- Study, reflect, evaluate.Whether this is an individual or an organi-
zational change, how are the results congruent with stated values? What
meaning can be made of the data? Who might serve as a critical friend to
coach, facilitate, or mediate your learning from this experience? What
have individuals learned from this action? - Modify actions based on new knowledge.What will be done differ-
ently in the future as a result of reflection and integration of new knowl-
edge? Is this plan worth trying again? - Revisit and clarify goals and purposes.Do the goals still make sense?
Are they still of value, or do they need to be redefined, refocused, or
refined? This element returns to the first step in the spiral: clarify goals
and purposes.
To d e v e l o p t h e h a b i t o f r e m a i n i n g o p e n t o c o n t i nu o u s l e a r n i n g , t h e
school community gathers data through conscious observation of feelings,
attitudes, and skills; through observation and interviews with others; and by
collecting evidence showing the effects of their efforts on the environment.
These data are analyzed, interpreted, and internalized. Based on this analy-
sis, the organization or individuals modify actions to more closely achieve
the goals. Thus, individuals and the organization become continually self-
learning, self-renewing, and self-modifying (Costa & Kallick, 1995).
Using the Journey of Continuous Growth
to Guide Planning
The description in Chapter 4 of a journey of continuous growth includes
a chart (Figure 4.1) that helps to map out the dimensions of growth that
students may experience as they get better at using the habits. Different
assessment strategies may be used for each of the five different dimen-
sions in the chart (exploring meanings, expanding capacities, increasing
alertness, extending values, and building commitment). For example,
when students are exploring the meaning of the habits, teachers may use
the word splash that is suggested in Chapter 7 as a means of assessment.
Are students able to generate multiple synonyms for a particular habit?
Are they able to say what the habit means in their own words? Do they use
the language of the habit in their journals?
196 Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind