CP Blog Entry #14: Reflect on what worked and what did not work during the process of completing your Change Project.

I think the most successful outcome for my Change Project was the number of teachers who not only participated in the Power Team this school year, but were also actively involved in brainstorming ways to make the Power Team even better. I had 19 teachers and 6 other staff members who were involved. My principal was very supportive in allowing me the opportunity to hold the Power Team meetings and she was instrumental in providing necessary funding for the materials for the parents. The team members were enthusiastic about the parent meetings and came up with some great ideas to increase parent attendance in the future. Several other teachers hope to participate next school year.

My biggest disappointment was the parent involvement. We had 28% of the parents attend the first Power Team meeting and only 11 % for the second meeting. Six of the teachers decided to cancel their meetings because only one or two parents responded to attend. The third meeting will be held in May.


What would you use differently and what would you use again?

Use Again: I will continue to use the PowerPoints for training and for the Power Team parent meetings, as well as the new parent invitation letter created by the Power Team members.

Use differently: I will create a new PowerPoint to be used by the participating teachers during Open House. I believe if we can entice the parents to attend the meetings early on, more will attend.

Additional thoughts: I am grateful to the CAPE committee for allowing us the opportunity to fulfill our Change Project ideas and for their continued support throughout the process. The technology presented and the regular meetings really gave us an advantage in helping us to be successful.

Thank you!

CP Blog Entry #13: What part of your Tier III training met your needs and what part did not meet your needs?

I have been very pleased with the training I have received for all three Tier III courses thus far.

Module 1 Part A: The facilitators offered assistance and support as I was introduced to the Change Project requirements and timelines. They gave instruction as to each section of the Change Project Template and reviewed the information at length. The meetings with the other participants were helpful as we often bounced ideas off one another and came up with solutions to dilemmas we were facing.

Module 1 Part B: I learned a wealth of technological knowledge by participating in the Digital Portfolio Course. Chris was attentive to my questions and offered assistance anytime it was needed. She was patient and even spent extra time re-teaching certain tasks that were more difficult. I am especially pleased that she decided to continue as a facilitator for the third course.

Module 2 Part C: The facilitators continue to provide answers to questions and technological support as I work towards completing the requirements for my Change Project. They seem genuinely concerned about any trials faced by the participants and interested in learning about the process we have undergone.

CP Blog Entry #12: Has there been "buy-in" for the continuation of your Change Project and at what level?

There is definite buy-in for the continuation of my Change Project into the 2016-2017 school year. I have spoken with several teachers at various grade levels who want to continue the Power Team meetings next year. I have also had contact with about five teachers at various grade levels who would like to participate for the first time next school year. Although our PTO has been approving funds for our materials, I will be working on additional outside funding (grants, Shoparoo, etc.) to assist with the cost of materials for next school year. I have a meeting with my principal on Monday and I am confident she will support the Power Team and its continuance.


What steps have you taken to insure success of implementation?

I have already had discussions with the other Power Team members about continuing the meetings next year. We have brainstormed ideas for next year's dates and the teachers are already looking forward to preparing for the 2016-2017 Power Team meetings. We have worked together to come up with an informative invitation flyer for the parents and have discussed ways to present more data at our Power Team parent meetings. I also suggested that we present the Power Team information during our Open House meetings to entice parents to attend.

CP Blog Entry #11: What ideas have you formulated to "Pay Forward" your Change Project?

When I began this Change Project, I knew that I wanted to continue the Power Team into future school years. I find that it takes me three times to make something successful. Even if the Power Team parent attendance remains low this year, I want to "soldier-on" for at least the next three years.

List any ideas you brainstormed and then focus one that is most promising. Include members of the school community that have shown support for your plan.

 The members of my powerful team have already been discussing plans for next year's Power Team parent nights. One of the biggest changes will be to have our first parent night before the first mid-term reports go home. We are hoping this will decrease the apprehension from parents about their child's grades. Many of the intermediate teachers had to hold phone conferences with parents about concerns for the first mid-term report.

We have also worked together to create parent flyers, provide childcare for parents in need, and our PTO has graciously donated funds for all materials, including refreshments for the parents and the children who have to use the childcare. Therefore, we will already have plans in place for these items.

Several teachers have declared their intentions to begin participation in next year's Power Team conferences, and I am confident that this year's participates will continue into next year.