Reflection: Schools are often working against themselves as there are distinct applications for various needs: Teaching and Learning Systems , Administrative Systems, Back Office Systems, and Supplemental Systems. Reflect on how you could help to clarify and unify these systems.
Traditionally, schools were based in a system that used little technology. Currently, they find themselves moving at top speed to incorporate technology into their traditional systems. With so many systems to juggle and all of it being fairly new, it is no wonder they are trying to navigate along several paths at the same time. In order to become most efficient it is important to analyze and streamline. It all begins with a vision and a business plan. Systems often run separately from one another, yet school leaders need all the information in order to make informed decisions. Recently, I visited a school district in California's central valley which claims to have used technology and data to reach levels of personalized learning within their large ELL subgroup.They attained their success by connecting the dots within their data and use of technology. They hired both tech and data analysts to determine which systems are needed and which systems communicate best with each other. Within the organization I am studying, there are lots of gaps I see as a classroom teacher. One of my biggest challenges in my first grade class when it comes to accessing technology is the number of lengthy logins and passwords assigned to my students. They access Compass Odyssey, Lexia Core 5, and Accelerated Reader applications daily. Each one has its own set of logins and passwords. Upper grades access even more applications. The multitude of logins is cumbersome to say the least. Using an active directory would be an easy update to address this roadblock.
Furthermore, as an education leader, I feel it is most important to hire the people who are most qualified to effectively identify gaps and provide solutions. As a leader, the decision is yours to make, however your expertise in strategically making decisions doesn't mean your are the most qualified to identify the roadblocks keeping you from reaching the destination in your vision. All in all, I believe the best way to clarify the systems is to first and foremost understand the capability of each program and then clearly understand how it fits into the structure of your organization's vision, and hire qualified staff who will find gaps or roadblocks that may delay your process.
Traditionally, schools were based in a system that used little technology. Currently, they find themselves moving at top speed to incorporate technology into their traditional systems. With so many systems to juggle and all of it being fairly new, it is no wonder they are trying to navigate along several paths at the same time. In order to become most efficient it is important to analyze and streamline. It all begins with a vision and a business plan. Systems often run separately from one another, yet school leaders need all the information in order to make informed decisions. Recently, I visited a school district in California's central valley which claims to have used technology and data to reach levels of personalized learning within their large ELL subgroup.They attained their success by connecting the dots within their data and use of technology. They hired both tech and data analysts to determine which systems are needed and which systems communicate best with each other. Within the organization I am studying, there are lots of gaps I see as a classroom teacher. One of my biggest challenges in my first grade class when it comes to accessing technology is the number of lengthy logins and passwords assigned to my students. They access Compass Odyssey, Lexia Core 5, and Accelerated Reader applications daily. Each one has its own set of logins and passwords. Upper grades access even more applications. The multitude of logins is cumbersome to say the least. Using an active directory would be an easy update to address this roadblock.
Furthermore, as an education leader, I feel it is most important to hire the people who are most qualified to effectively identify gaps and provide solutions. As a leader, the decision is yours to make, however your expertise in strategically making decisions doesn't mean your are the most qualified to identify the roadblocks keeping you from reaching the destination in your vision. All in all, I believe the best way to clarify the systems is to first and foremost understand the capability of each program and then clearly understand how it fits into the structure of your organization's vision, and hire qualified staff who will find gaps or roadblocks that may delay your process.