Systemic Structures

 

Systemic structures are the way in which “school systems and structures operate ultimately influences their academic outcomes, culture of belongingness, collective commitment to dismantling racism and appreciation of diversity (Betts, 1992). It is up to those in leadership positions to create strong structures so vibrant learning spaces can be create.

There are many ways in which systemic structures can be applied.  First, a strong relationship because the school and the PAC is important.  Parents have an important voice in the school, and having many parents involved in PAC, and them having their voices heard will help the school over the long run.  A PAC can influence how the school and community work together.

Second, there needs to be a collaboration within the school.  This can be encouraged by having collaboration time set aside each month and encouraging teachers to collaborate.  In my school district, teachers can applied for Collaborative Inquiry money from the district professional development fund, so they have access to time and resources. 

Third, having the time for staff at school to meet on a regular basis is also important to create vibrant learning spaces.  Often, staff meetings can end up being passing on information to the teachers.  In the meetings I envision, it would be a time for teachers to identify goals for the school and to create connection and vision.  Teachers have so little time to work with each other, so the more time we can have where teachers work together to move together in a common vision for a school the better. 

 

Reference

Betts, F. (1992). How Systems Thinking Applies to Education. Educational Leadership,50(3), 38-41. Retrieved Feb 1, 2023, from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov92/vol50/num03/How-Systems-Thinking-Ap plies-to-Education.aspx

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