digital copy available on our online platform, which we use for blended learning, so that all new teachers can access it.
- A truly collaborative scoreboard: As a team, we will decide on a theme that motivates and inspires, who will update the board with lead and lag measures, and how often the updates will occur.
Discipline 4: Create a Cadence of Accountability
Our monthly meetings will be a key space to track progress towards our WIG. Discussing these updates fosters a sense of accomplishment when we reach milestones and keeps everyone accountable for their contributions. Since the new teachers will set their own goals aligned with the WIG, they'll be naturally invested in its success. This ownership will create a culture of accountability, where everyone supports each other in achieving our shared objective.
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Six Sources of Influence with 4DX
Successful change doesn't happen in the blink of an eye, but it may feel that way when you have the right tools. The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) and the Influencer Model work together in sync to make achieving goals a reality.
The Influencer Model provides 6 Sources of Influence, which are basically strategies to lead people towards positive behavior changes. This can involve things like leaders setting a strong example (modeling) or leaving helpful reminders in the environment that needs the most change. These influences fit perfectly with the 4DX process. The Wildly Important Goal (WIG) in 4DX becomes the shared goal in the Influencer Model, creating an environment to bring the members together. Additionally, the important behaviors shown in the Influencer Model can be translated directly into Lead Measures within 4DX. These Lead Measures then set the bar we track to gauge the progress on our WIG.
The shared focus of these two strategies is the shared focus they both have. Both models prioritize creating long-lasting, effective change. They keep change makers motivated and morale high by highlighting progress and setting clear, measurable goals.
The Influencer Model provides 6 Sources of Influence, which are basically strategies to lead people towards positive behavior changes. This can involve things like leaders setting a strong example (modeling) or leaving helpful reminders in the environment that needs the most change. These influences fit perfectly with the 4DX process. The Wildly Important Goal (WIG) in 4DX becomes the shared goal in the Influencer Model, creating an environment to bring the members together. Additionally, the important behaviors shown in the Influencer Model can be translated directly into Lead Measures within 4DX. These Lead Measures then set the bar we track to gauge the progress on our WIG.
The shared focus of these two strategies is the shared focus they both have. Both models prioritize creating long-lasting, effective change. They keep change makers motivated and morale high by highlighting progress and setting clear, measurable goals.
Resources
Covey, S., McChesney, C., & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 disciplines of execution: Achieving your wildly important goals. Simon and Schuster.
FranklinCovey. (2012b, April 19). Executive overview of The 4 Disciplines of Execution [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZR2Ixm0QQE&t=1s
FranklinCovey. (2012b, April 19). Executive overview of The 4 Disciplines of Execution [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZR2Ixm0QQE&t=1s