December 2019 Newsletter
Our December Status Quo Breaker is...
Courtney Wahlstrom, Secondary Math Curriculum Coordinator in Teaching and Learning, is being recognized as our December Status Quo Breaker! Courtney is employing the DMPS Collaborative Problem-Solving Process to examine multiple systems to support our Board’s goal 3, the percent of black male students earning a ‘B’ or higher in Algebra 1 by the end of 9th grade will increase from 17% to 35% by August 2023. She is not only leading this work with her secondary math teachers, but she is also challenging others to do the same. She is even encouraging leaders in departments not typically interconnected with the math instruction. Courtney is determined to review all systems to help impact long term success for students in math.
The Status Quo Breaker is a monthly traveling trophy recognition of an employee for their contribution to process improvement, to say thank you for being Lean and/or for helping make DMPS Leaner. Do you have someone you want to nominate for the Status Quo Breaker? Contact Emma Knapp with their name and a short description explaining why you want to recognize them.
Courtney Wahlstrom, Secondary Math Curriculum Coordinator in Teaching and Learning, is being recognized as our December Status Quo Breaker! Courtney is employing the DMPS Collaborative Problem-Solving Process to examine multiple systems to support our Board’s goal 3, the percent of black male students earning a ‘B’ or higher in Algebra 1 by the end of 9th grade will increase from 17% to 35% by August 2023. She is not only leading this work with her secondary math teachers, but she is also challenging others to do the same. She is even encouraging leaders in departments not typically interconnected with the math instruction. Courtney is determined to review all systems to help impact long term success for students in math.
The Status Quo Breaker is a monthly traveling trophy recognition of an employee for their contribution to process improvement, to say thank you for being Lean and/or for helping make DMPS Leaner. Do you have someone you want to nominate for the Status Quo Breaker? Contact Emma Knapp with their name and a short description explaining why you want to recognize them.
2019 Gallup Results
Continuous Improvement engages and empowers our staff to improve their processes and systems. From our district's Gallup Employee Engagement Q12 survey, staff members who have participated in CI training or project work were sub grouped to compare their engagement to the district as a whole. Engagement for this group is at 48%.
Continuous Improvement engages and empowers our staff to improve their processes and systems. From our district's Gallup Employee Engagement Q12 survey, staff members who have participated in CI training or project work were sub grouped to compare their engagement to the district as a whole. Engagement for this group is at 48%.
Drake Continual Improvement Virtual Learning
On Tuesday, January 21, from 7:00-8:00 p.m, the Drake Continual Improvement Network will hold a virtual learning opportunity. The focus of the session will be on effective principal communication. Laura Bilden, MS/HS principal at Clayton Ridge will share her system for communication, her experiences with rounding and how she solicits and addresses feedback from staff. Opportunities for questions and feedback will be provided.
To participate, register for the event at the following: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/vpUqde2hpj4u5XL-KIypuosOzdws9Z-AMg
On Tuesday, January 21, from 7:00-8:00 p.m, the Drake Continual Improvement Network will hold a virtual learning opportunity. The focus of the session will be on effective principal communication. Laura Bilden, MS/HS principal at Clayton Ridge will share her system for communication, her experiences with rounding and how she solicits and addresses feedback from staff. Opportunities for questions and feedback will be provided.
To participate, register for the event at the following: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/vpUqde2hpj4u5XL-KIypuosOzdws9Z-AMg
Mind Mapping
A mind map is a type of chart that organizes information visually. Typically, a mind mind will stem from a central idea, with supporting ideas branching out from it in a nonlinear order. You can use a mind map to show the interrelationships of causes to a problem, to take notes, or outlining a plan. Here is the process to create a mind map:
A mind map is a type of chart that organizes information visually. Typically, a mind mind will stem from a central idea, with supporting ideas branching out from it in a nonlinear order. You can use a mind map to show the interrelationships of causes to a problem, to take notes, or outlining a plan. Here is the process to create a mind map:
- State the project or main idea in the center of a piece of paper.
- List people or main ideas on branches coming from the central concept.
- Draw branches out from each main person or topic identifying new responsibilities or ideas.
- Continue to branch out as new thoughts arise that connect to the previous branch.
Shout Outs!
Thank you Jill Padgett and Jake Troja for sharing your feedback on a process improvement!
