|
And Now a Round of Applause for the Directors!
On December 15th and 16th, twenty Gateway directors assembled in Portland for the first-ever Directors Convening. The convening was an opportunity for Gateway program leaders to discuss topics unique to their work, to give and receive support from their peers, and to learn and practice new skills in instructional leadership.
The convening began with a focused discussion on data driven decision making (DDDM). Using program specific outcome data compiled by National Network data guru, Ben Byers, directors practiced moving through a cycle of inquiry to deepen their understanding of results and plan action steps for program improvement. Working in pairs, directors posed thought-provoking questions to each other in order to think more critically about areas such as attendance, Foundation completion, and persistence. Working in small groups, they looked for patterns and proposed solutions--relying on the collective experience and wisdom in the room.
National Network instructional coach, Gaylen Brannon, and new GtCNN team member, George Reese, each led workshops focused on providing directors with tools useful in moving their instructional program from good to great. Directors practiced solution focused techniques for providing team member feedback and were introduced to protocols for keeping meetings focused on student success. They were also introduced to Charlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching. Information on Danielson's framework can be found at: http://www.danielsongroup.org/theframeteach.htm.
Directors had ample opportunity to discuss issues most salient to them. Leaders worked together over the day and a half as a "community of practice," using each other as "subject experts" to solve dilemmas and challenges.
Gateway to College directors are incredibly important to program success! Thanks to all directors who attended the convening. They pushed themselves to become better at what they do and modeled the spirit of collaboration that is so essential to the Gateway model. Please give your local program director some applause and thank him or her for the challenging yet critical work they do.
| 
