APPLIED DIGITAL LEARNING JOURNEY&BLOG
Innovate, Teach, Iterate
4 Disciplines of Execution
Discipline 1: Focus on the Wildly Important Goal
Discipline 3: Keep a Compelling Scoreboard
Discipline 2: Act on the Lead Measures
Discipline 4: Create a Cadence of Accountability
Discipline 1: Focus on the Wildly Important Goal
In order to implement the innovation plan Blended Learning Meet Project Based Learning we are combining strategies from the influencer model with the 4DX model to execute the plan effectively and efficiently. Instead of giving mediocre effort to dozens of goals, we will focus our best efforts on the one goal that will make the biggest difference to our learners. Execution of a WIG begins with focus. Educators can be pulled in many different directions, so focusing on one goal will help us achieve implementation of our innovation project.
WIG
We will create a student centered learning environment by facilitating a blended learning model to meet individual student learning needs by June 2023.
Discipline 2: Act on Lead Measure
Lead measures can measure new behaviors that will drive success. A lead measure is virtually within our control and will tell us that we are likely to achieve our goal. Our lead measure will become the driving force for achieving the WIG. Our commitment to moving the lead measure will be the investment and key to our success for implementing our innovation plan and moving forward.
We will need to track our measures while executing our plan for implementing blended learning. We can track through lead and lag measures, these two measures will give us an idea on how we are progressing towards the WIG. Lag measures track the end goal and results, lead measures will track our success along the way.
Lead Measures
-
3rd-5th grade teachers will incorporate self-paced adaptive learning programs, collaborative project-based learning, and targeted small group instruction to implement a blended learning instructional model.
-
We will incorporate blended learning into weekly lesson plans.
-
Teachers will attend weekly meetings and hold each other accountable for lesson plans, sharing what works and tips for blended learning, and using data to personalize learning.
Discipline 3: Create a Compelling Scoreboard
We will not know if we are winning, or meeting our goals, if we are not keeping score. Without a scoreboard, you cannot keep score. According to The 4 Disciplines of Execution, people play differently when they are keeping score. To prevent teachers from disengaging, we will make sure they know the score. When teachers see they are meeting the lead measures toward achieving their WIG, it will accelerate motivation to keep going.
​
A compelling scoreboard will enable teachers to see where they are and where they want to be. A good scoreboard should be simple, easily visible, include lead and lag measures, and comprehensible with a glance.
Scoreboard
A digital scoreboard will be shared with the upper elementary teachers. Teachers will mark the days they are incorporating a blended learning model into their classrooms. Teachers will be able to see who is consistently using the scoreboard and track their own consistency.
Discipline 4: Create a Cadence of Accountability
During the midst of a raging whirlwind that is a school year, the ability to achieve the WIG can be a challenge. To overcome the challenge teachers will make a personal commitment to move the blended learning implementation forward using discipline and accountability.
​
Taking time to share weekly wins will create a space for looking to the scoreboard to discuss progress on our lead and lag measures. We will keep the WIG sessions to 20 minutes or less because we know everyone's time is valuable and we need time to continue planning blended learning. These accountability sessions will ensure teachers are accountable for moving the goals on the scoreboard.
​
Teachers will share out the one or two most important things they can do to to impact the lead measures.
​
​
Accountability Action Items
We will have brief weekly accountability meetings during PLCs among grade levels and we will have monthly meetings where all grade levels can meet to hold each other accountable. During the meetings we will take time to look at the scoreboard.
​
We will have a shared google file to add resources, share positive experiences, and include student gains and engagement. Ultimately, student success, engagement, and learning will be shared. Learning from other teachers success' will increase everyone's scoreboard for a collective win.
The 5 Stages of Change
Changing human behavior is a big job that takes thoughtfulness and planning. There can be many challenges when installing 4DX. In order to minimize challenges it is important to start with the 5 stages of change.
​
STAGE 1: Getting Clear
​
STAGE 2: Launch
​
STAGE 3: Adoption
​
STAGE 4: Optimization
​
STAGE 5: Habits
​
​
STAGE 1: Getting Clear
First, I will invite teachers to a 4DX initial work session. This is where we will commit to weekly WIG meetings during PLCs. We will look at the WIG, lag and lead measures, and the compelling scoreboard. Teachers will be encouraged to put in their input and modifications, so it will work for everyone. We will brainstorm ways to keep each other accountable and decide on a scoreboard that works for everyone. The message will be clear that we are in this together and when one teacher wins, we all win. We need each other to push forward on the wildly important goal of implementing blended learning into the classrooms.
Stage 2: Launch
On your mark, get set, go!!!
This is the time to gain momentum and get everyone excited.
​
Key strategies for a successful launch:
​
-
Leading the 4DX implementation will require a lot of focus and energy.
-
Trust the process.
-
Identify the model teachers who will be the most engaged and our top performers, the resistors who will visibly fight the change and push back, and those that might struggle and need extra guidance.
​
STAGE 3: Adoption
This is the fun part where enthusiasm begins to increase and resistance decreases. Despite the demand of the whirlwind, teachers will become accountable to each other for their blended learning implementation. Our new behaviors will drive the success of the WIG.
​
Keys to successful implementation:
​
-
Focus on the process, then results.
-
Make commitments and hold each other accountable in weekly WIG sessions.
-
Track results each week on a visible scoreboard.
-
Make adjustments as needed.
-
Invest in additional training and mentoring for all.
-
Clear the path for resisters.
STAGE 4: Optimization
This stage is where teachers will have a 4DX mindset. This is where blended learning will become purposeful and everyone will be more engaged to make a difference in student learning outcomes. Teachers will want to optimize blended learning in better ways.
​
Making the most of this stage include:
​
-
Encourage and recognize creative ideas for moving blended learning forward in classrooms.
-
Celebrate teacher and student success.
-
Teachers encourage each other.
-
Some teachers will become excellent models for others to follow.
STAGE 5: Habits
The aim is to create a culture of excellent execution of blended learning. Teachers begin excelling at facilitating blended learning.
​
This is the stage where we will celebrate the accomplishments of the WIG. We will also help teachers who may struggle with blended learning to become better at the craft by having the model teachers help them.
4DX combined with the Influencer Model will produce change
The 4 Disciplines of Execution and the Influencer Strategy are frameworks that can stand alone to create change.
However, when combined they can create a more powerful impact creating change. Both frameworks are well organized and thought out plans that have proved to create change. In both models it is important to have clearly defined measurable goals and use key influencers to hold each other accountable. The 4DX model uses a WIG (wildly important goal) and the Influencer Model focuses on 3 vital behaviors. Both narrow down goals to create focus to increase the odds of creating change.
​
Similarly, they have specific ways of measurement and accountability. The 4DX model narrows down the measurement with using a compelling scoreboard creating a visual for change progress.
​
To implement the blended learning model to my school, I plan on using both of these strategies to create change. For me The Four Disciplines of Execution is the one I favor because I like the scoreboard and clear focus on one WIG. Focusing and planning with teachers and holding each other accountable is an exciting part of the innovation plan because it creates change. I'm thankful for these roadmaps and insights into behavior. Using these frameworks increased my confidence in presenting my innovation project to my colleagues because now I have a clearly defined plan of execution.
​
References:
Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Influencer: The new science
of leading change. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 disciplines of execution: Achieving your wildly
important goals. New York, NY: Free Press.