Preparing to Use This Power Point with Staff: Materials/Resources: Print power point if needed Print HO Activity Exchange Between Principal and Superintendent Use: This is a PowerPoint called Effective Leaders Create a Common Language. This can be downloaded as a power point and can be used for trainings to emphasize the necessity of establishing common language. Time Needed: ½ - ¾ hour

Effective Leaders Create a Common Language Dufour and Marzano 2011

Michael Fullan observes that “terms travel easily…..but the meaning of the underlying concepts does not” DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., Many,T., 2006

The relationship between a student’s understanding of key vocabulary terms and his or her academic achievement has been well established in research... The same principle applies to those attempting to lead the (improvement) process. Dufour and Marzano pg 34-35

DuFour and Marzano say: “If district leaders are to succeed in building a common language, they should identify the key terms people throughout the organization must understand in order to move forward; directly teach those terms through description, explanation, and examples; engage staff in discussions of the terms; and periodically assess the levels of understanding” page 36

Building a Common Language…… Identify key terms that people throughout the organization must understand in order to move forward Directly teach those terms through description, explanation and examples

Common Language Activity 1)Take out Handout titled Exchange Between Principal and Superintendent ( Dufour and Marzano Leaders of Learning) 2)Read individually and highlight any terms that would require a shared understanding between the two speakers. 3)In triads, share out your highlighted terms. 4)As a triad, choose one term and together develop a definition for the term. 5)At your table, discuss how a common language can be established in your district/building.

Exchange Between Principal and Superintendent

Leaders who develop a common language do not settle for a superficial use of key terms. Instead, they drill deeper to ensure there is understanding behind each term. DuFour and Marzano Leaders of Learning (p.34)

What Steps Should Your District Take to Ensure TBTs Have a Common Understanding of Important Terms in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment? What Are Your Personal Responsibilities in Helping to Ensure These Common Understandings ? Model Curricula Unpacking Standards Common Formative Assessment Benchmark Assessment Differentiated Instruction Formative Instruction Core Instruction

How Can You Build Common Language Understanding Into Your District’s System? Review terms routinely at DLT, Administrative and Staff Meetings Engage staff in discussions about meanings Document understanding of terms Assess progress and understanding