Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Components of Sustainability

The elements of sustainability that were evident in Jenny and Kristi’s settings were the inclusion of leadership at various levels, technical assistance, and staff buy-in. Coffey and Horner (2012) expressed the importance of giving leadership responsibilities to personnel at various levels. According to the author, other professionals should be included in the ranks to be able to continue the processes if the administration should change.  Technical assistance support such as that provided to Kristi’s teachers is another element that is highly recommended for sustainability. Hargraves and Fullan (2012) expressed the importance of building professional capital throughout the school. The staff “buy-in” evident in Jenny’s setting by the determination shown as teachers worked long hours to meet their professional goals. “Buy-in” is a critical element that is necessary for implementing and sustaining change (Crocket, Billingsley & Boscardin 2012). These elements along with others outlined by Coffey will ensure long-term existence of the school’s school-wide programs. For example, Kristi’s district included leadership at various levels and ongoing trainings. Having these features as part of the implementation and maintenance process ensured that positive outcomes as evident in the reading, math and writing data.

Coffey, J., & Horner, R. (2012). The sustainability of schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports. Council for Exceptional Children, 78(4), 407-422. Retrieved from http://libraryguides.waldenu.edu/educ8767
Crockett, J. B., Billingsley, B. S., & Boscardin, M. L. (Eds.). (2012). Handbook of leadership and administration for special education. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis.
Fullan, M. (2010). All systems go: The change imperative for whole system reform. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Corwin.
Hargreaves, A., & Fullan, M. (2012). Professional capital: Transforming teaching in every school. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

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