“Part of every social-sector organization’s mission should be to push upstream. To prevent wounds as well as bandage them; to eliminate injustice as well as assisting those who suffered them.” ~ Dan Heath This past spring was a bandage situation for most districts. Many have taken lessons that they learned from the shutdown to make …
Upstream Thinking . . . How to Change the System Read More »
“If we want to fix a big problem, we need to overhaul the system” ~Dan Heath When thinking about surrounding the problem with the right people and using data for learning as opposed to using data for inspection, what Blueprint connections come to mind? Early Blueprint adopters might think about the district and building networks …
Upstream Thinking . . . Uniting the Right People Read More »
“Systems Thinkers shape a worldview based on the realization of interconnectedness.” ~ Pearl Zhu Dan Heath uses Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) improved graduation rates as an example in his book. CPS’ graduation rate was 52% in 1997. By shifting to upstream thinking, eliminating problem blindness, taking ownership for the problem, and putting systems in place, …
How might Leadership, Instructional Infrastructure, and Student Support interconnect? As you continue to deepen your understanding of the Blueprint Framework, the more you’ll discover the interconnectedness amongst the various Blueprint components.
Where in the Blueprint might you find evidence of Appreciative Inquiry and Appreciative Leadership? If you are thinking, “it’s throughout”, you are absolutely right! As you review the following Blueprint components, reflect on the strengths of your district and school and how you might contextualize this thinking. Appreciative Inquiry and Appreciative Leadership is embedded in …
