7A.1
Discussing Four Statements:
Who are we as a group now?

This Four Statements discussion is much like Sharing Perspectives, the first discussion you had when you came together as a group in Step One. As a learning community it is important to set aside time to take another "picture in words." Only this time it will be a snapshot of what people believe about teaching and learning now that they have completed their inquiry studies.

Begin by allowing a quiet time for everyone to individually fill in the Four Statements Discussion Sheet and the Teacher Self-Assessment Rubric. You will find both of these tools in the resource section. We do this as individuals because we must take time to assess and reflect on the merit of our study before we share our thoughts with others. It is important that we determine what our work means to us and its worth for our professional growth before we see it through others' eyes. This discussion will work best, however, if the reflection is done immediately before beginning the discussion. The conversation will have more energy if people have done the thinking just prior to the talking.

When everyone has completed the two worksheets, sit in a circle with no chairs or tables in the middle. Make sure that everyone can see each other. No one should sit outside the circle. Even observers are included in the circle though they may not speak.

A facilitator who does not participate in the discussion should give directions and guide the conversation. (See facilitator note.)