Kansas Geographic Alliance
Strategic Planning Weekend -- August 28-29, 2010
I.
Update on status of KGA – handout provided
II.
NGS Capacity Building Course
A. Educational Structures
 Diagram that reflects KS structure
 Identify connections
 Preservice and Inservice teachers
 Teacher certification and evaluation
B. Accountability
 Numbers on how we are doing
 Evaluation
o Remember to do it for everything
o Are the questions informative?
o What information do we want?
o What do you do with the information once you have it?
o Evidence of being successful
o Continuous self-evaluation through reflection
C. Organizational Design
 Building the organization - Alliance
o Evaluation system
o Data collection system
o Training systems
o Grant system
o Hospitality system
o Production system
o External relations system
 Cultured history
 What changes might we make to accomplish our goals?
 Goals related to mission statement
 This is what you are going to be doing – capacity building
 Setting the stage for the next step
D.
Strategic Planning
 How could we convince the national group that we would use funds to make a
difference?
 How can NGS use the Alliance network?
 Strategic Planning answers these questions
o Who are we?
o What is our purpose?
o What are our core ideals?
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 What strategic planning does
o Identifies our strengths and weaknesses
o Looks at obstacles that might be in the way
o How to use financial resources
o Not a one time only process – continual improvement over time
o Sets up metrics
o Sets up activities to help you meet your goals
 May take 6-9 months
 What is our timeline?
 Show we are making progress with the strategic planning process
III.
Strategic Planning Session
Two goals for the weekend:
1. Give an update of what is happening with Alliance and Capacity Building Course
2. Complete discussion/feedback for Strategic Planning Application
Section I. Background
A. Mission of your Alliance and its importance for your state
 Educate and enhance K-80 students knowledge and skills in Geography
education – beyond just the school setting, political and business stakeholders
 Support and connect with classroom teachers in geography and provide
resources
 Promote use of geographic tools
 Be involved in preservice social studies, history and science education
 Promote and increase the importance of geographic thinking and education from
the local to the state to the national level
 Impact standards and assessment of social studies, history and science to
increase the significance of geography
 Be advocates for geographic and spatial thinking
 Connect with other social studies, history and science related organizations and
disciplines
 Provide a venue for integrating national trends into Kansas
 Revitalize and enhance the alliance teacher network
 Become a resource center for information on Kansas in a national and global
context
 Ensure students have geographic knowledge to be productive citizens
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B. Brief history of the Alliance, including its organizational design and structure
 Significant items to document dates:
 Building a collection of lesson plans
o Published hard copies
o Digitized lesson plans
 GeoPower workshops
 Poll on Geographic Literacy
 GeoBee 1989
 Fall conferences were started
 Coordinators/Co-Coordinators
 Awards Created – Teacher of the Year
 “Insights” – connected members to plans and activities
 Summer Institute
o 1991 – 2 weeks
o 1992 – 2 weeks
o 1993 – 2 weeks
o 1994 – 2 weeks
o 2000 – 1 week
o 2009 – 1 day
 NCGE recognized outstanding geography educators
 2 week TC training
 Coordinators being changed – Duane Nellis and Paul Phillips, John H, Rich; John
Ha – original coordinators 1989
 1991 beginning – Judy answered an ad
 KGA contributes to writing state standards
 $500,000 from state of Kansas matched by NGS
 Trips/Years
o CO regional partnerships and workshop
o MI partnership workshop
o PA partnership workshop
o NCGE – MO/KS cohosts
 Organizational Design and Structure:
 Executive committee
o Coordinator/Co-Coordinator
o Public Engagement Coordinator
o 9 teachers – goal to have a mix of grade levels and geographic areas
o Added GAW person (usually on executive committee) - NGS
o Recent – CBC team - NGS
 Members
o TC – (some have additional NGS training)
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o Members
Structures
o Membership lists
o Email lists
o Facebook
o Web page
Connections
o KCSS – history, economics, law, international
o KS Water Office
o Dept. of Education – Social Studies
o NCGE
o Geographic Bee
o KS Council for Environmental Education
o Eisenhower Center
o K-State and Department of Education
o Fort Hays State University
o Mainstreet U.S.A.
o KS Historical Society
o Click N Learn
o GAW training
o Leadership Institute
o Water Institute/Training
o Lewis and Clark Training
o Japan Trip
o Russia Trip
o Population Institute
o 4-H state fair
2 Offices
o Manhattan and Hays
o 2 libraries; regional offices and resources
NGS Program:
o My Wonderful World
o Family Geography Challenge
o Earth 2U – exhibit, trunk and lessons
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C. Long-term goals for Geographic Literacy in the state – set the context for the state
1. Public will be aware of and value geography (Public includes: congress, state
legislature, Board of Education, parents)
2. Stakeholders will value geographic literacy
3. Children will learn and utilize geography skills, tools, relationships and
understand basic concepts
4. People will value how geography relates to their world
5. Everyone will understand geography is an element of all knowledge and life
6. Students will graduate with the basic geographic understanding to function
intelligently and apply the knowledge in a democratic society and global culture
6a. Use geography to build relationships with and in the world
6b. Take geography courses or use dual encoding (integration)
6c. Essentially apply your knowledge to become global citizens
7. All educators will integrate geography and related concepts to all subject areas
8. Promote understanding that geography is holistic – 1 leg in the natural sciences
and 1 leg in the social sciences
9. The public of Kansas is aware of and supports the value of geographic and spatial
thinking
10. Students and citizens will take advantage of new technology in dealing with
geographic ideas
Section II. Need and Rationale
A. Why the Alliance is at a critical juncture that prompts it to engage in a strategic
planning initiative
o Limited membership and membership networking – new blood, next
generation
o Reached plateau in recessionary times, we recognize we can do more
o Transitory leadership (changes too soon)
o Stagnant funding
o Alliance/membership wants to expand their influence to promote geographic
literacy
o Need to communicate brain research findings to provide a context to move
forward (updated Geography for Life)
o Need to expand networking into other professional groups and decision
makers (e.g., KSDE, DOE, etc.)
o Needs and wants of Kansas teachers have changed and we can provide
valuable resources
o Need to prepare a plan for using an influx of funds
o Prepare for state level change of personnel, updating standards and
curriculum (federal?)
o School investment in programs – need to connect geography content
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o To extend geographic education information to home schools, charter
schools, parochial schools, and virtual classrooms, etc.
o Break down of communication between leadership and members – it’s a two
way street
o Geography recognized as 21st century skills
o Biotechnology, geospatial technology is a big growth field
B. What the Alliance has done to prepare for strategic planning
o Recognized need for growth and revitalization
o Updating membership list and their contact information
o Use technology to increase membership connections and communications
(Skype, Facebook, emails and websites)
o Hired co-coordinator to bring past expertise; maintains connections with
emeritus coordinators
o Establish the KGA identity within Kansas – professional group with quality
materials and ideas
o Participated in CBC - Provided details equal to graduate level university
seminar
o Maintained a vital and active executive committee and this group can work
together
o Held a weekend retreat for strategic (building) planning – 86% participation
o Hired professional facilitators for retreat to encourage equal participation
o Became aware of resources which would provide money for strategic
planning
o Acquired resources on the nature of strategic planning
o Co-coordinator and coordinator have prior experience with strategic
planning
C. Need for Geographic Literacy in the state and the status of teacher preparation
and effectiveness in geography education
o Roper poll on geographic literacy documents a need
o To make informed and better decisions both personally and professionally
(carbon footprint)
o Improved functioning in the global society (The World is Flat) – able to see
connections and appreciate other cultures
o Geography literacy improves student ability to place events in a stronger
context (issues related to water use)
o Will support the state’s Economic Development and the transition to a
sustainable economy
**Status of teacher preparation (effectiveness)
o Social Studies disciplines should be expanded
o Subject matter content needs to be increased and emphasized even though
it has gotten better – ideas include advancing inservice teachers
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o New findings from brain research can and should be incorporated in teacher
prep
o Teacher preparation needs to demonstrate the value of the profession
(lifelong commitment)
o Teacher preparation needs to document the need to update
content/methods (lifelong commitment)
o Technology adoption does not equal increased effectiveness
o Need for increased awareness of internet websites and resources
o Teacher preparation needs to help new teachers see the value of all
disciplines and especially geography – certification issue?
o Anyone who wants to teach secondary geography must have a history
degree
o Teacher preparation needs to show the value of assessment and reflection
o Require teacher candidates to have 1 class in each of the 4 social studies
discipline areas
NOTE for John and Paul: add current requirements for Kansas under Kansas
teacher preparation…need for contextual understanding in this section
Section III. Outcomes
Goals for the planning grant and what the eventual components/categories of your
plan will be:
Typical strategic planning components:
VISION STATEMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
STRATEGIC GOALS
Demonstrate we know our strengths and how to change the structure
Where do we want to go?
Major targets to address in KS education structure
Increase time on geographic content in the classroom
Broaden advocacy to legislative stakeholders
Engage business and industry in advocacy
Conduct geographic literacy needs assessment with teachers
CURRENT SITUATION
Discussion of the status – how things are working/how things will change
Statement of need
Background of KGA related to addressing the needs
Structure of education system in Kansas
Get a clear understanding of the educational structure – identify low hanging fruit then
longer term goals
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STRATEGIES
Power of the process of interaction – build in seasonal retreats
Communication – documentation/recorder for notes and minutes
Biggest bang for the buck
Efficient and effective technology
Use a combination of face-to-face and virtual meetings
OBJECTIVES
How to reach the goals
Possible book study – strategic planning for dummies; Tipping Point; Kindle for Mac –
shared experience with a common language
ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN
Structure of KGA
Responsibilities
Go from a structure (CBC) to a home (KGA)
Investigate a structure for functioning (e.g. sub-groups, possible delegates and also a
communication network)
FINANCIAL PLAN
FORMATIVE EVALUATION
Evaluation
Evaluation and assessment
Necessary Elements
o The value of momentum
o Respect different learning and communication styles
o Importance of engaging everyone
o Engage others in the process – KS Council on Social Studies
o Engage liaison NGS (Michal) in the process to capture the national perspective,
ideas, and clarification
o Utilize outside facilitator to help focus
o Commitment to the process
o Use what we’ve learned to compartmentalize and share information
What does the plan look like?
o Less is more, bullets are good
o Streamlined/have executive summary
o Different components, with a map for what to do in each
o Need for flexibility – able to change over time
o Communicate with potential funders (make sure strategic planning language is
consistent with funder language)
Wrap up Day 1
1. What has worked well today?
2. What do you need from the group to continue to make progress tomorrow?
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
Section III. Outcomes
Goals for the planning grant and what the eventual components/categories of your
plan will be:
Using the KGA diagram, what strategic questions do we have in the various component areas?
Curricular Materials
 How can we best support teachers, engage students, and increase learning?
 What is available?
 How do we deliver it?
 How is it correlated with standards? (assessment)
 How do we integrate geography with other subjects?
 How do we include all learning styles? (Gardner)
 How do we use what we already have?
o Revitalize, adapt, expand
 What is needed?
 How do we determine what is needed?
 How do we adapt to different teaching styles?
(dual-encoding, co-operative learning)
 How can we integrate technology?
 Authentic application in regards to geography
 How do we integrate new knowledge?
(modes of spatial thinking)
Curricular Standards & Framework
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Geography For Life heavily used – 5 themes of Geo.
KGA has been involved on 2 sets!
Need to contact new Social Studies coordinator – When will the standards next be
revised?
How can KGA continue its presence?
How do items get to be delta(ed) – singled out
How can KGA contribute to standards in Math, Reading, Science
How can KGA help teachers make connections between geography and assessed
indicators in other subject areas?
o It would make sense to have a member on standards committees for all subject
areas.
 (Esp. Science)
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Can we get to the point where kids have to have required World Geography Class?
(Cultural changes in our state)
How can we change the imbalance of the standards in Social Studies in the assessment?
(Geography got 5)
How do we update the standards to bring in new knowledge?
Professional Development
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Where do we fit into Prof Dev.? Preservice, Inservice
Examples
KSU – Colloquium/ teaching FHSU methods/ WU Seminars
University Classrooms
 Classes @ each university?
 Contact list
 Info: Where do students obtain geo ed info?
Pre
 Do we need to formalize process by developing an
outline/list/document/packet?
 Teacher clubs (K-NEA) (groups sponsor)
Sorority service project?
 What other sites/avenues should we investigate?
 How could we contact home schooling people?
Inservice
 How can we mentor TCs?
 How do we provide training to TCs?
o Spatial thinking
o Brain Research
 How do we promote “authentic” hands-on, engaging instruction/geo application?
 Where does inservice take place?
 Local district workshops
 School building level
o Elementary
o Middle School
o High School
 NCGE Presentations
 Build Professional relationships & networks
 Who do we contact? Need strategies for contacting
 In district?
 In building?
 In service centers? (Greenbush)
 In organizations? (KCSS)
 What is the most efficient way to find contact info?
 How & when do you make contact w/”right” person?
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 Weeks?
 Years?
 Focus on new teachers
 Teacher mentoring ion districts?
 Advanced placement: AP Human Geog
What is the most efficient way to set up workshops &/or contact people?
 “bang for the buck”!!
Teacher Certification/Evaluation
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Social studies Certification? (History)
State – level contact/s
o Endorsement/s in geography?
o Where does “highly qualified” fit into cert. /teaching of geography?
o How many hours should be taken?
 What does state require?
o How do you become qualified to teach geography (middle & high schools)?
Elementary?
o What are the rules for certification to teach geog.?
 Who establishes rules?
 How does KGA influence establishment of rules?
 Where does the state DOE fit into the process?
Resource: ie, Sue Gamble
 How could KGA influence the state DOE/curr director?
Local School Boards
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How do we educate school boards on the importance of geography?
How do we build a bridge between the board and those in charge of:
o Professional development
o Curricular materials
o Classroom instruction
o Curriculum
How do we change/influence board policy?
How can we encourage boards to hire social studies and elementary teachers with
geography backgrounds?
Is there a School Board that has clout?
o (KSBA) – identify power people for influence
 Local school board
Classroom Instruction
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How can we get teachers to change? (carrot/sticks)
How do we get units into the hands of teachers?
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How can we help? (An Alliance teacher in residence)
What does it look like? (Podcast a T.C. in action)
o Webinars, videos
How can we make some tools or a cheat sheet for teachers in use? (K.I.S.S.)
How does a geo literate teacher interact with other disciplines?
How do we integrate the language of geography?
How can we bring in more field experiences?
How can we bring in experts?
How can we provide virtual field experiences?
o (Could be an outcome of surveys from teachers)
How can we incorporate GIS?
How do we identify & implement tools
Outside influences:
Public perception
Contact school board (gifts, special events) and outside influences
Outreach – lobby continuously – advocacy
AP Human Geography
Reach out to other professional associations
Do we need to make the public aware of the need for geography?
Section IV – Process
(a) How the Alliance will organize itself for formal planning
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Support team
Writing teams
Executive Committee
(b) Components of your strategic planning process
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Curricular Materials
Curricular Standards and Frameworks
Professional Development
Teacher Certification/Evaluation
Local School Boards
Classroom Instruction
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Section V – Anticipated Timeline for the Process
Planning milestones and target for producing a final plan
Tasks prior to January:
 Revisit the organization of KGA
 Submission of proposal – Sept. 20
 Contact/communicate with KGA network
 Develop shared understanding of strategic planning – book study
 Share resources – conduct independent research
 Update e-mail list for executive committee (support group)
 Coordinators share NGS resources
 Organize facilitation with consultant (education purposes)
January
Proposed KGA Strategic Planning Timeline - 2011
Information gathering continues
Identify data gathering-writing teams
February
Synthesis and sharing of information
March
KGA late winter meeting – facilitation with consultant
Refine writing tasks
Identify objectives and metrics for KGA to help implement changes transformation
April
Writing teams and data collection continue
May
End of school year
June
Submit first draft of strategic plan sections (approx. June 15)
Late summer meeting – discuss and refine draft (approx. June 25) –
facilitation with consultant
September
Final draft posted on website
Fall
KGA Fall meeting – final draft presented and discussion of next steps –
facilitation with consultant
Strategic plan polished and submitted
Consultant Tasks Priorities:
Engage early in the process – March meeting – 8 votes
Review document (in draft and final stages) – 4 votes
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Review of Vision and Mission:
KGA Vision: Key Words and Phrases
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Geographic literate
Productive citizens – state, nation, global
Thought, word, and deed
Responsible world citizens
Exposure to Geography education in schools, communities, and state
Know, value, utilize geographic literacy
When and why to use geographic literacy
Appropriate application
Awareness, knowledge, and use of geography among public
Educate, motivate, and change to improve geographic literacy
Geo- evangelize
Value
Utilize
Productive
Awareness
Dedicated
Change
Learning
Applying
Relevant geography education
Live successfully in democratic society
Preservice geography education in all universities
Note Cards: What is your vision for KGA?
Vision Statements:
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KS citizens/students will know, value, and utilize geographic concepts and skills in real time.
A geographically educated society that uses spatial thinking and understanding of human
environment interactions in working towards a better state, nation, and world.
My vision for the KGA is that it will be the agent of change for geography education in Kansas.
KGA’s vision’s to support teachers in educating & enhancing K-12 students with resources, thus
ensuring the students have geographic knowledge/literacy to live successfully in a democratic
society.
To have all (K-12) students know when and why to use geographical concepts and skills.
In the 21st Century all Kansans embrace geography in thought, word and deed.
All students will have social studies courses (taught by teachers with some good training)
throughout their K-12 years that progress them to be responsible world citizens.
For every person of any age in KS to understand how geography connects to their world and can
apply that understanding as responsible and productive citizens.
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Would be geographically literate from exposure to geography education in our schools, our
communities, and our state.
Pre-service geography education in all universities. Geography standards taught & assessments
made. State of the art website w/lesson plans easily available.
Promote and carry out the advancement for the awareness of knowledge of and use of
geography among the public, including educators.
Ensure Kansas students have geographic knowledge which they can utilize wisely to be
productive citizens of the 21st Century.
KGA Mission: Key ideas
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Agent of change in Geographic Education
Expand beyond K-12 legislature, stakeholders key
Insure geographic literacy
Empower geography’s growth
Geography
Education
Connections
Improve geographic literacy
Note Cards: Three key words related to KGA
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Geography (mentioned 3 times)
Education (mentioned 3 times)
Connections
Geo-evangelize
Utilize
Productive
Relevant
Target proves outcome
Ensure geographic literacy
Empower geography’s growth
Educate (mentioned 2 times)
Value
Awareness (mentioned 2 times)
Learning
Applying (mentioned 2 times)
Dedicated
Valuable (mentioned 2 times)
Change (mentioned 2 times)
Improve geographic literacy
Motivate
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