Your Superintendent Doesn't Work for You
Source: http://www.pathf.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/hammer-and-screw.jpg
Scott McLeod shares this conversation…something about this conversation got under my skin.
Superintendent: I’m new to my district. I spent the first year getting the lay of the land. I’m now ready to start making things happen when it comes to technology and our students but our technology coordinator is blocking me at every turn.
Me: You know, your technology coordinator works for you, not the other way around.
Superintendent: I know. We’re having those conversations but it’s difficult.
Me: Can’t you just say ‘Look, it’s a digital age and we need to be facilitating technology-rich learning experiences for our students. Now, I can hire a technology coordinator who can help me do this or you can be that person. Which would you like it to be?’
Superintendent: Yes! I can say that! Thank you so much! I don’t know, I guess I just needed someone’s permission to do this…
But the real conversation that needs to happen is this one…
Tech Coordinator: Our children need rich engaging experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom walls…the only way to do that is with technology. But everytime I try to unblock a communication technology, I run into opposition from teachers, central office curriculum staff who are too busy meeting AYP and crunching data.
Could you use your influence and authority to model how technology can identify and solve real life problems in collaboration with others across the globe, and transform teaching, learning and leading?
Superintendent: You know we’re working on some pretty heavy issues right now. Curriculum mapping, implementation of district-wide benchmark assessments, meeting with the school board…technology infrastructure is really your focus, right?
Tech Coordinator: Technology is EVERYONE’s responsibility and we can’t continue to put it in a silo. As superintendent, for our students to get what they need now, you need to have conversations with stakeholders and Community, set clear mandates/expectations for teachers, administrators, and fundamentally “technologize” everything we do in schools today.
Superintendent: There are a lot of other priorities I have to deal with each day. Technology can’t be the top one.
TechCoordinator: Well, if you aren’t going to get it done, maybe we can find a high-priced consultant to tell you what you should be doing so you’ll think about getting it done. You work for students and getting them college-ready means getting them ready to work in a technologically transformed world. Why aren’t we requiring that EVERYONE in our organization use technology to get the job done, including you? If that means retraining, then so be it. What a boon it would be to have you in a class learning how to use Skype to connect with a global audience and find out how superintendents work in New Zealand!
Superintendent: What a fascinating perspective. Maybe I need to fire you so you can go have that conversation somewhere else in a more effective organization.
Sigh. Scott, while I agree with the points you’re making, I’m finding that empowering superintendents who don’t know anything about using technology in schools is little like giving a 6 year old a hammer and screws.
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Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure