Dr. Karolyn J. Snyder, PresidentInternational School Connection, Inc.

Vision for a New Century

To prepare studentsfor success in life in the global age!

Chaos Theory studies change in natural systems

Change is…..

Non-linear & unpredictableRapid, radical & self generatingSelf structuredRandom & uncontrollable

Survival links to responsiveness!

Karolyn J. Snyder, 1996

Living on the Edge of ChaosLiving on the Edge of Chaos 1. Growing

systems respond to environmental

changes 2. Disequilibrium Promotes

Change

3. Energy Builds Thru

Connections 4. Natural

Systems Self- Organize

5. NewSystems

Evolve From Prototypes

6. Change is a Dance of Life & Death

Preparing StudentsFor SuccessIn a Global Age

The Environment Matters

What is happening around the World?

• Growing distance between rich and poor nations

• Environmental issues• Backlash• End of patriarchalism• Terrorism

• Technology & Media• Economics & Markets• Power & Politics• Demographics & Culture• The Environment

The World is now a Network Society

• Information technology revolution• Information economy based on

networking• Transformation of work• Culture of real virtuality

(Manuel Castells, 2000)

• Information Technology• Global Markets• Multi-national cultures• Social Networks• Nanotechnology & Biotechnology• Entrepreneurs• Cross Cultural Work Teams

Percent of 15-year olds falling below international benchmarks1. South Korea 1.4 11. New Zealand 12.2

2. Japan 2.2 12. France 12.63. Finland 4.4 13. Switzerland 13.04. Canada 5.0 14. Belgium 14.05. Australia 6.2 15. Iceland 14.06. Austria 8.2 16. Hungary 14.27. Britain 9.4 17. Norway 14.28. Ireland 10.2 * 18. USA 16.29. Sweden 10.8 19. Germany 17.010.Czech Republic 12.2 20. Denmark 17.0

What is YourMental Model OfSchooling?

Disequilibrium is......Disequilibrium is......*The condition in which dynamic

systems are most alive and creative....

* It gives the energy for stimulating

the need for change.

This is Sam, who is 12 years old and lives in Boston.

This is Won Mae, who is 17 and lives in Iowa.

This is Tamara who is 17 and lives in Iowa.

This is Dan who is 18 and lives in Michigan.

This is Courtney who is 14 and lives in Montana.

Where everyone has…….* a voice* an opportunity* responsibility* benefits

Weak connections Weak connections generate no energy for growth.

Strong connectionsStrong connections produce continuous energy

• Resistance to change• Low SES population• Program isolation• A few connections exist• Connection strategies at work• Principal as leader• Focus: student success in school

Patterns in Low-Involvement Schools

• High energy for change• Mixture of SES• Program Integration• Connections everywhere• Manage energy explosion• Staff/principal leadership• Focus: student readiness for the 21st century

Patterns in High-Involvement Schools

Far from EquilibriumFar from Equilibrium.....

.Disequilibrium fosters new order.Complex systems self-organize.Evolving systems are unpredictable

Work Culture Effects on Achievement

Darlene Bruner, 1997

School Work Culture: Degrees of teacher involvement

Planning, HRD, Instruction, Assessment

Involvement Patterns Low Moderate High___

Low Achievement Schools 1.5% 60.0% 38.5%

High Achievement Schools 6.3% 26.6% 67.1%

52 K-12 Schools – Pasco County in Florida52 K-12 Schools – Pasco County in FloridaSchools with High Quality Work Cultures

were significantly higher in student

achievement patterns on State tests.

The Integration of Culture Dimensions: Visionary Leadership, Development Plans, Systemic Action, Use of Information, HRD, Quality Programs, Customer Satisfaction

Dr. Kristen Snyder, 2000

The Teacher’s Voice in High Involvement Cultures

*Professional capacities diminish chaos Professional capacities diminish chaos

*Continuous improvement is a dynamic force*Continuous improvement is a dynamic force

*Communication provides energy*Communication provides energy

*Empowerment stimulates activity*Empowerment stimulates activity

*Development equips teachers to manage chaos*Development equips teachers to manage chaos

• Respond to the environment• Use information • Build strong connections • Self-organize• Pilot new ideas• Celebrating what works!

It is the life and health of a whole natural system that matters

Promote Pilots Promote Pilots of Complete New Systems

*Nongradedness

*Continuous Progress

*Interdisciplinary curriculum

*Portfolio Assessment

*Cooperative Learning

*Team Teaching

Celebrate LifeCelebrate Life

and Death!and Death!

The natural cycle of life

Is shedding the old and evolving

the new.

Schools in…Finland

Sweden

Russia

Dr. Elaine Crum Sullivan