Section 5: Reflection
"A Theory of Change describes the types of interventions that bring about the outcomes depicted in the pathway of a change map. Each outcome in the pathway of change is tied to an intervention, revealing the often complex web of activity that is required to bring about change ("What is theory," 2013)." I believe that this quote accurately describes the complexity involved in producing and implementing any change. My proposed change plan is complex but is necessary in order for our educational system to continue its growth (Hull, 2012).
For my change implementation to be successful, developing strong relationships built on trust is key. My goal is a lofty one and will require a large team to lead the change. This team would need to consist of myself and at least one representative from each of the respective Colorado Pre-Schools who is fully vested in the change implementation. Since this is my change proposal, I would want to take on the roll of the Change Agent and the school representatives would be tasked with taking new information back to their schools and training the educators within their buildings. Ultimately, the administrators of the schools, the school board and the voters in the public have final say in the change. However, the hope is that once educators are trained to be effective and the public is able to see the positive changes that have been taking place, the resistance for increasing funding will diminish.
Monitoring the change on a regular basis is necessary to ensure successful implementation. I would utilize the documents that I created in this course, including the Innovation Configuration Map as well as the Levels of Use questionnaire. to ensure that my change is implemented successfully. These documents are tools that allow me to answer questions and address areas that need work and improvement. They also allow for feedback which is needed to promote teamwork and ownership of the changes. It would also be beneficial to monitor the classrooms themselves. According to Brinbaum (2009), monitoring allows for immediate corrective action and allows the individual to gain a first hand look at the behaviors that are taking place in regard to the change. I would want to take the time to visit each of the schools personally and view how each of the representatives have been implementing the change as well as gather feedback and be available to address questions and/or issues. All in all, since my proposed change is going to have a drastic effect on many different schools, it is imperative that the change is rolled-out in a uniform, standardized way. This helps to make sure that the change is sustained and provides multiple points of contact when questions or concerns arise. It is important that time is taken to ensure that the schools are provided with the necessary materials and support to do so. Time, planning and patience are needed and necessary.
Over-all, what really struck me was the time, attention and dedication it takes to effectively and successfully implement change. I learned how difficult implementing change can be -- especially when it involves so many different people and opinions. As noted by Hord and Roussin (2011), “Individuals have to change before the school can change” (pg.127). I think the biggest take-away has been that I need to anticipate fear and resistance and be able to effectively communicate with all of the individuals/Stake-Holders who will ultimately be affected by my change plan (Rick, 2015). I need to be flexible and adaptable and roll with the punches. I need to look at mistakes and road-blocks as learning and growth opportunities rather than giving up and accepting failure.
Through this course, I feel that I have been provided the necessary skills and tools to propose any change I see fit. As I now know what I need to bring to my stakeholders in order for them to "buy into" my change. As I continue my education, I hope to gain more information that will assist with successfully implementing changes going forward. "Change does not lead to an end point, but rather, it places us on a path toward new beginnings and greater possibilities” (Hord & Roussin, 2011, pg. 128).
"A Theory of Change describes the types of interventions that bring about the outcomes depicted in the pathway of a change map. Each outcome in the pathway of change is tied to an intervention, revealing the often complex web of activity that is required to bring about change ("What is theory," 2013)." I believe that this quote accurately describes the complexity involved in producing and implementing any change. My proposed change plan is complex but is necessary in order for our educational system to continue its growth (Hull, 2012).
For my change implementation to be successful, developing strong relationships built on trust is key. My goal is a lofty one and will require a large team to lead the change. This team would need to consist of myself and at least one representative from each of the respective Colorado Pre-Schools who is fully vested in the change implementation. Since this is my change proposal, I would want to take on the roll of the Change Agent and the school representatives would be tasked with taking new information back to their schools and training the educators within their buildings. Ultimately, the administrators of the schools, the school board and the voters in the public have final say in the change. However, the hope is that once educators are trained to be effective and the public is able to see the positive changes that have been taking place, the resistance for increasing funding will diminish.
Monitoring the change on a regular basis is necessary to ensure successful implementation. I would utilize the documents that I created in this course, including the Innovation Configuration Map as well as the Levels of Use questionnaire. to ensure that my change is implemented successfully. These documents are tools that allow me to answer questions and address areas that need work and improvement. They also allow for feedback which is needed to promote teamwork and ownership of the changes. It would also be beneficial to monitor the classrooms themselves. According to Brinbaum (2009), monitoring allows for immediate corrective action and allows the individual to gain a first hand look at the behaviors that are taking place in regard to the change. I would want to take the time to visit each of the schools personally and view how each of the representatives have been implementing the change as well as gather feedback and be available to address questions and/or issues. All in all, since my proposed change is going to have a drastic effect on many different schools, it is imperative that the change is rolled-out in a uniform, standardized way. This helps to make sure that the change is sustained and provides multiple points of contact when questions or concerns arise. It is important that time is taken to ensure that the schools are provided with the necessary materials and support to do so. Time, planning and patience are needed and necessary.
Over-all, what really struck me was the time, attention and dedication it takes to effectively and successfully implement change. I learned how difficult implementing change can be -- especially when it involves so many different people and opinions. As noted by Hord and Roussin (2011), “Individuals have to change before the school can change” (pg.127). I think the biggest take-away has been that I need to anticipate fear and resistance and be able to effectively communicate with all of the individuals/Stake-Holders who will ultimately be affected by my change plan (Rick, 2015). I need to be flexible and adaptable and roll with the punches. I need to look at mistakes and road-blocks as learning and growth opportunities rather than giving up and accepting failure.
Through this course, I feel that I have been provided the necessary skills and tools to propose any change I see fit. As I now know what I need to bring to my stakeholders in order for them to "buy into" my change. As I continue my education, I hope to gain more information that will assist with successfully implementing changes going forward. "Change does not lead to an end point, but rather, it places us on a path toward new beginnings and greater possibilities” (Hord & Roussin, 2011, pg. 128).