Invite participants to sit in a circle to discuss the “pain points” within the school. These can include problems, concerns, and needs related to student learning, teaching, curriculum and instructions, student culture, etc. Give each participant 5 minutes to reflect individually on the “pain points” they would like to see addressed in the school. Participants can write their thoughts on a notecard or Post-it note. After those 5 minutes, participants will name their “pain points” as the facilitator writes them in large text on Post-it poster paper. 

Participants do not need to explain why they chose those “pain points” at this time. These “pain points” will act as focal points for the next activities. Each group holds different perspectives related to each problem, concern, or need named. These differing perspectives will help the group identify new dilemmas and opportunities with greater understanding and depth. 

Once everyone has named at least one “pain point”, each participant can explain why they chose that “pain point.” Why do you care about that problem, concern, or need? As participants are sharing their whys, use a marker to draw connections between the different focal points on the poster. 

Hand each participant a copy of the School System handout. Create a larger poster version before the workshop. School systems are complex and interconnected and it can often be difficult to locate where “pain points” exist and their impact on the system without visualizing this system in a concrete way, like a handout. Divide participants in small groups and give each group 10 minutes to locate the “pain points” within the school system. Once finished, invite participants back to the circle to discuss the following questions. The facilitator can take notes and add ideas to the larger school system poster during this time. 

1. Where do our “pain points” exist in the school system? Do we notice any patterns?

2. What factors do you think drives these “pain points” or inequities?

3. Where do these same or similar problems exist within our wider community systems (e.g. housing, economic, environmental etc)?

4. What do we already know about this problem(s)? Is there any local research that already exists around this problem(s)?

Now have participants select one “pain point” they would like to focus on moving forward. This “pain point” may be one that was often brought up during discussion or the group may have identified a common “pain point” theme that they want to focus on.