Power of Momentum

The change in schools is rapid across our country as educators strive to prepare students for an evolving world. This includes change in instructional strategies, technology, grading practices, schedules, assessments and social emotional learning practices. What allows the “change” to be successful? It is momentum.

Momentum by definition is the “motion of a moving body” and in education you could relate it to the practice of learning a new skill, implementing it, reflection/adjustment and then further implementation that leads to sustained success. As I have read, listened and learned from others such as John Maxwell – the question becomes “why do some initiatives gain momentum and others fade away?” Listed below from my perspectives are the 8 reasons why momentum allows change process to be successful.

1. When the change process is considered, the leaders must keep efforts FUTURE DRIVEN so the change will ensure students/schools can strive for excellence in a changing world.
2. In any change process, there must be a FOCUS to “why” change must occur. This keeps everyone’s attention on how it helps students and the learning experience.
3. The educators involved in the change will use past experiences and learn from it to SHAPE the change that fits their school and systems. Do not try to fit someone else’s change to your system – make it yours!
4. The foundation of schools are people, so the change process must involve people COLLABORATING in highly effective/efficient levels.
5. During any change, it is imperative to CELEBRATE small wins and do this by all members of the team.
6. The leaders/educators must show PASSION for “why” the change is needed so it truly impacts the most important part of schools – the students.
7. The change process must create ACTION within it that leads to a positive difference for students. Words by themselves do not create change nor does hope – only does true action.
8. In any change process there will be mistakes – the leaders must show CHARACTER and admit mistakes, learn from it so that desired adjustments can be made for long term success.

Schools are in a constant state of change due to many variables. Some of these are internal and others are external and beyond control. It is important school leaders keep the above-mentioned aspects in mind so momentum is developed and leads to accelerated change for sustained success.

Learn

Engage

Adapt

Delegate

Empower

Reflect

Serve

I look forward to hearing from you about the ways you sustain momentum in the change process within your school and organization. Comment below or reach out to me at leadlearnerperspectives@gmail.com