What+is+the+problem?

Sarah: I think the problem stems from the culture of the school. The superintendent hoped that the combination of new "high performing" teachers and veteran teachers along with principal O'Connor would be a perfect blend. He visualized the newer teachers guiding the technology innovations that have come with the school reform initiatives in the district. Many of Hickory teachers have attended technology-based industry tours and forums in hope of leading the school into the 21st century. It seems there is a divide in the school among the teachers and addressing that issue first and foremost is a key component of success. 1. Culture- How do we align the needs of the students to fit the strengths of our teachers? 2. Professional Development- What do we need to support our teachers so that they are able to be successful with the implementation of new technology and programs? 3. Vision- How do we redefine the vision so that it becomes our foundation and guides our behaviors so that we can provide the best possible environment for our school? 4. Organizational Development- How can we redistribute power throughout the school district so that every person is given the opportunity to make a difference?

I think these are some of the pressing questions in defining our action plan. I have always felt that culture is an inherent part of change and is an essential component of a good plan.

Michelle: I also agree that the problem of the school stems from the culture of the school. Everyone appears to want to do thier own thing and not work collaboratively as a team.The veteran teachers are "stuck" in thier ways, thinking and methods of teaching while the new teachers are eager to try all that they learned in school. I think the selection of the principal along with the mix of "fresh teachers" and veteran teachers was an ingeniopus idea, however moving forward there needs to be a great reform.

Culture: How do we mold the teacher to best meet the variety of thier students' needs? Professional Development: What workshops can we attend to learn best practices for our teachers and how do we go about making sure those best practices are put to use? Vision and Mission: With a new leader and plenty of new staff members it is definitely time to revisit the vision and mission of the school and possibly create a new vision and mission that best aligns with the new members of the school community.

Danielle Von Behren Issues: What steps should I (superintendent) take to ensure that Hickory Ridge High School is successful in reforming their school. What resources can I provide to principal Jim O' Conner to help him relate better to his staff members. Problems: Staff has lost respect for their principals authority. Staff is divided. (Since individuals are beginning to "pick sides," What should be done to get ALL stakeholders on board with school reform. This includes administration, teachers, parents, and community members.)

Caren Nies I agree that the problem stems from the fact that the younger generation of teachers and the older generation of teachers, including Principal O'Conner, are not willing to work together to create a positive change within the school. The older generation seem to be 'stuck in their ways' and believe that their way is the right way, and is working just fine, while the younger generation seem to want to implement the new technology and strategies within the school to create the most 'up-to-date' changes within the school. It seems as though Principal O'Connor is not helping move the two divisions of people any closer together, hence, creating even more of a gap between the teachers. Collaboration is needed in order to create a vision and a change within a school, and it seems that this vision is not clear between all stakeholders, which is a major problem to face.

Samantha: I agree that the overall culture of the school needs to change and improve. Revisiting/rewriting the school's vision and mission is definitely a good start and should be a collaborative effort among the entire staff, community, and stakeholders. I also think pairing up the newer teachers with the veteran teachers for mentoring or partnerships might be a possible way to get staff members to work together and outside of their "comfort zones". Principal O'Connor must be a model for cooperative learning and collaboration in order to gain support from the staff.

Jane: The culture of the school and the mindset of the staff need a definite change. Principal O'Connor has a huge task ahead of him. However, with collaboration, all parties in this school can be a success. Experienced teachers and new teachers are a benefit to each other. Principal O'Connor will need to invest in numerous staff development training for both himself and staff, so the staff can start to see him as part of the cooperative learning environment.

Kimberly: I agree that the overall culture of the school is a terrible issue for this school and that it needs to improve and change. It seems that both the older teachers and younger teachers have a fixed mindset and need to move towards having a growth mindset in order to be successful. Staff development and teambuilding sounds like it would be necessary for everyone to start working together. Creating a mentor program could help as well. I think the change needs to start with Principal O'Connor since his attitude will be the ultimate force.