In terms of starting a new initiative, there must be a clear vision and processes that motivate teachers to join. I despised leaders simply saying “Do This” and there was little to no instructions as to how I should implement this wondrous new problem solving initiative. This is where the influencer model complements the 4DX model. To influence, this requires me to first be willing to set the example and produce a record of results. My influence extends to others when I give them a reason to follow my example. To accomplish my innovation plan, I will be pairing my influencer plan with the 4DX implementation plan.

The project leader and team commit to developing their private ePortfolio’s, aligning them to team and district standards, and implementing them for student. The team will also commit to regular weekly Professional Learning Community Sessions. To encourage participation in the sessions and overall ePortfolio, teachers will be eligible to be awarded incentives for posting leading results on the score board, both short and long term. I will lead my team in this initiative and use high leverage strategies on the ePortfolio. These will center on student growth.

The initial launch will take place on professional workdays, where recruited teachers from the department will meet to plan the first three weeks for the purpose of creating focus. Adjustments will be made in a weekly PLC session to ensure horizontal alignment, within in reason. A group communication structure (i.e. GroupMe, text, etc.) will also be formulated to build team spirit and address any immediate needs or concerns. We will also prepare new content and activities to launch, plot a course, and create a list of content or activities/directions that will never go on our ePortfolios.

As team members participate in the process and progress in their usage of the ePortfolio, enthusiasm will increase across the team as content and lessons become unilaterally accessible and posted on their ePortfolios. Teachers will be holding each other accountable for each new section of content and activities created and posted on their ePortfolios, asking each other how this increases student performance. Team Members will have weekly deadlines and commitments that they will be held accountable for honoring. “Not yet” ideas will be further explored, researched, and adjusted.

At this stage, teachers will begin reviewing practices for optimization. Each teacher will act on the feedback given in sessions and generate new ideas, acting on the singular new idea that propels student and department growth. Celebrations of teachers with the most student growth and successfully implementing the not yet will take place on a quarterly basis.

The habits obtained and practiced in the process of implementation will change the culture of the team from isolation to collaboration. Student growth will be posted on the scoreboard, but teachers will also track how well lessons will be executed. Each milestone will be celebrated on the scoreboard; while new goals will be worked towards. Lowest performing team members will be offered support and assistance as needed.

References

EPortfolio & Digital badging. Bay Path University. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://www.baypath.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/eportfolio-digital-badging/

Chesney, C. (2016, December 29). The 4 disciplines of execution in a Nutshell. YouTube. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://youtu.be/aEJDliThj7g

Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Influencer: The new science of leading change. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.

McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 disciplines of execution: Achieving your wildly important goals. New York, NY: Free Press.

As we begin the journey

its important to remember that every plan is subject to change. If you have feedback and suggestions for me, please write it down in the feedback section below. During the implementation, other adjustments may be required to meet the needs of the scholars and the teachers involved in this initiative. The only bad suggestion or change is the one not suggested or pointed out.