It's not about me or you; it's about the kids learning

We are at that time of the year where we start making financial decisions, human resource decisions and changes to the school's look and appearance. We need to continue to focus on what's best for kids and their future? Many times we focus on what is best (easier or comfortable) for the adults, it makes us feel good and "we have always done it that way".

We are in the process of making changes to our learning spaces and classrooms. Often in discussions are focused on what the educator wants to do to make it easier or safer for them as the leaders of the learning and not always focused on how to support the child and their learning, because if they are not the focus then who is it benefiting? As we explore the world that are children are going into it looks much different then the one I entered 18 years ago...

With changes there is resistance, confusion and doubts that the changes will yield their tended results.  I am excited about our flexible learning commons; we are moving away from a traditional library with books and setting spaces. This is an area where we would like students to collaborate discuss and learn together or by themselves. We have continued to tweak the furniture, layout and look of the space. More importantly the content and resources inside the space. We have added wonder walls and discussion boards, along with more updates devices and books.

I am also excited about the learning space changing to a maker space for all students. Like any change we need to focus on how is it going to benefit students learning and creativity. This includes content/learning outcomes, opportunity to be creative and solve problems as well as being able to articulate ones thoughts....oh things are changing but the changes are to support student learning not to make out job easier?