Comments on: School Leadership and Educational Governance: On Silos and Onions

By: Mary Warren

Mary Warren — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:42:50 +0000

I agree with Shirley. Why separate the ‘tech’ conference from the curriculum one? We techs sometimes perpetuate the problem. We so love our conferences, however, at the same time, wish these events could attract more teachers. I do believe if one were to look at the numbers attending NECC, we would find that the ‘teacher’ quality is increasing in attendance figures.
As far as some of the previous comments on leadership, etc. I have often invited districts to send ‘teams’ made up of teachers, parents, administrators, etc. This to provide for diversity as well as collaboration of content to my events. But, most often the ‘team’ spirit fails to show up!
Thank you for the most interesting blog topics. Keep ‘em comin’.

By: Shirley Smith

Shirley Smith — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:42:15 +0000

I believe we educators perpetuate the silos by having “technology” conferences at all. Rather than continuing the misperception of tech as a separate content area, why not have it as a major emphasis within curriculum conferences? (I know. Would take a major cognitive shift.) Even our titles in the system perpetuate the division. I am a “technology” specialist for mathematics and science coaches. When I worked at SCDOE several years ago, the curriculum division and technology division were on separate floors and are still so today–as in our 85 school districts. When computers were put in a “lab” and students went down the hall to “do technology”–as still done in may schools–we were really shooting ourselves in the foot as they say–and turning this ship will take collective, strong leadership in all systemic areas. Perhaps it can begin to turn with the your ideas to reorganize the system. Thanks for the provocative post.

By: Just A Quick Thought About School Leadership

Just A Quick Thought About School Leadership — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:50:18 +0000

[...] a big part of me has also tried to wrap my head around the idea of power structures and how they affect our students. At the end of the day, whether principal, teacher, janitor, or paraprofessional, we have to move [...]

By: Jon Becker

Jon Becker — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:09:54 +0000

Sean, the conference substory is indeed unfortunate. It’s a problem all over the place. AASA is the national conference for superintendents. ASCD is for curriculum and PD people. NASSP is for secondary principals. NAESP is for elementary principals. We need more conference focused on learning where the idea is for schools/districts to send teams of folks including teachers and administrators.

As for the “ideal” organizational chart, that remains an empirical question for me. I am watching with note what happens with @ddraper and @canyonsdave as they launch their new school district. Darren blogged about his organizational chart (http://drapestakes.blogspot.com/2009/05/technology-services-in-canyons-school.html) and at the time I noted how they were/are separate from the curriculum folks. We’ll see what happens there.

Rob, I do wonder how often, if at all, educational leaders step up to the proverbial balcony and take a look at their organization.

By: Rob Jacobs

Rob Jacobs — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:42:38 +0000

Silos, as you explain, are so problematic. The lack of cognitive diversity creates a myriad of problems, including communication, vision, goals, etc.

I wish educational leaders spent some time on figuring how to organizationally and philosophically integrate/align their staff, departments, etc.

This “onion” makes me want to cry sometimes.

By: Sean Nash

Sean Nash — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:49:03 +0000

The conference substory here is unfortunate. I’m wondering how much long term misunderstanding will be the result of such an accidental juxtaposition of conferences. I wonder how many, if any, will cross-attend. I can’t imagine that most folks could be away from the “office” for that long of a stretch. Connected leaders can work while away, but face time is invaluable.

In regard to “silos,” I agree. I hinted at the importance of having C&I come together with technology and building administrators in my post from yesterday. I too, would like to study the charts you speak of to get a look at how this “power” is truly split up (or not) across districts.

I’m curious, what might your ideal “power distribution chart” look like for a school district? That would be a good group planning exercise for a leadership group looking toward change.

By: Playing School. . . | Reflections of the TZSTeacher

Playing School. . . | Reflections of the TZSTeacher — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:40:44 +0000

[...] projects this year, NOT just parallel play ones. I want my leadership, at all levels, to reduce the silos and the parallel play in which they engage, as [...]