This week my school will be launching its public portal, which gives parents and students greater access to information about learning in our school. As the leader of this project, I have begun to reflect on a journey that has lasted 2 years plus in getting to this point.
What has struck me most has been how welcoming so many have been to the change. Of course, there is still some fear and trepidation of what additional transparency brings in terms of teachers receiving more inquiries from parents about grades, feedback and specific advice for their child’s learning.
Such changes in education, such as being more transparent and opening up communication channels, can lead to significant resistance on the part of a teaching staff. In this instance, I am questioning why there is so little resistance and objection.
I could assume that my colleagues are indifferent about this change or they are too busy to notice it. Probably not but they may be thinking this is just a fad and it shall pass. Again, I do not think so. This change is significant, it exposes them to question. As teachers, with this particular change, we are being made more responsible for the feedback we provide to students and their parents.
This week, I think I stumbled across the answer. By giving my colleagues adequate warning about the change, some 18 months, along with support and regular updates on implementation process, everyone has become familiar with what is going to happen. By allowing the people whom the change effort is dependent upon to become familiar with the change and what it entails, the shift does not appear so big or uncomfortable.
While, I acknowledge, that my hands are still full helping those who are struggling to adapt to the change or have not yet comprehended its importance, the overall process of making this change has felt that much easier because we have taken our time to get it right.
It is important for me to recognize that I have been fortunate to determine the deadlines without pressure from the big boss or external agencies forcing the agenda, but it goes to show that with the right support and a bit of time the process of making necessary and essential change in schools can be just that bit easier. Having some great people to work with makes it that bit more simple too!
For education leaders everywhere 
Reblogged this on The Echo Chamber.
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