Steve and his teachers understand that training alone will not maximize the impact of Open Circle on students and adults, and so they have identified two teachers as coaches. Barb Lauback and Diana Roy work with faculty formally and informally and a conscious effort is made to dedicate faculty meeting time to Open Circle. The agenda are varied and might include curriculum updates, sharing good practice and identifying problem solving issues related to Open Circle. Steve acknowledges that the long-term success of this initiative depends on keeping Open Circle on everyone's radar screen and supporting teachers in this effort. The parent connection is also strong at Meadowbrook.
Parents play a significant role in helping the school move in positive and productive ways.
The overarching plan for Open Circle implementation includes a parent training program. When I met with Steve, they had just completed the second session of the Open Circle Parent Program to rave reviews. Steve is expanding his school to include middle school students and would like to include in the curriculum a social competency program for this age group. We look forward to working with Steve and his faculty in exploring the possibilities. Another challenge is finding ways to weave Open Circle into the academic curriculum.