Wk 4 Publishing_Leadership Project

My action research project centers around a particular method for improving behavior, so I wanted to contribute my findings to either a publication or conference where Positive Behavior Support is also the central theme. I came across the 2011 National PBIS Leadership Forum called Implementing Innovation for a Lasting Effect which is being held October 27 & 28 in Illinois. This forum is specifically designed for educators in the process of implementing PBS at a school- or district-wide level. The forum has a call for poster presentations that allow presenters to share examples of how PBS has been implemented.

I was unable to find any other upcoming conferences I thought would be interested in this topic in particular, so my second choice appears to be creating a paper for publication, which I have already begun working on in case my first choice does not work out. The publication I have decided on is the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, which publishes research on changing problem behaviors that have social significance.


Publishing/Leadership Thinking Out-loud #1
Publishing/Leadership Thinking Out-loud #2
Alman_Jennifer_PubLeadProject

Wk 4 Comment to Klytia

Klytia Burcham says:

I have to start by saying that I love this book!  I have enjoyed every chapter and know that, although I am familiar with many of the themes in this book, I loved the way that they were presented in this book.  It also served to remind me that I need to live in the moment and give the situation I find myself in it’s due; it is what it is!  Judgement and bitterness over situations we find ourselves in serves nobody, especially me.

The idea of enrollment is very enticing to me.  You know it when you see it, but it is something that almost always is seen in person.  Zander writes, “ Enrollment is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share.”  This is what we hope to share with our students.  I think enrollment is what launches a good teacher to a great teacher because they are able to launch their students into the mindset of possibility.

The chapter on being the board was the hardest for me to understand, but once I got the idea that it was really about taking the responsibility of being a part of the situation.  It isn’t about taking all of the responsibility for the situation or blame.  It is about seeing what part you did have in the situation and what can be done to alleviate the blame game.  What can be done to get the participants in the situation back in the same game.  By taking the responsibility of being the board, you are able to see the situation for what it is, minus any blame or resentment.  If both participants take the stance of being the board the situation is more likely to be solved in a mutually beneficial way.  It becomes a WE story instead of an I story.  What can WE do about this so that we can both find a suitable solution for everyone.

My Response:

You did a wonderful job synthesizing the last four chapters of the book. I like your explanation of being the board. It really would be ideal if we could all think that way. It would be a win-win for all, wouldn't it?  I love the phrase "It is what it is." When we take things personally, we do ourselves so much harm and end up creating a situation that is much worse than it truly is. Like you said, it's the judgement and bitterness that ultimates hurts us.

Wk 4 Comment to Curt

Curt Isakson says:

A distinction is not a standard to live up to, but a framework of possibility to live into.”

The Art of Possibilities, Rosamund Zander, and Benjamin Zander, 2000.

Instead of commenting on just one part of the last chapters of this book, I would like to write down a few simple thoughts on the whole book:

This book has really got me thinking about I interact with the people around me, and how I react to the environment that surrounds me.

I have to remind myself that reality is simply my reality and the perspective I view it from can be so fluid from day to day and moment to moment.  I believe that it is up to me to create my world and to make sure that I try to tackle it from a positive and educated viewpoint and keep the WE factor in mind always.

I cannot say I have had a book that has stuck with me so well as the Art of Possibilities.

My Response:

I too was quite inspired by the Art of Possibilities. You are so right about how fluid our perspective and reality can be. Sometimes that is a good thing...it makes us teachable and moldable when our perspective needs changing. I wish you the best of luck in your journey for a new and enlightened viewpoint that benefits yourself and those around you.

Wk 4 Reading

The last four chapters of this week's reading seem to have been designed to inspire the reader to be the change they want to see in the world. The Zanders encourage the reader to create a spark and framework for that change and enroll others in that vision. It is not about manipulating people or situations to accomplish something, but using your passion to inspire others.

I also liked the chapters on being the board and telling the we story. It is so easy to blame others for what we perceive to be wrong. Instead the Zanders challenge the reader to take responsibility for what happens in your life and find a way to transform situations and see things in a different light. Doing this brings more compassion to a world full of human beings all trying to co-exist.

Wk4 Publishing/Leadership project part 2 of 2: 2011 National PBIS Leadership Forum

I finally decided to apply as a poster presenter for the 2011 National PBIS Leadership Forum, which is being held in October. I decided to go with this option since it seems to be the only conference  specifically geared toward my AR project which is accepting presenters at this time. Although I really would have like to attempt to get my work published, I thought the conference would be a great opportunity for me to present my finding, but also to learn more about Positive Behavior Support.

Week 3 Wimba

I definitely needed this Wimba session. I was still very unsure about exactly what I needed to do to get the final presentation done. I appreciate the details that were discussed in the session and the specific questions that were asked by those that attended. I feel I have more clarity after the session. 

Like my classmates, I find "The Art of Possibility" has inspired me to view myself and my students from another perspective. Giving an A, leading from any chair and thinking outside the box can definitely make a difference in the lives of students.

Wk3 Publishing/Leadership project part 1 of 2: Choices

I am still teetering between the choices: paper or presentation. One possibility is to present for a conference that is geared specifically towards my action research about Positive Behavior Support. My concern is that the guidelines for this presentation do not fit the guidelines of our project. The other choice would be to create a paper. Either way I can probably use the project created at Full Sail as a starting point for the conference presentation, which I am certainly interested in doing. At this time, I am looking into possibilities for publishing in a PBS publication, so if the conference option is not viable, I will go with the publishing choice.