MPS SOARs: Facilitating Elementary Transition due to Building Closures in a Positive and Productive Way

Midland Public Schools (MPS) is closing five of 12 elementary buildings in the 2010-2011 school year for a variety of reasons. MPS SOARs is a two part modified Appreciative Inquiry process designed to both provide closure and optimism to end the 2009-2010 school year in the existing buildings and then to start the process of building a positive group morale for the 2010-2011 school year in the consolidated schools. The target population is elementary staff members, mainly teachers. The goal is to SOAR: to bring out Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and a chance for Reflection. MPS SOARs I took place on May 28, 2010. This paper presents background information on MPS, research to support the use of Appreciative Inquiry, components of Appreciative inquiry, timeline and design of MPS SOARs, and follow-up feedback used both to assess the effectiveness of MPS SOARs I and to assist in planning MPS SOARs II which will take place at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.