Administrators in the North Central ESD region were presented with a rare opportunity at the August 11-12 Administrative Planning Conference held at the West Coast Wenatchee Center. Over two hundred participants engaged in meaningful learning, dialogue and activities as they learned more about “Education in Motion: Leading in a Culture of Change.” Their insight into, and understanding of, student achievement and the change process was deepened and they were encouraged to create new and more effective strategies and begin applying those strategies in their districts.

Presenting this meaningful information was world renowned researcher Dr. Michael Fullan and his research colleague Dr. Paul Shaw, who shared information on Professional Learning Communities as part of their year-long work project in our area. The focus was on improved teaching and learning, identifying cutting edge research, and collaborative practice involving education reform.

Dr. Rich McBride, Superintendent of North Central ESD noted that, “The opportunity to hear Dr. Fullan’s keen insights into student achievement is an exceptional opportunity. The fact that he has worked in many of the most successful schools in the world provides us with some important perspectives toward improving student performance in our schools. We look forward to his continued coaching and guidance in our region over the coming two years. As an ESD, we are proud to assist in bringing this level of expertise to walk beside our districts.”

Dr. Fullan added humor and insight to his thought-provoking presentations, resulting in a powerful message. One example is shown in his statement, “Assessment for learning instead of assessment of actual student learning is what an annual physical exam is to an autopsy...it’s important information, but it’s just a little too late!”

Bridgeport Superintendent Gene Schmidt remarked, “One of the greatest gifts that Michael Fullan presents is ‘cumulative cognitive clarity,’ which focuses on the school community, the school district, and the policy level partners in an educational direction that makes a difference.  It is up to us to use this gift to build capacity to capitalize on new knowledge, resources, and motivation in order to increase our collective effectiveness.”

ESD Executive Director Cindy Duncan, who coordinated the conference, stated, “Many of the participants commented that their time with Dr. Fullan and Dr. Shaw had helped their teams engage in a deeper and more authentic dialogue about student achievement than they had ever had before.” Cindy added, “I think that the role of the ESD can be to help continue that dialogue and to build a network that will assist administrators and teachers in building lateral capacity and strong professional learning communities.”

Moses Lake Superintendent Steve Chestnut, recently honored as WASA President-Elect, stated, “Our group at the training included all certificated administrators.  We really appreciated the opportunity to discuss our PREFERRED FUTURE, our CURRENT REALITY, the results of STATUS QUO CONSEQUENCES and how to BUILD THE BRIDGE to our preferred future.  We are planning to discuss these issues further at our first principal meeting on August 18.” 

Jim Busey, who has served as president of the North Central ESD Superintendents’ Advisory Committee the past two years, summed it up when he said, “Dr. Fullan and Dr. Shaw’s focus on ‘IMPROVING THE LIFE CHANCES FOR ALL STUDENTS’ truly addresses the mission of our public schools. Their message was clear to all participants…. we must keep our preferred future for all kids at the core of all decision making. Our business is to improve learning for every student at every opportunity.”