Introduction to "Implement Site-Based Initiatives"

Video Transcription

Welcome to this unit, Implement Site-based Initiatives. The learning objectives in this unit will include, evaluating best practice strategies in implementing initiatives using site-based leadership theory, implementing the action plan that you will develop following best practice implementation strategies, monitoring and evaluating the progress of your initiative using the tools and intervals that you will define in your SMART goals, and reflecting on the progress of the team in implementing the initiative, and developing updated SMART goals for the next steps.

We'll begin the unit by evaluating best practice strategies in implementing initiatives using site-based leadership theory. We will see how several theories can support site-based management. For example, the adult learning theory of andragogy can help us to best meet the needs of the adult learners who are involved in our site-based initiatives.

And this is especially true if we align the training in our site-based management initiatives with Knowles six assumptions of adult learning. Brookfield's critical thinking theory, and his four processes in critical thinking will also help us to frame our understanding of best practices in site-based management. After examining these individual theories that can provide useful strategies in implementing site-based management, we will then take a larger look at implementation through the lens of systems theory. We'll discuss the five disciplines that make up schools in the context of systems theory, and you'll be able to implement strategies centered around each of these five disciplines.

After discussing all of those specific research based tips for developing an effective site-based management structure, you'll be ready to examine some theories and best practices related to successful plan implementation. A central idea that will run throughout this learning objective, will be the importance of setting norms and expectations for your team. I'll model the process of setting norms, and I'll underscore the importance of revisiting those norms on a regular basis.

We'll build on this topic by discussing how and why you might address violations of your team's norms. For example, a recommended best practice is to address violations using the same language that is found in the norms themselves. I'll share with you some specific tips that you can implement right away in your team.

Finally, we'll examine the importance of action plan alignment at all levels, from team action plans, to school action plans, to district wide plans. Focusing on alignment of all these various plans can help team members to understand exactly how and why a plan is being implemented, and andragogy tells us that adult learners need to understand the why of this situation. Next, after learning the theory and then actually developing and implementing your site-based initiative and the associated action plans, it will be crucial for you to monitor and evaluate the progress of the initiative using your SMART goals as a reference.

I'll model for you the process of reflecting on your progress towards those SMART goals, and I'll also share with you some recommendations for reflecting as a team on whether your team meetings are effective in helping you make progress towards those goals. We'll also discuss the important element of communication. How will you communicate to team members and other stakeholders regarding your progress towards the goals of the initiative?

In the implementation of any site-based initiative, it's so important to maintain a continuous cycle of reflection and evaluation. So the last learning objective in this unit will ask you to reflect on all of those accomplishments you've achieved throughout the first three learning objectives. For example, we'll reflect on whether your team's plan was properly aligned to the school and district plans. We'll discuss how to use various types of data for the process of reflection, and we'll talk at length about the process of reflecting on and potentially revising your SMART goals.

It's important to understand that potential revision of strategies or goals is a realistic part of maintaining a site-based initiative. By the end of this learning objective, you'll feel prepared to reflect on your own plan as part of the continuous improvement process. To recap, the learning objectives in this unit will include evaluating best practice strategies in implementing initiatives using site-based leadership theory, implementing an action plan that you will develop following best practice implementation strategies, monitoring and evaluating the progress of your initiative using the tools and intervals that are identified in your SMART goals, and reflecting on the progress of your team in implementing the initiative and developing updated SMART goals for the next steps.

Here's the first chance in this unit for you to stop and reflect. What do you hope to learn about implementing site-based initiatives and action plans? For more information on how to apply what you learned in this video, please view the additional resources section that accompanies this video presentation. The additional resources section includes hyperlinks useful for applications of the course material, including a brief description of each resource.

Welcome to the unit. I hope you'll join me in my upcoming tutorials throughout the unit Thanks for watching, and have a great day.