Well-intentioned school leaders often struggle to realize the meaningful transformations they desire and unwittingly contribute to perpetuating ineffective practices. The systems-thinking framework on which this session is based helps leaders break the cycle to produce sustainable change in complex systems. This interactive session illustrates how schools can “Create the Possibilities” through an exploration of how one suburban school district leveraged a systems-thinking approach to transition three Title One targeted schools to a schoolwide model. They will explain how they overlapped system-thinking with the comprehensive needs mandated by their Department of Education to thoughtfully shift program goals, resource allocation, and staff norms. Participants will engage with one another and presenters to understand how to use a needs assessment to create goals. The presentation will highlight how stakeholders moved from a “your kids” model to an “our kids” paradigm.
Dr. Kelli Sendel serves as an elementary principal in a K-5 building. Prior to becoming a principal, she served as an assistant principal for five years. She also worked as secondary math teacher for seven years.
Dr. Ryan Thomas serves as Supervisor of Curriculum and Federal Programs Coordinator. He provides oversight in professional learning and in various curricular areas across the K-12 spectrum; including ELA and English Language Development. He has is a former classroom teacher as well as elementary building principal.
Christine Jenkins serves as a K-12 Instructional Coach focusing on supporting teachers implement evidence-based instructional best practices in math, a role she has held for nine years. Prior to becoming a coach, she taught eighth-grade mathematics for 13 years.