As districts wind down another school year, (and this one was a doozy) it's generally a good exercise to review and reflect before setting direction for next school year. After the year we just experienced and as boards and district administrators develop recovery plans for reopening schools and setting goals for an uncertain future, this reflection is essential. Leadership teams should take stock of where the district is in terms of its vision, mission and strategic plan goals and ask this important question - how did the district develop over the past year?
Think about the significant happenings and events of last year and write them down - record as many events as you can remember. Once you have an exhaustive list, denote in some manner which of these items were significant for students, parents, staff, families and community. What stands out? Could you prioritize the events from least significant to most significant for each of the above stakeholder groups?
For future planning purposes and goal setting, think about what these happenings or accomplishments/struggles meant for you as a board member and part of the district leadership team. What was surprising about the events of last school year? What was predictable? Based on the events of last year, what was important and what wasn't as important? How did you grow personally and professionally? Finally, as we approach and plan for the 2020-2021 school year, in what ways do you hope to grow as a board member and in what ways do you hope your district will grow and learn?
Career coach, Michael Melcher, calls such an exercise turning over the "mental soil" of the previous year. Reflection assists in identifying personal and district core values and informs decision-making when "planting" meaningful new goals for the coming year and redesigning learning experiences to meet the demands of our new reality. When considering that new reality and planning for redesigned teaching and learning, you may find it useful to frame your reflection using the lenses of equity, family and community engagement, relationship building and finances. Here's to successful reflection!