King’s appointment as acting Secretary of Education, may signal greater support to superintendents in developing a shared understanding and changing mindsets across their leadership, teachers and community.
Most recognize the role of technology as an equalizer for information and access. Yet, it is amazing that only 2,000 out of 13,000 superintendents signed the Future Ready Schools pledge. Of those who signed, it is likely that only 300 to 400 school districts are taking steps toward the seven commitments outlined within it. While the pledge helps start personalized learning conversations, district leaders struggle with how to take action after signing. The Department of Education must redefine its efforts to support the implementation of personalized learning beyond a pledge and focus on actionable results.
During my initial research for the Personalized Learning Playbook, I came to realize that the success of programs like Future Ready Schools, measured by the fidelity of implementation and sustainability, are rooted in developing a shared understanding and common operating philosophy. But most district leaders, teachers and administrators lack this common ground and signal that one or more parts of the organization are not ready to make a change. Many administrators and teachers are not ready to integrate technology as part of a high quality educational experience; those who are ready lack the tools and support needed to execute within the constraints of their district’s expectations. We must focus less on specific, siloed initiatives and more on developing the mindsets of districts to recognize – and communicate to parents and board members – how different our world is today and why the education system must evolve with it...
This article appeared originally on District Administration Magazine. Read the full article here.