Problem Solving ELL Institute June 27, 2013

1. Problem Solving ELL Institute June 27, 2013

2. Agenda

3. Enduring Understandings • Quality problem solving is the engine that drives systemic improvement. • Organizations exist to solve problems • Problem solving occurs at all levels of school structure; building, grade, classroom, and student in addition to all levels of support; universal, targeted, and intensive.

4. Enduring Understandings • Problems will always exist. The important thing is the way in which we react and process these problems – A. Muhammad

7. Essential Questions • Why is “thinking like a system” important for improving all student outcomes? • How do the 4 critical questions of problem solving impact student success? • How can improved systemic problem solving help us better support the diverse needs of English Language Learners?

9. Systems Thinking • Read handout from The Handbook for SMART School Teams (10 minutes) • As you read the handoutmark important ideas, thoughts, and information within the text using the following codes: • * I already knew this. • + This is new information. • ! Wow this is interesting information. • ? I need greater clarity for understanding.

10. Reading Discussion • Gather in small groups of 3-4 and discuss… • Your reactions and understandings • What systems issues are currently impacting education for ELLs? • In your school, is ESOL operating as an isolated system or as part of a larger intervention system? • Share important points

11. Problem a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution

12. Problem Solving • …the continuous, collaborative process of planning for student success through the use of ongoing progress monitoring and analysis of student data ~OR~ • “what to do when you don’t know what to do”

13. Problem Solving Everyone • All large organizations face challenges, problems, obstacles, in their desire to continually improve • Problem solving is a fundamental approach to lead to more effective and satisfying solutions • If there is not another problem to solve, you have a problem.

15. Attitudes about problems • Miss Sigh • Mr. Critic • Mrs. Dreamer • Mr. Go-Getter • Problem Solver

16. Miss Sigh • “I’ll never be able to do that. I’m just not that talented.” • “I’m not going to try. What if I fail? Everyone will make fun of me!” • “Nobody understands me. Nobody cares about me. Everybody is out to get me.”

17. Mr. Critic • “Well, that definitely won’t work. What a stupid idea!” • “I told you that would get screwed up. It’s all your fault.” • “Come on, I told you what you needed to do. Why can’t you get it done?”

18. Mrs. Dreamer • “I want to write a novel!” • “Wouldn’t it be great if I started my own business?” • “I am an idea person. Don’t bother me with the nitty gritty details!”

19. Mr. Go-Getter • “I’ve got to try harder! I can’t stop now! • “I know this will work if I just put in a little more effort.” • “Why stop to think? That’s just a waste of time. Everything is about execution!”

20. Problem Solver • “This is a problem, but rather than worrying about it, I’m going to figure out what I can do about it.” • “So what really caused this?” • “To fix this, we’re going to need to do X, Y, and Z. Let’s try them out.” • “So how did this work out? What went wrong? Is there a way we could do this better next time?”

21. Problem Solving

22. Problem Solving • Read handout from The Handbook for SMART School Teams (10 minutes) • As you read the handoutmark important ideas, thoughts, and information within the text using the following codes: • * I already knew this. • + This is new information. • ! Wow this is interesting information. • ? I need more clarity for understanding.

23. Reading Discussion • Gather in small groups of 3-4 and discuss… • Your reactions and understandings • How and where are ELL issues being problem solved? • Do these efforts represent systems thinking? (What is the level of fix?) • Share important points

24. FRAMEWORK FOR PROGRESS MONITORING AND INTERVENTION IDENTIFY UNIVERSAL SCREENING What is the problem? DIAGNOSTIC Why is it happening? MONITOR RESPOND EVALUATION Is it working? INTERVENTION What will we do about it?

25. FRAMEWORK FOR PROGRESS MONITORING AND INTERVENTION IDENTIFY UNIVERSAL SCREENING What is the problem? DIAGNOSTIC Why is it happening? PROBLEM SOLVING MONITOR RESPOND EVALUATION Is it working? INTERVENTION What will we do about it?

27. Current Problem Solving Practices • Reflect on your school’s current problem solving practices • Consider all teams you are familiar, CLT, problem solving/CARE teams, Leadership teams, etc. • How are problem solving efforts between these teams connected? Are they relevant to improving outcomes for ELLs? • Share your initial reflection with small group

28. Next Steps… • Making the most of implementation time… • Based on learning, discussion, and reflection what is next for you? Your school? • I need or want more information about _________ • A systems issue that needs to be addressed is ________ • The collaborative group I have to problem solve with is ___________ • I need ________to help me with next steps • The resources available to me are _________ • Remember to consider the use of the framework at the building level, group level and individual level.

29. Thank You!!! • John Barrow jbarrow@pkwy.k12.mo.us • Phone (314) 415-5005 Let me know how I can help! Always looking for partners to learn with.