1. How to Build a Great Learning Community

2. Our Objectives for Today Introduce LCs models Understand how LC can strengthen outcomes Identify key characteristics of successful LCs Develop a set of LC best practices

3. Introductions I.Introduction to LC Models II.What does it take to make a great LC? III.Building a culture of trust IV.The Austin 2014 LC Best Practices Road Map

4. Introductions

5. I. Intro to LC Models

6. Introductions Community is - a gift not a goal contemplative connected (but not intimate) rife with hardship a pocket of possibility led (not spontaneous) This work will break our hearts - - into larger, more generous forms. Parker Palmer: “Community” Leadership for community consists in creating, holding, and guarding a trustworthy space in which human resourcefulness may be evoked.

7. Introductions COPS are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. Etienne Wenger: “Communities of Practice” 3 Key Elements of COPs 1) The domain: members are brought together by a shared learning 2) The community: their collective learning becomes a bond among them over time 3) The practice: their interactions produce resources that affect their practice

8. Introductions Learning Collaboratives developed in therapeutic environments to focus the adoption of best practices in diverse service settings. Interactive, skill-focused learning Taps collective experience Local adaptation Multi-modal and ongoing Shared learning Organizational give and take “Learning Collaboratives”

9. Introductions PLCs are comprised of 5- 7 members who are committed to helping each other enhance their leadership skills. Adults learn best when they: act on new knowledge and insight in the real world, reflect on their actions and learning, exchange ongoing feedback in a safe setting with peers “Peer Learning Circles”

10. Introductions 5 conditions lead to meaningful results: 1.Common Agenda 2.Shared Measurement 3.Mutually Reinforcing Activities 4.Continuous Communication 5.Backbone Organization Kania & Kramer: “Collective Impact”

11. Introductions A learning community recognizes, values, and supports the learning of all members. Shared Vision Collaborative Reflective practice Data-driven improvement Distributed leadership Trust & respect Mitchell & Sackner “Learning Community”

12. Introductions II. What does it take?

13. Introductions Activity – Part I 1.Get into groups of 3. 2.Select a timekeeper. 3.Reflection (3 mins): In your head, think back to a time when you were part of a LC that was working really well. Think of a particular story or incident that illustrates the positive features of this group. 4.Share your stories with the group – 3 minutes per person.

14. Introductions Activity – Part II 1. As a group, talk about what it was that made your great LCs a success. What starting assumptions, practices, norms or leadership styles were in place? 2. As a group, identify your top 3 practices of a successful LC. 15 minutes total

15. Introductions Building a Culture of Trust What can you do as a facilitator to build trust? General practices Specific exercises

16. Austin 2014 Tips for Building a Great Learning Community