It Takes Time

One of the things that I have discovered about the process of implementing change on a large scale is that it takes time. This statement may seem obvious and something of a no-brainer, but the implications are far-reaching. I am finding that this change project- introducing the MYP at our school- impacts different people in different ways. I should say that it impacts different people at different speeds. Personally, I am keen to move forward with the implementation process, and I believe in the capacity of our school to adopt the MYP. In my haste, though, I have noticed that colleagues are sometimes a bit more reticent. It isn't a lack of enthusiasm or lack of ability that holds people back, it is simply a matter of time. Without doubt, the change that we are embarking upon is significant, and it will impact how our teachers teach, and how our students learn. All for the better, mind you. How can you argue with a concept-based approach to teaching and learning that leads to greater student-directed learning, inquiry, and ownership? At the same time, teachers will benefit from a program of collaborative planning, curriculum mapping, and common unit planning that will increase collegiality and professionalism.

Why wouldn't we rush forward with such a program? Enter the finite resource of time. As a program coordinator, the challenge for me has been firstly finding a common time for collaborative planning, and secondly, deciding on a common platform for unit planning. I believed (and still do) that I had discovered a solution to the second problem. Selecting a program known as Managebac (see my previous blog entry) has provided our teachers with a comprehensive and powerful planning tool. It lays out the main aspects of IB planning very well, including the anticipated changes to the MYP Next Chapter that will be unfolded in the coming year. Built by former IB teachers, Managebac is a very good tool for planning, and a helpful resource for myself and the team of teachers in our intermediate (grades 7-10) division. It does not, however, solve the first problem, that of time. In some respects it adds another layer of time to an already busy staff.

So, when I tried to schedule November and early December group sessions, I was met with a series of obstacles, that can each be boiled down to a lack of time. So, it was back to the drawing board to see what can be done by way of implementation. The first consideration, as you can by now imagine, is time. A closer examination of the meeting schedule was called for, and thanks to the input of colleagues, and the willingness to accommodate, the planned sessions will now roll out over a period of previously scheduled meetings that will hopefully be easier on the staff, and the administrators who are responsible for developing the program.

So, it is a few steps forward, and at least one back, as far as program delivery is concerned. The hope is that the postponement will lead to a greater acceleration down the road when the really important timelines come into full view.