The number of times that things didn't go as planned in the classroom certainly outweighed the times that my lesson plan went "seamlessly." However, the seamless lessons were not always the successful ones. I'm not sure that these experiences can rival the numerous innovations we read about, but they often led to knew understanding and growth - for me and for the students. Most of these experiences with unplanned innovation occurred when I gave students choice. Regardless of the topic or time and extent of a project, the students always blew my expectations out of the water when I left the choices up to them.
As for attempting to plan for increased opportunities for innovation, I am focused on providing teachers with these opportunities. As we move to a weLearn environment throughout the district, I've been thinking about our Classroom 21 rooms. These rooms have been led by true innovative teachers willing to take risks and trust in themselves and their students. I do not want to lose the opportunity to support these innovative teachers. I am inspired by the Albermarle County Public Schools that we read about in chapter 4. I believe that their idea of inspiring teachers by funding their innovative ideas with seed grants may be the perfect solution for continuing to grow Classroom 21 innovators in a weLearn environment.
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