In an ideal situation, most school leaders envision teacher-led teams working in a collaborative state. The desire for this collaboration stems not only from the proven positive correlation between team-collaboration and student learning, but also because executive stakeholders need middle leaders to help them see through school improvement initiatives. In order for teams to work collaboratively, interdependence amongst team members is essential, by which I mean creating tasks that require … [Read more...]
Education: Damned if we do, damned if we don’t — Michael Iannini
This is the best time of year to reflect on school improvement, as we still have time to make changes in our classroom that can have significant impact for some students for the remainder of the school, as well as produce data to influence changes in next school year's classroom. I would love to hear your 'Damned if we do's and damned if we don'ts', as well as read some of the articles that support your concerns. Below is one of mine: Damned if we do - Start school at 8:30am: The Economic … [Read more...]
Hey Teachers, we need Changemakers! — Michael Iannini
Bill Drayton defines Changemakers as: “…people who can see the patterns around them, identify the problems in any situation, figure out ways to solve the problem, organize fluid teams, lead collective action and then continually adapt as situations change.” David Brooks, an Op-Ed Columnist for The New York Times, wrote an inspiring piece about Changemakers this past weekend. He surfaced a concern I share about independent schools across Asia, which is where I see very few kids acting to solve … [Read more...]
Change fails without this team
Leadership roles attract some of the most curious, ambitious and growth minded individuals. These are three vital attributes for achieving transformational change and when people with these attributes are put together there will be a multiplier effect of new ideas that improving practice. Why then, after the team leader and coordinator roles are assigned, are schools not realizing this multiplier effect? What practical strategies are Senior Leadership teams lacking to empower middle leaders and … [Read more...]
Moral Education PPT for Chinese Educators
For my presentation please click on this link, July 19 LinkedInPPT, this article has been duplicated on my blog where I was able to upload the actual presentation. This presentation to Chinese Educators is about creating a shared vision for learning. The moral I emphasized was honesty, or acadmic integrity. I felt the purpose of this conference theme was due to the growing debate in Chinese society, actually almost all societies, of the growing influence Social Media has on students. The angle I … [Read more...]
Who should lead? 3 Dimensions for Successful Middle Leadership
In an ideal situation, most school leaders envision teacher-led teams working in a collaborative state. The desire for this collaboration stems not only from the proven positive correlation between team-collaboration and student learning, but also because executive stakeholders need middle leaders to help them see through school improvement initiatives. In order for teams to work collaboratively, interdependence amongst team members is essential, by which I mean creating tasks that require … [Read more...]
“High Expectations, High Support”: Schools set the bar too low on the latter
If you believe in differentiation in the classroom, then you should also support differentiation amongst schools. Unfortunately few International Schools are rising to this challenge. Instead of differentiating themselves many are just doing more of what other schools are doing well. Perhaps they may add a design center here or an amazing sports complex there, but on the whole they aren't innovating much with their pedagogical or curricular practices. Is your school innovating and preparing … [Read more...]