Module 1: Introduction and Self-Awareness and Understanding Others

The Importance of the Reflective Experience 

 Implementing systemic change in school systems is often a process that focuses on changing technical elements (e.g. implementing a new curriculum, hiring a new professional). Without a focus on individual reflection as part of systemic change, these changes will not be comprehensively successful. Many studies demonstrate the benefit of reflection as it helps professionals improve their practice, increase their self-awareness, and learn from their mistakes (Thejil-Madsen, 2018). Individual reflection and growth also contribute to advancing equity as school staff will be able to more deeply and purposefully engage in advancing systemic change that is authentic to individual and group contexts. 

Reflective activities must be seen as integral to professional development, and as such, supported through time allocation and prioritization by school and district leaders. School leaders may consider adopting a model of critical reflection that is promoted through school-level structures, such as within MTSS processes. One common model that is used to guide reflection is Gibbs Reflective Learning Cycle model (Gibbs, 1988). In this model, an individual works through a guided process of reflection by describing the scenario, identifying feelings, evaluating the experience, analyzing the situation, concluding, and identifying an action plan. School leaders (e.g. special education directors, MTSS coordinators, mental health managers) can guide this process and create systems that encourage continual reflective practices. The Gibbs model is only one model of critical reflection; we encourage school staff to engage with other models as appropriate given that such engagement will contribute to deeper learning. 

Purposeful and meaningful reflection can be uncomfortable and challenging. Reflection causes individuals to confront their own thoughts and beliefs which may have been maintained for many years. New perspectives on thinking are exciting, and may also cause us to question our prior thoughts or behaviors or leave us unsettled about our beliefs. Personal growth looks different for everyone and the steps towards such growth must be individually based. Reflective practice helps us understand our own cultural understanding gaps and successes and allows us to advance in ways that are meaningful to our own personal and professional growth journey. When school leaders encourage personal or individual reflection of the entire team, this growth will influence group dynamics and contribute to a culture that values such growth. 

Activities: 

•  Complete the self-assessment through the CDE Equity Toolkit 
•  Read “Culture Informs Bias” and reflect on the questions provided 
•  Read “Biased Based Beliefs” and complete the reflective PDF worksheet 
•  Read “Intersectionality” and reflect on the questions posed 

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To receive a certificate for 1.0 CDE training hour please complete the Module 1 Quiz after reviewing all components of Module 1.