Local Coaching and Leadership
Implementation Facilitators
Implementation Facilitators (IFs) are key resources for implementation of the MIM at the school level. Specific IF responsibilities include supporting the pilot schools in conducting their self-study and action plans, providing guidance to school staff throughout the implementation process, and communicating information among DESE, the RPDCs, and school-based personnel. The IFs have worked to communicate up-to-date information to school teams and to guide them through self-assessment and goal setting.
The seven Implementation Facilitators bring a wealth of experience to their roles. All have at least 30 years of professional experience, have advanced education degrees, and have experience as teachers and as administrators. They problem-solve with school teams and develop strategies for effective implementation unique to each school. IFs collaborate with each other and with MIM stakeholders during meetings and online. This collaboration ensures that, first, successful strategies from one pilot school can benefit all pilot schools, and second, feedback from pilot schools can be brought to the MIM management team to help refine the model. Each Implementation Facilitator works with two to four pilot schools and participates in the Management Team, Implementation Team and Advisory Group. This past year, IFs have attended 178 face-to-face meetings in MIM pilot schools and 39 meetings at RPDCs.
Building and District Leadership Teams
Building leadership teams are made up of a mix of teachers (both general and special educators) and building administrators, and many teams include district administrators, parents, and community members. Building teams meet regularly with Implementation Facilitators to ensure that implementation is proceeding as planned. In addition they employ strategic problem-solving when concerns arise and facilitate communication with the entire building staff. District leadership teams have more district administrators, and they work on coordinating district initiatives with MIM requirements. District teams also plan for scaling up the model district-wide, and many of the district teams have begun including representatives from multiple schools in their meetings. Smaller MIM districts have a single team merging the personnel and functions of the building and district leadership teams.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education works with educators, legislators, agencies and citizens through its statewide school-improvement initiatives and regulatory functions to assure that all citizens have access to high-quality public education from early childhood to adult education.