Leading Theme Integration Frame the Work of Teams and Track Progress
Once the teams are identified, a member of the Facilitation Team might attend the first meeting of each team to help facilitate conversations related to
- Group norms
- Objectives and responsibilities
- Team leader and secretary
- Logistics (i.e., frequency and location of meetings, communication)
- Progress updates to magnet project director, Facilitation Team, or faculty
Share and review with teams the downloadable Team Purpose Protocol (.doc) to help them develop a clear focus and common agreement.
Use the first meeting of each team as an opportunity to describe the team’s role, responsibilities, and expectations, and to talk about how it fits into the larger theme integration picture. For instance, let teams know they will need to complete and submit a one-page summary of weekly or biweekly meetings to keep the Facilitation Team informed about team activities and progress. (Download Team Meeting Notetaker (.doc) and Team Progress Checklist (.doc) as templates and modify, as needed.)
QUICK WIN
As an exercise, ask each team to identify one practice that can be replicated or easily improved. The Magnet Identity Team, for example, can develop two additional ways to publicize an upcoming theme-related event. The Curriculum Connections Team can identify a model cross-curricular project used between two teachers and have them share it with another pair of teachers who have the potential to teach the same project.
LEADERSHIP TIP
Teams and professional learning communities need support to be effective. As facilitators, the project director and school administrators will need to protect teachers’ time through either common planning time or compensation. In addition, teams should receive helpful tools or protocols that give purpose and structure to their work.
