Changing Culture through Protocols

1. Changing Culture through Protocols Session 6, November 2013 NTI EngageNY.org

2. Learning Target I can support the development of a collaborative, change-focused culture school wide, including ways to manage counterculture behavior. EngageNY.org

3. Effective Collaboration Norms and Guidelines In order to cultivate a climate where everyone is focused on ongoing, positive growth and improving student achievement, use the Seven Norms of Collaboration. Seven Norms of Collaboration 1. Promoting a Spirit of Inquiry and Balancing Advocacy 2. Pausing 3. Paraphrasing 4. Probing 5. Putting Ideas on the Table 6. Paying Attention to Self and Others 7. Presuming Positive Intentions

4. Greetings • Say good afternoon and share your thinking about how norms can support a school culture that is collaborative and change-focused. • How do norms ensure equityand inclusion? • How do norms effect productivity? • How do norms create a culture of achievement?

5. Reflect and Talk Reflect on a time when you were engaged in some type of problem solving conversation at school that did not go so well. Perhaps no solution was found, or people left feeling badly, or like their time was wasted. Turn and Talk to a partner about this problem solving conversation EngageNY.org

6. The Power of Protocols • Read the first page of the protocols handout and highlight key points as to why we use protocols with adults. • (p. 158) EngageNY.org

7. Some of the “why” “Educators use protocols as guidelines for conversation, and in doing so can create a school culture that is safe and honors multiple perspectives. The guidelines for conversation that protocols offer allow a group to go beyond the surface of an issue and get to the heart of the matter. They can also limit the negative effects of those who can cause friction, disharmony or discord within the team” (Brown, 2013). EngageNY.org

8. Descriptive Consultancy Protocol • Purpose: To help someone think through a problem through framing and reframing the issue. • (p. 164) • Steps: 1. Problem Presentation 2. Clarifying Questions 3. Reflecting Back 4. Responding 5. Brainstorming 6. Response 7. Debriefing EngageNY.org

9. Using Protocols with Your Staff • Use the roles to reflect after completion of protocol. • (p. 173) • Use these questions to guide your conversation, but feel free to answer questions that arise in the group. • How would a protocol support this personality ? • What roles or personalities are missing? • What other steps can/should a leader take to support people in addition to discussion protocols? • How can protocols change or improve your school culture? EngageNY.org

10. How can you use collaborative structures to impact culture at your school? • “Protocols force transparency by segmenting elements of conversation whose boundaries otherwise blur: talking and listening, describing and judging, proposing and giving feedback.”“In forcing transparency, protocols again teach us habits that we wish we already had: to take time to listen and notice, to take time to think about what we want to say, to work without rushing, to speak less (or speak up more).” The Power of Protocols: An Educator’s Guide to Better Practice, 2007, p.7 EngageNY.org

11. Reflection • Learning Target: I can support the development of a collaborative, change-focused culture school wide, including ways to manage counterculture behavior. • Journal regarding your progress in relation to this target. • (p. 174) • Also, be reflective about your work as an instructional leader. What resonated with you during this session? EngageNY.org