November 12 KnowledgeWorks Community Session

​By Aimee Bingham Osinski anbingham@gmail.com
 
In Fall of 2018 Dexter Community Schools partnered with KnowlegeWorks to study the District and assist with the development of the next strategic plan. Tuesday night, a small group of community members attended a meeting led by Laura Hilger to gather feedback.  I suspect turnout was small due to inclimate weather. November 12th was a snow day for Dexter, but because Laura traveled to be at the meeting, it was not canceled.
Members in attendance were asked to participate. Community members were asked for their input on a survey this past summer. 375 people participated. The district has collected and analyzed data  and identified trends.  The trends were converted into goals; vision, culture, learning continuum and extended learning environments. DCS leadership created goal statements as well as ways for measuring success. Attendees were asked to read over the goals and metrics and share feedback with the group.
One of the benefits of living in close proximity to the University of Michigan is the education level of the community.  There was an audience member who pointed out that most of the metrics to determine whether or not there is success in achieving a particular goal is based on feedback.  Steve,  who clearly does this sort of work for the University, pointed out that feedback isn't a real measure. When I looked through the information packet I had to agree.  I saw teachers required to attend multiple meetings.  If I'm being asked my opinion,  I will just give the answer that is wanted so I can be done and not be a problem.  Steve brought up many great points through the evening and his input will certainly be valuable to the process. If you missed the meeting there will be another at the end of winter, early Spring. Your input  is valuable too. Especially those parents frustrated and feeling like they don't have a say in what happens within the school.  You do, you need to be involved in the planning and you are encouraged to get involved.  Steve's opinion was heard and respected. 
The night continued by asking the audience for more input and continuing to work on the plan. The way the plan is being developed, reminds me of workshopping papers in English class.  It starts with a rough draft which is continuously refined and refined until it gets to the polished final draft.
 

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