Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Executing an innovative idea is difficult; it takes time, resources, collective buy-in, and ongoing support. The DPI’s Inaugural Summer Institute Transforming Systems for Innovation, held on July 15-18 in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin was conceived by the Teaching and Learning Team to support districts who are interested in systems change to create the conditions necessary for innovation success.
Nine school districts from across the state gathered to explore transformative changes that could redefine the future of education. Districts (Kenosha, Beloit, Oshkosh, Oconto Falls, Norris, St. Francis, Green Lake, Tomorrow River, and Bonduel) spent three days together discussing innovation in their school districts.
In true Wisconsin spirit of local control, each district got to ask themselves:
What does innovation mean to my unique school community?
What are innovative ideas I’d like to see implemented in the 2024-25 school year?
The institute was designed to fulfill three purposes:
- To equip districts with the knowledge and tools to effectively transform systems for innovation
- To provide a platform for sharing and learning about promising educational practices from both Wisconsin and national educators
- To build a network of schools dedicated to fostering innovation.
By the end of the institute, each district had crafted an action plan to guide their efforts for the 2024-25 school year, ensuring that the innovative ideas discussed would be put into practice.
Moving Beyond Constraints to Dream Big
Paul Schmitz, senior advisor for the global nonprofit Foundation Strategy Group and Milwaukee resident, presented at the Summer Institute on the Water of Systems Change Model. This model helps organizations see that, in order to affect change, they must examine policies, practices, resource flows, relationships and connections, power dynamics, and mental models.
Districts had devoted blocks of work time to engage in the Water of Systems Change learning exercise. Colleagues from the DPI helped districts see the flexibility that exists within state statute to foster innovation. These areas of opportunity are highlighted in the newly revised Flexibility to Foster Innovation Guide.
One participant wrote, “So often we are in spaces with the nay-sayers and are therefore restrained in some ways from fully expressing our ideas and dreams. This was a beautiful space for a short moment in time when we could move beyond those restraints to dream big.”
Participants from districts attended breakout sessions led by Wisconsin educators, including:
- Integrated technology throughout instructional areas
- Building relationships in a school community to get buy-in for innovation
- Competency-Based Education
- Authentic assessment
- Supporting innovation on a budget
- Interdisciplinary teaching K-8 and 9-12
- Growing hope with staff
After each breakout session, teams had time to meet and process. They discussed the ideas presented, shared new learning, and determined what actions their district could take based on the new information. The districts were also given time to connect with the speakers and get more personalized support.
A participant shared, “Having Wisconsin people from Wisconsin schools model what is possible gave me hope … also, the relationships and connections I have made here are as impactful as the content provided. I'm so thankful for the support, community, and the opportunity.” Finally, this comment from a veteran educator, “The best seminar/institute I have attended in years. Thank you for motivating me not to turn in my retirement papers.”
Creating District Innovation Roadmaps
After the two days of sessions, districts finally worked on their action plans. As part of attending the institute, districts drafted a 30, 60, 90, 120-day action plan to implement for the upcoming school year. Once these plans were completed, districts broke off into separate groups to share their plans with one another. The district teams got back together to use the feedback they received to revise their plan.
Participants highlighted that this aspect of the institute was especially valuable: the progression from idea development, dedicated working time with their district teams, receiving insightful feedback, and collaborating with other districts. Districts had the essential support they needed to bring their action plans to life. This collaborative approach ensured that every district left the institute with a well-rounded, actionable plan for the upcoming school year.
Support In The Year Ahead
The DPI will host five virtual meetings this year for the districts that attended the Summer Institute. We will provide ongoing support for the districts’ action plans, helping to troubleshoot barriers to implementation. We will continue to facilitate the peer-to-peer relationships developed between districts and participants so that they can lean on each other to brainstorm ways to expand their vision.
We at the DPI are so grateful for the thoughtful leadership and dedicated staff of these nine school districts. Your commitment to innovation and transforming systems to support deeper student learning will have a positive, lasting impact on your students and staff for years to come.
What about you?
Is your school or district embarking on an innovative journey that you’d like to share? We want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to transform education by sharing your story and becoming part of this dynamic community of forward-thinking educators. Contact Laura Roeker to find out more.