Reflections on the ELT Planning Process
Submitted by Lindsay Cyr Zorich on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - 04:00.
At the conclusion of this year’s TIME Collaborative planning proces, participants were asked to reflect on what they had learned about themselves, their schools, and their communities. Here is a selection of the responses we heard:
“I used to think students wouldn’t react well to an expanded day. Now I know students are eager to attend early and learn the exciting things we’re doing.” – CT TIME Collaborative Principal
“I used to think that adding more time would be a huge burden on teachers and unappealing to students. Now I know that the benefits of adding time outweigh all else. Adding time will allow me to become a more effective teacher, provide time to learn from others and provide students with the level of quality instruction they need and they deserve.” – MA TIME Collaborative Teacher
“I used to think that expanding the day wouldn’t be a viable possibility. Now, I truly see this as a valuable opportunity to build community, develop teacher leaders, and that it really might be possible.” – CO TIME Collaborative District Representative
“I used to think if we aren’t successful now, what evidence is there that doing the same thing more will work? Now I know more time is more than just extra time. More time gives our students the opportunity to build the background experiences that wealthier communities have.” – MA TIME Collaborative Teacher
“I used to think expanded learning time would be too much for elementary kids. Now I know ELT means kids have more opportunities for success in life and fun in school!” – NY TIME Collaborative Teacher
“I used to think we wouldn’t be able to create a sustainable schedule without a significant cost increase. Now I know it is possible!” – CT TIME Collaborative Principal