In the past, the oncoming WASC meant the reviewing of the previous committee’s recommendations, and the writing of narratives outlining the school’s response to them. Then each department on campus created a report discussing what it had done to improve its service of the school’s clientele. Then the whole package was wrapped in a big bow. It was a public relations creation of mammoth proportions.
This year, all that changed. While the old reports were called "Performing Excellence," the new program was called "Focus on Learning." The concept was changed from product--the old WASC report itself--to process--how the school views itself and what it is going to do to improve. This is a monumental shift. And a welcome one to all reform-minded teachers. It also necessitates a huge attitude adjustment. Staffs can no longer just bullshit and bear it; they have to examine what they are doing, find the warts--as well as the beauty marks--and come up with a plan to improve the areas which needed improving. This, of course, entails more work. Not a welcome concept.
Plus, old habits die hard. It’s tough for a teacher used to writing a PR release, trumpeting the greatness of his class, his department, his school, to then turn a keen eye on the faults and inadequacies of his class, his department, his school, and THEN come up with a plan to better said class, department, school.
This year, we found out how hard that shift would be.
1 comment:
This is really just foreshadowing for the trials to come.
But it does set forth a great theme and truth:
It IS much easier to bullshit and it is to examine, easier to spin than to work.
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