Getting to Know 4DX
Change is not something that is implemented easily in SpEd classrooms. Students get so used to routines that they start to memorize them, and teachers get so used to the routine that it is hard to stray away from them. Although change is not expected much in SpEd classes, it is always needed. My innovation plan acknowledges the change we need and explains the change we should implement for future students with learning disabilities. Using the 4-Disciplines-of-Execution-Summary will better assist me in creating my plan.
5 Stages of Change
Using Covey, McChesney, and Huling's (2012) 5 stages of change steps, we will ensure all educators are on the right path to not only the change but also being consistent.
Stage 1: Getting Clear
During a Professional Learning meeting, I will introduce 4DX to staff. Making sure educators have a great understanding of what the 4DX model is and how to implement change into classrooms is what we will cover during this PL. I will put educators in department groups so they can discuss how to start implementing ePortfolios into their classrooms.
Stage 2: Launch
Phase 2 of implementing change is known as the “Launch” (p. 109). After getting clear and explaining what, how, and why 4DX, it is now time to start setting our WIG and setting a launch date. From the leaders, we have to stay focus, precise, and determined. If the leaders who are trying to implement these things aren’t focused, precised, or determined, than educators will not take us or our plan seriously.
Stage 3: Adoption
Despite whirlwinds, when we start to adopt our plan, educators will be more enthusiastic about it. Educators will start to see our plan come to life and when incorporating it in the lessons, we will began to get more excited about it. Although some might struggle at first, we will always have a team ready to answer questions and provide assistance in any area.
Stage 4: Optimization
As educators become more involved in seeing our plan in action, the mindset will began to shift. They will see how enthusiastic the scholars are in using our plan and they will start to feel optimistic that our plan is working. By educators staying focused and determined, this plan will start to be routine.
Stage 5: Habits
The last and final stag is called “Habits” (p. 112). As educators start to see us reaching our goal, it will be less challenging for them to continue to implement it in the classrooms. For 4DX to stay alive, we will continue to motivate and celebrate teams accomplishments.
4 Disciplines of Execution
Discipline #1: Focus on the Wildly Important Goals (WIG)
Working on several goals at once is like working on none of them at all. Some of us think that because we are jumping from one goal to the next, finishing only about 10% of each goal we think we are ahead of the game, but honestly, we are not. When going back to look at what you have completed, you will see a whole bunch of goals undone and you feel unaccomplished. Focusing and putting time and energy into one goal at a time can provide faster completion. For my Innovation Plan, my WIG goal is to incorporate technology use for SpEd students as they are starting to build their ePortfolio. While having a gen. ed. partner, both students will be able to socialize and collaborate with each other.
A lag measure is defined as the overall results you want to see accomplished. By the end of the 2022-2023 school year, my SpEd students will know how to access the curriculum online without teacher assistance.
Discipline #2: Act on lead measures
To consider our strengths and weaknesses that might impact our WIG, we use Lead and Lag measures. A lead measure is a measure of action planned and taken as a means to achieve a WIG. A lag measure is to help track the goal and to make sure we are working towards achieving that goal. A lead is difficult to influence, but easier to measure.
Lag Measure: 100% of SpEd students will have their ePortfolio up and running by the end of the 2022-2023 school year
Lead Measure: Monitor student's ePortfolio progress
Lead Measure: Have teachers share their ePortfolio w/ students
Lead Measure: Set up Q&A for students and teachers once a week
Discipline #3 Keep a Compelling Scoreboard
Keeping a scoreboard for your WIG’s are important. Without tracking your own WIG goal, you might lose interest or fall behind. By having a 45-minute meeting every week, we get to hold each other accountable on our team list and individual lists so that way our WIG doesn't get lost in a Whirlwind.
My team and I make a to-do list once a week during PLC. With that list, we keep score by checking off our lists or adding to the lists.
Discipline #4. Create a Cadence of Accountability
Before we reach our Widely Important Goal (WIG), we must first create routines and habits. Holding each other accountable, collecting data weekly, and just ensuring everyone that we are here for each other are just the first steps. But that is not all because it is not about just reaching the goal but also obtaining and keeping it alive. As educators, we have to be efficient with our time and actions before and definitely after our goal. During weekly meetings, we must always see who met their goal, who did not, and what our next goal should be. If everyone plays their part, we should reach our goals collectively.
4DX vs. Influencer
With 4DX, educators are involved 100% just as much as the leaders. From getting to know what 4DX is and developing clear goals for all involves all participation. With the influencer model, educators are only involved with participating in the goal, they aren't involved in actually creating it. All and all, 4DX and the influencer model goes hand and hand and can influence each other. Making sure everyone is involved in creating the smaller goals can ensure we reach the Widely Important Goals as a team.
References
McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 disciplines of execution: Achieving your wildly important goals. New York, NY: Free Press.