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Influencer Strategy

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Education is the basis of our world, but change often takes time in the education system. As the digital age progresses quickly, we must change our education system to prepare our students for the future better. When looking at mathematics education, it becomes evident that traditional methods may not fully equip students with the necessary skills for an increasingly technology-driven world. Integrating more hands-on, practical applications of mathematics alongside theoretical knowledge can enhance problem-solving abilities and foster critical thinking. Additionally, incorporating digital tools and resources can make learning more engaging and accessible, catering to diverse learning styles and needs. We can empower students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape by embracing innovation and adapting curriculum to reflect real-world challenges.

My innovation plan aims to drive mathematics education through blended and flipped learning to raise student achievement and advance students through higher-level mathematics. Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change notes three critical tasks to evoke change: focus and measure, find vital behaviors, and engage all six sources of influence (Grenny et al., 2023).  

Focus and Measure 

The first task to create substantial change is to identify our goals and what we hope the outcomes will be. My innovation plan aims to create a curriculum using blended and flipped learning models to advance mathematics education. This is vital as the state of Texas is implementing House Bill 2124, which mandates that the top 40% of students starting in 5th grade be placed on an advanced math path (Advanced Mathematics Instruction, 2023).  These goals need to be measurable and attainable. My goal for the first year of implementation is to incorporate blended and flipped learning in our advanced math classes; from there, we will work towards implementing it into our regular math courses. We will have regular meetings to assess the progress of the implementation of blended and flipped learning. 

Vital Behaviors 

The next task is identifying the vital behaviors aligning with the goals. I will need to address many behaviors among staff and students. Influencer identifies four strategies for identifying these vital behaviors (Grenny et al., 2013). 

 

  1. Notice the Obvious – Identify mathematical principles and techniques that are apparent yet underutilized in educational practices, fostering innovation in teaching methods. 

  2. Look for Crucial Moments – Recognize pivotal instances in teaching where actions or choices jeopardize academic success, prompting innovative interventions. 

  3. Learn from Positive Deviants – Study educators who employ innovative teaching methodologies within the same educational landscape, leveraging mathematical principles to achieve positive outcomes. 

  4. Spot Culture Busters – Identify behaviors among teachers that challenge entrenched educational norms and promote innovative approaches grounded in mathematical thinking. 

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Identify Organizational Influencers 
Mathematics Teachers
Curriculum and Instruction Administrators

Instructional Coaches 
Campus Admin
Parents 

Six Sources of Influence 

The last task is to engage the six sources of influence (personal motivation, personal ability, social motivation, social ability, structural motivation, and structural ability). To create substantial change within an organization, such as a school district, we must engage all six sources strategically, using at least four sources at a time to maximize adaptation (Grenny et al., 2023).  

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Resources 

Grenny, J., Maxfield, D., & Shimberg, A. (2008). How to 10X Your Influence. Vital Smarts.https://luonline.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-38154822-dt-asiobject-rid-110499251_1/xid-110499251_1 

Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2023). Crucial Influence, Third Edition: Leadership Skills to Create Lasting Behavior Change. McGraw-Hill Companies.

 

TEDx Talks (2013, April 26). Change Behavior- Change the World: Joseph Grenny at TEDxBYU [Video]. TEDxBYU. ‌

 

Advanced Mathematics Instruction, no. 2124, Senate (2023). https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/html/SB02124S.htm 

 

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