Making Change Stick in Education: A Guide for Leaders

Change in education is not just inevitable; it's necessary. As the world evolves, so must our educational systems. However, making change stick is a challenge that requires thoughtful strategies and an infinite mindset. For educational leaders, the task is to implement lasting change that benefits students, educators, and the broader community. Here are six strategies to help make change stick in education.

Strategy #1 Audit + Prune: Breaking Free from Past Patterns

To ensure that educational practices remain relevant and effective, leaders must continually audit existing systems and be willing to prune outdated methods. As Will Rogers famously said, "Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you don't keep moving." This approach involves conducting regular assessments of current practices, curricula, and policies, and removing what no longer serves its purpose.

Ideas:

Audit: Conduct regular assessments of current practices, curricula, and policies. This involves collecting data, seeking feedback from stakeholders, and analysing outcomes. Look for practices that no longer serve their purpose or that could be improved with modern approaches.

Prune: Once you've identified outdated or ineffective practices, it's time to remove them. This might involve phasing out old curricula, discontinuing ineffective programs, or updating policies that no longer align with current educational goals.

Examples:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Use data analytics to identify areas needing improvement. For example, if a particular teaching method is not yielding desired student outcomes, consider alternative approaches.

• Stakeholder Feedback: Engage teachers, students, and parents in the auditing process. Their insights can reveal practical aspects of what works and what doesn't.

• Policy Updates: Regularly review and update school policies to reflect current best practices and societal changes. For instance, digital literacy policies should evolve as new technologies emerge.

Studies have shown that regular audits and evaluations can significantly improve educational outcomes. According to a 2018 report by the Learning Policy Institute, schools that frequently assess and refine their practices see higher student achievement and more effective teaching practices (Darling-Hammond et al., 2018).

Strategy #2 Get Creative: Staying Relevant in Fast-Moving Times

In an era of rapid technological and societal changes, schools must foster creativity to stay relevant. This involves encouraging innovative teaching methods, integrating technology, and nurturing a culture of creativity among students and staff. As Albert Einstein noted, "Creativity is intelligence having fun."

Research supports the benefits of creative educational approaches. A study by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills found that students engaged in project-based learning showed improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills compared to those in traditional settings (Bell, 2010).

Ideas:

Innovative Teaching Methods: Explore and implement new pedagogical approaches such as project-based learning, flipped classrooms, and gamification. These methods can make learning more engaging and effective.

Technology Integration: Leverage technology to enhance learning experiences. This could include using educational software, virtual reality, or online collaboration tools.

Creative Culture: Encourage a culture of creativity where students and teachers feel empowered to experiment and innovate. This can be achieved by providing professional development opportunities and fostering an environment that values creative thinking.

Examples:

• Project-Based Learning: Implement project-based learning where students work on real-world problems and create tangible outcomes. This not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Flipped Classrooms: Adopt flipped classroom models where students learn new content at home through videos and other resources, and use classroom time for interactive activities and personalised instruction.

• Technology in the Classroom: Use tools like Google Classroom, Kahoot!, and virtual reality platforms to create interactive and immersive learning experiences.

Strategy #3 Strategise to Revolutionise: New Treasure Maps for New Treasures

To discover new opportunities in education, leaders must think revolution, not evolution, and plan accordingly. As the saying goes, "You'll never find new treasure using an old treasure map." This means rethinking traditional approaches and embracing revolutionary practices to unearth new educational treasures.

Ideas:

Innovative Curricula: Develop and implement curricula that address current and future needs. This might include integrating cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology into the core curriculum, preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.

Interdisciplinary Learning: Break down silos between subjects and encourage interdisciplinary learning. Revolutionary ideas here could include thematic learning modules where subjects like literature, history, and science are taught in an integrated manner around big questions like climate change, social justice, or space exploration.

Experiential and Immersive Learning: Utilise virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create immersive learning experiences that take students on virtual field trips to historical sites, inside the human body, or through complex mathematical concepts.

Student-Led Learning: Implement models where students have significant control over their learning pathways, allowing them to pursue projects and areas of interest deeply, fostering a sense of ownership and intrinsic motivation. Examples could include student-led research projects, entrepreneurial ventures, or community service initiatives.

Global Classrooms: Use technology to create global classrooms where students collaborate in real-time with peers from different countries, fostering a global perspective and understanding of diverse cultures and issues.

Lifelong Learning Partnerships: Establish partnerships with universities, businesses, and community organisations to create a continuum of learning opportunities that extend beyond K-12 education, supporting lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

Examples:

• Quantum Learning Hubs: Create specialised hubs within schools where students can engage with quantum computing and other advanced technologies, working on real-world problems and collaborating with experts in the field.

• Thematic Interdisciplinary Weeks: Dedicate certain weeks each semester to interdisciplinary themes, where the entire school focuses on a central topic like sustainability, integrating activities, guest speakers, and projects across all subjects.

• VR and AR Labs: Invest in VR and AR labs that allow students to explore different environments and scenarios, from ancient civilisations to future cities, making learning highly interactive and engaging.

• Student Innovation Incubators: Set up innovation incubators within schools where students can develop and prototype their ideas, supported by mentors and access to resources like 3D printers and coding workshops.

• Global Learning Collaboratives: Partner with schools around the world to create joint projects where students work together on global issues, presenting their findings through video conferences and collaborative platforms.

Strategy #4 Leverage Collective Wisdom: Communicate and Collaborate with Peers

Collaboration and communication with peers are essential for driving and sustaining change in education. By leveraging the collective wisdom of educators, leaders can share best practices, solve common problems, and create a supportive community. As Helen Keller wisely said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." A study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that schools with strong professional learning communities had higher student achievement and teacher satisfaction (Vescio, Ross, & Adams, 2008).

Ideas

Professional Learning Communities: Establish professional learning communities (PLCs) where educators can share experiences, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions. These communities can be within a single school or span multiple schools.

Mentorship Programs: Develop mentorship programs that pair experienced teachers with new or struggling teachers. This can provide valuable support and guidance. For example, my 'Connect, Engage and Inspire' program offers a structured approach to mentorship, fostering growth and connection among educators.

Networking Opportunities: Encourage educators to attend conferences, workshops, and online forums. These opportunities can provide new insights and allow educators to learn from others outside their immediate environment.

Examples

• PLCs: Create PLCs focused on specific topics, such as literacy, STEM, or student engagement. These groups can meet regularly to share resources and strategies.

• Mentorship: Implement a mentorship program where veteran teachers mentor new teachers, offering advice, support, and feedback.

• Conferences and Workshops: Provide funding and support for teachers to attend educational conferences and workshops. This not only enhances their skills but also brings new ideas back to the school.

Strategy #5 Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway: Embrace Risk and Failure

Change often involves taking risks and facing the possibility of failure. Educational leaders must cultivate a mindset that embraces these challenges, learning from failures and using them as opportunities for growth. As Winston Churchill said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." A 2017 study in the Journal of Educational Change found that schools with a culture of risk-taking and innovation were more likely to successfully implement new initiatives and improve student outcomes (Fullan, 2017).

Ideas

Risk-Taking Culture: Foster a culture that encourages risk-taking and experimentation. This can be done by celebrating innovative ideas and being supportive when things don't go as planned.

Learn from Failure: When failures occur, analyse what went wrong and use those lessons to improve future efforts. Create an environment where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.

Supportive Environment: Ensure that teachers and staff feel supported in their efforts to innovate. This might involve providing resources, professional development, and a safety net for when things don't go as expected.

Examples

• Innovation Grants: Offer grants or funding for teachers who want to try new ideas or projects. This financial support can reduce the perceived risk and encourage innovation.

• Failure Analysis: After a project or initiative, hold a debrief session to discuss what worked, what didn't, and how to improve. This helps turn failures into valuable learning experiences.

• Supportive Leadership: Leaders should model risk-taking by sharing their own experiences with failure and showing how they've learned and grown from them.

Strategy #6 Celebrate!

Celebrating successes, both big and small, is crucial for maintaining morale and motivation. Recognising achievements reinforces positive behaviour and encourages ongoing effort and improvement. As Oprah Winfrey put it, "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

Ideas

Public Recognition: Celebrate achievements publicly through newsletters, social media, and school events. Recognise the efforts of students, teachers, and staff.

Milestone Celebrations: Mark significant milestones with special events or activities. This can create a sense of accomplishment and progress.

Continuous Appreciation: Regularly show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the educational process. Simple gestures like thank-you notes or shout-outs in meetings can make a big difference.

Examples

• Award Ceremonies: Host award ceremonies to recognise outstanding achievements by students and teachers. Categories can include academic excellence, innovation, and community service.

• Social Media Shout-Outs: Use the school's social media platforms to highlight successes and positive stories. This not only celebrates achievements, but also builds a positive school culture.

• Thank-You Notes: Encourage leaders and teachers to write personalised thank-you notes to colleagues and students who have made significant contributions or improvements.

Making change stick in education is a complex but rewarding endeavour. By auditing and pruning outdated practices, fostering creativity, employing revolutionary strategies, leveraging collective wisdom, embracing risk and failure, and celebrating successes, educational leaders can create a dynamic and effective learning environment. These strategies not only help implement lasting change, but also ensure that education remains relevant and impactful in an ever-evolving world. As leaders, your role is to guide, support, and inspire your community through the journey of change, always keeping in mind that the ultimate goal is to provide the best possible education for every student.

Rosemary Mlinaric

Founder Real4Tomorrow