Network schools across BC have submitted their NOII and AESN inquiry focuses and are now in the thick of working through the Spiral – implementing actions based on their scanning and hunches, and working toward deeply improving their practice and student learning. It’s a journey not to be rushed if we really want to continue to make a difference in our classrooms and schools.
In total we have 175 schools across BC and the Yukon participating in either NOII or AESN this year as well as close to 60 schools in the Healthy Schools Network. Wow! The opportunity to learn from and with each other is a key part of the Network, so it really is amazing to see the ways in which many schools are building on practices they have learned from others.
One way we do this is through regional meetings to share stories, troubleshoot, brainstorm and work together across similar contexts. Meetings provide a boost of energy at a busy time of year when we all could use a bit of extra motivation. We know from experience in BC and beyond that getting together regularly in face-to-face meetings deepens and strengthens the connections and accelerates the pace of new learning.
Thanks to Heidi Wood and the Surrey team for hosting this year’s Lower Mainland regional meeting on January 28th. Schools shared resources, discussed progress and were able to hear a bit about all the international work the Network has on the go – including cohorts of schools piloting work with the Spirals in the UK.
The North West Region held their meeting on Feb 5th at the Skeena Valley Golf Course. A large group came together from across the region – 37 educators from Nisga’a, Prince Rupert, Hazelton, Kitimat, Terrace and Thornhill were able to make the trek (with Smithers having to miss the event due to inclement weather and bad driving conditions). Thanks to Network Leader Kathy Eades for sharing this synopsis with us:
We had a nice mix of experienced “Network” members, first year folks, and those who wanted to hear more about how this all works. Jody Tetreau and Jenelle VanTunen from Hazelton Secondary shared their student inquiry work, linking this with the re-freshed curriculum. Jody then shared a model she designed connected the work she does with Big Ideas and Inquiry. Christine Goncalves and Julia Nieckarz guided the group through the Core Competencies, Inquiry Based Model Stages, The Nature of Learning – Using Research to Inspire Practice from the Centre of Educational Research and Innovation, 2 Models of School Wide Inquiry and Grade Level Sharing. There were rich opportunities for new learning, and deep conversations with folks within our region.
We really appreciate hearing about what other regions are up to and how they are structuring their face-to-face time. Please consider putting some brief notes in an email to me us at noii.aesn@gmail.com so that we can share your good work.
