Leading for learning Rocky view schools * ALP2 – February 26, 2018 Todd Hennig Principal, Cooper’s Crossing School thennig@rockyview.ab.ca

Opening Question What do you believe has the biggest positive impact on the learning that takes place in a school? What do you believe has the biggest negative impact on the learning that takes place in a school?

Big idea Leading for learning in a school is all about… Shaping culture Influencing practice, and Leveraging resources.

Assumptions we all carry We all come to our roles with assumptions about what’s important, what works, and what success looks like. Here are three short videos. Watch one, and then talk with your group about the assumptions about teaching, learning and school that are revealed by what you see. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhiCFdWeQfA&list=PLZzLnIFWaFNA8gd6UFXzzzVs2a8sGnOmG&index=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSrOLez2GbE&list=PLZzLnIFWaFNA8gd6UFXzzzVs2a8sGnOmG&index=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtYRC00IoUs&index=3&list=PLZzLnIFWaFNA8gd6UFXzzzVs2a8sGnOmG

Schein’s Model of Organizational Structure http://drvidyahattangadi.com/edgar-scheins-three-levels-organizational-culture/

Our Personal Assumptions Finish the sentences: To thrive at school, students need… Students learn best when... When I walk into a classroom, I want to see… Success for a student looks like... Rich instruction means that the students will be... Rich instruction means that the teachers will be... A teacher will know that a student has achieved deep understaning when... HOW WE FINISH THESE SENTENCES BEGINS TO REVIEL OUR ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT TEACHING, LEARNING AND SCHOOL.

From PERSONAL ASSUMPTIONS TO PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY Once you reflect on and clarify your own assumptions and beliefs, there is value in articulating them. Examples: A culture of compassion and grace, where people are allowed to risk and learn from mistakes without fear, is empowering and allows people to become their best.  Students experience success by actively “doing”, reflecting on experience, adjusting their own learning approaches, self-assessing, and applying their knowledge and understanding in practical, meaningful, real-world ways.  (Sample Learning and Leading Philosophy)

From PERSONAL ASSUMPTIONS TO PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY How variant do you do believe the assumptions/philosophies of the teachers in your current building are? How would you know? Is this a problem? Do your assumptions/beliefs about learning evolve over time? What has caused your assumptions/beliefs to change? What does this tell you about leading a learning culture in your school?

Espoused Values/ The power of a School Narrative Personal Philosophies can be discussed, debated and are not necessarily shared with others. Espoused values are articulated with the expectation of aligning practice. One valuable tool do espouse these values is through the development of a school narrative. Sample Narrative from Cooper’s Crossing: http://thenni3.wixsite.com/cooperscrossing Explore the broad structure of the narrative.

Espoused Values/ The power of a School Narrative How might a clear school narrative help you as an administrator? List ways you as an administrator could use this. How many of these ways would impact learning for your students and teachers?

Artifacts The visible nuts and bolts In the role of school administrator, what do you have control over? What do you have influence over?

Artifacts The visible nuts and bolts Factors you control: Budget Scheduling Staff allocations/assignments Learning Support Models Professional Learning priorities (Hint: Control without consultation and communication of the “why” behind the choices made erodes trust and expends valuable leadership currency. Always be aware of the currency you are spending.)

Artifacts The visible nuts and bolts Factors you Influence: Teacher Practice Modeling Staff meetings Collaboration time Accountability structures One-on-one formal conversations Informal conversations Relationship building Modeling a culture of joy

Artifacts The visible nuts and bolts Factors you Influence

Artifacts The visible nuts and bolts Explore the nitty gritty of the sample narrative website: http://thenni3.wixsite.com/cooperscrossing Questions? Insights?

Wrapping Up: What Teachers Wish… I asked my teachers this: What would you want future administrators to know about how they can be effective leaders of learning in schools? They Said…

Wrapping Up: What Teachers Wish… They Said…  walking around and sharing/ being a part of our learning. For the students to see you and be able to share their learning with you is very beneficial. Principals should pay close attention to positive school culture. When the school culture is positive, vibrant learning can take place.   “Trust” is paramount. Where there is “trust” there is no fear. There are contributory factors that promote a healthy and trusting relationship between school leaders and stakeholders, especially teachers! Respect (need to listen deeply) Personal regard (need to care personally and professionally) Personal integrity (words and actions of leaders must match) Competence (leader must be good at the work of school leaders)  Understand Literacy Piece, Know the students, be aware of shortcoming and fill gaps

Wrapping Up: What Teachers Wish… They Said… Trust the opinions of those around you – check in when people are overwelmed  Empower your staff. Each building has leaders so give them the opportunity to lead instead of looking for people from the outside Nurture teacher strengths and support their professional learning with resources Invest in building common language and programs – this is huge for success Meeting with us one-on-one to support and hold accountable Don’t forget what it was like to be in the classroom Still be human Give positive feedback based on what you see as you walk about informally Know your staff as people Be supportive and trust teachers Strategically support classrooms to help students build independence and success Value all teachers, whether you chose them or not

Wrapping Up: Reflection Things that maDe you go hmmm? Things that maDe you go grrrr? Things you want to think more about? Things you want to learn more about? Something you plan to do/change/adapt because of what we did together today?