What was your take away from the story about Josh and I? What wasn't the intended take away and why is that important?
What are your thoughts about the three levers for adult behavior change that we use? Where else in your life/work do these three levers make sense?
Where in your life have people had an empowering mindset about you -- and that made all the difference for you?
What came up for you as you reflected on the five continuous improvement steps -- focus mindset, clarify priorities, monitor progress, align resources, and communicate results? Where else in your life/work could this continuous improvement framework be useful?
Chapter 1 Questions
Why does the distinction between inputs, outputs, and outcomes matter?
Why does the difference between student outcomes and adult outcomes matter?
What's the harm in a school board being intensely focused on adult inputs to the exclusion of focusing time on student outcomes?
Where are you seeing examples of patronage-focused, contribution-focused, or founder-focused governing boards in your life?
What would it take for a governing board to transition from being patronage-focused to being student outcomes-focused?
What came up for you as you read the analysis of school board conference sessions? What would make a difference?
What came up for you as you read the analysis of school board training requirements? What would make a difference?
At the end of the chapter, there are some potentially controversial ideas about systemic reforms. Which ones might work or not work? What are better ideas?
Chapter 4 Questions
As you read the story about Ignaz Semmelweis, what connections are you drawing between his story and education in general? In your school district?
As you read the remainder of the chapter, reflect on the question prompts within the text and "replay your personal video" to come up with examples of your own behaviors as an educational leader. What are you noticing?
Chapter 5 Questions
BEFORE you read this chapter write down your answers to these questions:
Why do school systems exist?
Why do school boards exist? (What's the job of the board?)
As you read the first section of this chapter (Adult Inputs or Student Outcomes?), what similarities to your district do you see?
What are the divergent mindsets that seem familiar to you?
What impact do you think your answers to questions 2 & 3 have on your students?
AFTER you read this chapter, how did your answers to the first 2 questions above change?
