Post # 7

Bellanca & Brandt Chapter 7: An Implementation Framework by Jay McTighe & Elliott Seif

This week I read chapter 7 entitled An Implementation Framework from Bellanca and Brandt pages 149-174.  The chapter is very effective in giving educators an understanding of how to implement a framework for 21^st Century learning that presents a systemic approach to education reform. As educators we must realize that our students are changing, our workplace is changing and the nature of our jobs is changing. 21^st Century Learning is not just a buzz word in education; it is realization that we must instill the necessary skills into our students so that they are able to compete in this modern world.

McTinghe and Seif first mention that part of the implementation process comes from reviewing the school’s mission statement, making sure it includes 21^st century outcomes.  Many school and district mission statements were crated a long time ago and thus are outdated. They do not reflect the current trends in society and education. Our new mission statements should include targeted outcomes, capabilities and skills out students should master in today’s society.

I was glad to see that McTinghe and Seif made reference to Scott Wiggins because he has played a major role in New Jersey’s education reform from 2009-2010. Wiggins introduce Understanding by Design, which is a system of working backwards and achieving better student outcomes by providing them with essential questions throughout the lesson.  McTinghe and Seif identify that while operating under a system of understanding by Design, educators will be working closely with curriculums to better service students.  As a member of my school’s professional development team, I have found that establishing Professional Learning Communities and working closely with curriculums has helped our students realize their strengths and potentials in the classroom.  Using curriculum mapping as discussed by McTinghe and Seif, my school has been able to master the use of common assessment, PLC’s and strategies when dealing with data driven instruction. My school and my team have just been recognized by the National Staff Development Council and the Learning School Alliance as a school district who recognized and uses effective staff professional development to raise student achievement.

As a future public school administrator I was very interested by this week’s reading and would even consider using it during my internship next year; particularly the sections on indicators 1-5 that suggest what students should experience as they achieve 21^st century outcomes. In addition, the rubric for reviewing criteria for Instructional Resources is also a useful tool to be shared by all staff members in an effort to raise student achievement and create a collaborative culture.