Architects of Change
While in Oregon last weekend I had a conversation with my niece who is a senior in the School of Architecture at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!). She shared with me about a design project she had recently completed for a private school. As she talked about all the pieces that had to come together to create the final product, I was reminded of the similarities of her work to the school improvement process. As leaders it’s essential that the foundation of our work be based on sound educational practices that speak to dignity and equity for all students; we must look at the big picture and yet pay attention to the details; and we have to hold a vision of what the end product will look like while at the same time gather and use input from those also involved in the process.
Today, I was again reminded of this metaphor as I looked through a book I just received in the mail – “Because You Teach” by Kathy Hunt-Ullock, Monte Selby, Debbie Silver, and Rick Wormeli (Incentive Publications). The book uses songs written by Monte as a springboard for staff development activities and one chapter is entitled “Architects of Change.” (a free download of the song is available at Monte's Website. That was the theme of the 2004 NASSP National Convention and Monte was commissioned to write the song in celebration of leadership. The lyrics of the chorus are:
In our hands, there is power to create.
In our hearts, a mission to embrace.
We can look down the road to a future,
Draw a blueprint that guides us today.
Join the vision of leaders becoming
The Architects of Change.
Designing, creating, and maintaining a school that is successful for the young adolescents entrusted to our care is an enormous responsibility. Just as an architect designs a building to meet the needs of the building’s users, school leaders must create a blueprint for school improvement that meets the needs of all students in the school. I remember living through several major remodeling projects at my school and attending regular meetings with those most closely involved with the construction - architect, contractor, project manager, school personnel, etc. The purpose of the meeting -- to review our progress, make needed adjustments, and celebrate completed steps along the way. As the new year approaches, it’s a good time to do a review of your school’s blueprint for improvement – Are you making forward progress? Do you need to make adjustments? Is it time for a celebration? Are you being a successful architect of change?
