To continue our reform efforts, cluster leaders presented the 90 minute language art block proposal to our leadership councils. Thus began a series of meetings to discuss barriers to reform. Recess reconfiguration, special education support services, computer lab availability, and tardies were identified as barriers. I learned that reform does not occur easily and is punctuated with roadblocks and detours. Old habits are hard to change, and with change there is always uncertainty.
Systemic reform requires personal commitment from all stakeholders.
But roadblocks to the language arts block were resolved, and we began the uninterrupted 90-minute block in February. Reform is change driven by research and it passes through stages of consensus, commitment, and implementation. Reform is not easy and does not happen immediately. Reform meets roadblocks and detours due to the difficulty of changing old habits and adjusting to new points of view. Reform will only happen when all stakeholders commit to making a real change and believe change is possible.