The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX)

In any craft, collaboration is key. This is especially important in my innovation plan as my Algebra 1 team is changing the way we present information and structure our classroom. The roll out needs to be authentic and realistic. All members of this team (teachers and co-teachers) have families. The expectation that work can be done beyond the school day is not realistic, so it will not be part of the plan. However, over the years my team (and other teams across my department) have shown their ability to collaborate frequently and effectively to optimize their time.

It is essential that clear expectations, goals, and lead measures for these goals are set beforehand. Our collaborative materials with be housed on Microsoft OneNote similarly to how we have done it in the past. This will also be where the scoreboard is located so each member can see where they stand, however, this will only be updated on Tuesday at team meetings. My WIG is for 2 of the 8 lessons in the Algebra 1 curriculum to be taught using blended learning. Eventually, when complete, the units will be transferred over to Schoology. While I would like to expand this down the road, beginning with a close-knit group of this sort allows me to get authentic feedback that can I act on quickly prior to expanding the plan. Rather than focusing on lag measures, we will be engaged in the process (lead measures) and rotating roles for who is creating the different components of the blended learning lessons while again keeping track of points as mentioned.

While the WIG is for 2 of the 8 lessons be taught using blended learning by the end of the school year, 4DX process will begin with the first day of school. This while allow the team to get into a routine of meeting weekly (Tuesdays) to share feedback, for open discussion, and of course, to update the scoreboard. Although the weekly meetings have already been established via informal discussion throughout the summer, in-service days prior to the beginning of the each will allow us to formally establish how we will run these meetings. The term “whirlwind” seems to be thrown around more and more often with education and implementing something new of this sort will add some fuel to the fire, so it will be very important to keep the WIG in mind and ensure that we are working towards our lead measures consistently.

Particularly at the beginning of the school year, it is important to anticipate hiccups and roadblocks along the way, but we must remain consistent with our meetings and keep the WIG in mind. Blended learning demo unit plans will be uploaded to Schoology prior, so all members have something to refer to. Another support we have in place is bringing in staff developers to our weekly meetings to provide a new lens and perhaps a non-bias party who can offer feedback from the outside looking in. As the leader of the initiative, it will be crucial that I am keeping the focus and motivation. 

The scorekeeping method is not set in stone and will perhaps change as we provide feedback and move towards implementation of the blended learning. As team members become more comfortable with the process of creating materials and lessons, they will be more productive with their time, particularly as the second of the 2 blended learning units from the WIG is created. Materials, options, strategies, and ideas will quickly start accumulating as the time spent working collaboratively towards a common goal. I view this as the settling in stage, members are now comfortable with expectations and lead measures and can devote their full focus to the WIG.

At this stage, the motivation provided should have members bought in to the process and excited for what is to come. Thinking of the Algebra 1 team specifically, as former athletes we all thrive on friendly competition. And while we are in a way facing off against one another, we will always be able to utilize one another’s materials at any point. Changes may be made to optimize time during meets or time spent creating materials. Minor blended learning strategies may begin to be implemented in the classroom so teachers can share feedback from students prior to the first blended learning unit being introduced.

Additionally, team members may find it to me more effective to focus on one aspect of the planning rather than rotating roles. There is no way to predict this, and it will vary from team to team, but the open dialogue is essential and realistic due to the weekly meetings.

The 4DX model is not limited to the blended learning initiative but should become the norm when working towards any type of change, and if implemented the way discussed will become second nature. A sense of accomplishment should be recognized and celebrated at the stage in the process and the sense a pride should lead into a new WIG based upon past successes. We have spent a lot of time watching videos and reading about moving the middle and although it is usually viewed with a business lens, it can easily be applied to education.

By stage 5, we have seen that all parties can be successful with change and resistant members have proven this to themselves. This will, in turn, make them susceptible to trying new things and working with a team towards a common goal. Taking responsibility and holding themselves accountable while engaging in a competition of sorts naturally provides the motivation.