The Spiral Framework
The Spiral Framework offers a protocol for schools to turn vision into practice related to service learning, community engagement, sustainability education or global citizenship education with one broader goal:
Shift the control of learning to students by cultivating their capacity to make authentic, regenerative change toward a sustainable future.
Even simple dreams require a plan of action. The Spiral Framework has been developed to be purposefully flexible, combining contextual flexibility with a well-structured, evidence-based approach that can be utilized within a classroom as easily as in strategic planning.
For culture to shift, and programs to “stick”, we need all hands on deck:
Students equipped with knowledge, agency, mastery and purpose.
Educators able to support the dynamic learning needs of students.
Administrators conducting the symphony that is student agency as a catalyst for deeper sense of belonging, increased student self-efficacy and the power of student contribution!
1: Presentcasting
Building a shared, honest picture of “where we are” across sustainability, service learning, and global citizenship and/or related areas
Presentcasting is the process of taking stock of what is currently in place. Whether an analysis of current practices, an inventory to identify gaps in learning, considering systems and structures to support learning or engaging in thought partnership in how to best support, these conversations and protocols provide a great starting point for ongoing planning, visioning, ideation and future execution of plans!
2: Prototyping
Generating small, testable ideas
Every change begins with something small enough to generate a gentle wave. Prototyping involves innovating within the already existing system. I work with individuals, departments or entire faculty to generate plans, resources and provide support in doing so. Always combined with appropriate forms of data collection and followed by diagnostic analysis with multiple stakeholder it forms the foundation for making positive change in the community!
3: Looking Back / Looking Forward
Sense-making
The benefit of prototyping is the ability to see what change might look like and to compare that to the ideal. Facilitation of the looking back / looking forward process involved analysis, open and honest conversations and a re-examination of the innovation in line with stated objectives. My work focuses on facilitating the appropriate process and dialogue to ensure successful adaptations are made.
4: Refining
Move from pilot → stronger design
Looking both backward (to what led to the need for change) and forward (toward the desired direction) is essential to ensuring that the prototyping has provided the opportunity for adaptation. I engage with communities to ensure that refining is meaningful and incorporates the contextual dynamics allowing for authentic, place-based, student-driven learning.
5: Changemaking (Iteration / Adjustments)
Relaunch improved versions with better structure
Once refining has taken shape the community is better able to put the plans (now refined and polished) into practice. Changemaking is the process of initiating a change in earnest and, by design, connects the dots between the vision of change and the practicalities of making it a reality, with the constant ebb and flow that makes learning do adventurous and meaningful! My support includes coaching, reviewing, documentation and action planning to make this happen.
6: Looking Back / Looking Forward (Ongoing Spiral)
Embed continuous improvement as culture
The experience of presentcasting, ideation, prototyping, reviewing, refining and changemaking is placed within an organization’s strategic planning and review cycles to better support the larger goals and priorities of the organization. I support schools and educators in whatever way is most helpful to ongoing success! Onward!