Solving Schoolwide Problems at the Root Cause Level | David Burgess, M.P.S.
Program Description
This program provides a systematic approach to solving a schoolwide problem so it stays solved, e.g., excessive discipline referrals, poor attendance, low test scores, etc. Participants will practice specific techniques to prioritize problems, select a problem, clearly define a problem, gather data about the problem, generate solutions to solve the problem, and create an action plan.Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
Planning & Assessment (ISLLC standard 3) and Instructional Leadership (ISLLC standard 1)Program Goals and Objectives
By the end of this program, participants will be able to lead a group by conducting a multi-vote to identify cross-functional problems; creating an affinity diagram to identify categories to attack; employing Pareto Analysis to select the problem to attack; writing a clear problem statement; flow-charting the process to be improved; creating a cause-effect diagram to identify most promising solution(s); and creating an action plan to address the problem.Program Format
Following a humorous introduction wherein participants will learn that schoolwide problem-solving is always about improving a work process, participants will role-play faculty members of a school. Provider will lead them through the six (6) problem-solving tools to identify a solution to pursue (group consensus is part of this process). Participants will next be grouped by level (ES, MS, HS) and generate their own schoolwide problem to pursue. Provider will oversee each group as they work through the tools. Lastly, each group will report orally to the other groups how their process worked, answering questions during the report.Target Audience
School-based or central office administrators and teacher leaders.Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
Yes/yes. Some of the tools can be found in the book The Principal's Keys: Unlocking Leadership & Learning, published by successlineinc.com. Any designation of individual or group performance needs would suffice.Duration of Program
- The full program would take two half-day sessions, depending on the size of the audience and the needs of the school or division. For a large group (25 or more), two full days would be ideal, that is 8 to 4 or 9 to 3, with lunch provided each day.
- An overview of the program can be given in a 3-4 hour session. This would allow time for the group to experience the tools once.
- Provider is also available for keynote presentations. Topics/ideas from his book The Principal's Keys: Unlocking Leadership & Learning are particularly well-suited to this purpose. See website successlineinc.com for information about the book.
Outcomes Measured
- Application of problem-solving tools by individuals within a group
- Peer evaluation of report-outs for each group (ES, MS, HS).
Program Evaluation
Participants' evaluation forms.Contact Information
David Burgess
10818 Egret Court
Chesterfield, VA 23838
Phone: 804.717.8244
Email: PrincipalsKeys@aol.com