634 - Catching the knowledge wave? (reading 1)

Gilbert, J. (2005). Catching the knowledge wave? The knowledge society and the future of education. Wellington, NZ: NZCER Press

This article discusses the changing meaning of knowledge from that of a product to that of a process that can create economic value.  It considers this in relation to the development of state education to support economic and industry needs.  The change from industrial based education to a knowledge based one is slow. 

Knowledge was a product, it is now a process – it is now considered to be knowledge when it can be used to produce something new…. Not produced in the minds of individuals, but in the interactions between people.

Focus question

o    To what extent do you think recent reforms and changes are meeting the requirements of the knowledge age?

I believe that recent reforms are encouraging development towards meeting the needs within the knowledge age.  However there are many barriers to these developments such as parental fear of an unknown / unfamiliar education system, limited resources within schools, and a reluctance to move away from teaching practice that has been seen as successful.

In implementing changes to teaching practice at my school, I have been questioned by the BOT to ensure that the changes are not too far from traditional practice, or what would be seen in other schools which may not be embracing reforms.

639 Knowledgeable and supportive school leadership

Knowledgeable and supportive school leadership

Bishop, R., O’Sullivan, D., & Berryman, M. (2010). Scaling up education reform. Addressing the politics of disparity. Wellington: NZCER Press.

This chapter highlights 6 key attributes to effective leadership.  

• The use of measureable goals that enable progress to be monitored. 
• Leaders must support the development and implementation of new pedagogic practice and interactions within the classroom.  
• The implementation of changes in the organisational structure and 
• spreading the reform to include staff, parents and community.  
• Developing the capacity of people and systems that use data to improve student achievement.  
• Promoting ownership of the reform within the school.

639 Reading Key challenges for educational leaders

Key challenges for educational leaders

Duignan, P. (2006). Educational leadership. Key challenges and ethical tensions. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

This text considers some of the difficulties educational leaders face, such as dealing with underperforming staff, implementing change, work/life balance, and dealing with confrontational student behaviour. 

It notes that successful leaders develop and communicate a clear, purposeful vision and develop strong relationships with their staff to support the permeation of the values.  Dealing with issues and difficult tasks in a timely manner supports the building of trust and ensures the strategic sense of development can progress.  Ensuring there is time to reflect, relax and regroup is important to all levels of leadership and this must be considered and planned for. 

My thoughts –

-          In a teaching principal position many of the relationship/communication issues highlighted in this text seem to be more manageable.  Perhaps because of the small number of staff to develop relationships with, and also the closeness within which we work.  Dealing with difficult issues quickly is difficult, but if the students are kept as the priority in the situation it is easier to make necessary decisions.

638 - Reading 1 Understanding the Curriculum by Clive McGee

McGee, C. (2008). Understanding curriculum. In C.McGee & D. Fraser (eds.). The Professional Practice of Teaching. 3rd edition (pp. 65-78). South Melbourne, VIC: Cengage Learning.

Discussion questions

1. What is meant by curriculum and how might teacher be involved in curriculum development?

The course of study – learning and teaching plans (intended curriculum) – activities that happen in the classroom lead by the teacher (operational curriculum)

Teachers influence the curriculum at a ‘hands on’ level.  Creating and delivering an effective programme for their students.  Involvement in shared planning.  Students may also have input in this level

    2.   How much decision making autonomy do teachers have?

Teachers are able to build their ‘in class’ curriculum based on the National Curriculum, and school curriculum to create goals and aims – choice in content to focus on, learning and teaching activities, style of evaluation, and student interest/needs - - I believe the level of autonomy varies from school to school depending on the prescriptiveness of the school curriculum and the leadership model in place.

          3.   What are some recent developments in NZ curriculum and what are the implications for teachers and schools?

Development of seven essential learning areas in 1993 National Curriculum -  8 learning levels to cover learning from year 1 -13, curriculum statements for each learning area – 2007 curriculum document –

2007 version encourages local development based on needs – connection between learning areas within activities – better links with school stages (ECE – primary – post-school) – encourages teachers to be decision makers for their students & include the students in the decision making.

The current curriculum encourages teachers and schools to base what they teach and how they teach on their community and student needs/values.  This allows teachers to develop programmes that could engage learners more effectively.  

Curriculum Presentation

Course 638 focuses on Curriculum Leadership.  Task 1 is to develop a powerpoint presentation focusing on an aspect of Curriculum Development.

While it is early days, and I am sure my thinking will evolve as I complete some readings etc.  there are 3 aspects which pop into my head as possible focus areas.

1. Learning area focus - Technology - This is a learning area that we have not focused on much in the last three years so it is our priority this year. This presentation would be for the benefit of the staff.
2. Pedagogy focus - We have been exploring/dabbling with a Reggio Emelia inspired teaching model and it would be great to delve into that further and introduce it further to new staff and BOT members.
3. ICT focus - another development in our pedagogy is the development of learning through e-Learning strategies. This presentation would be for the benefit of BOT and staff, and possibly for the parents.

I am not sure which aspect would be the best yet - in part it will depend on the resources I can find to support my presentation - perhaps a place to find help with the most valuable will be in the staff room - the area my staff feel they need the most support to develop is perhaps the best area to focus on...

10 claims about successful school leadership

10 claims about successful school leadership

Day, C., Sammons, P., Hopkins, D., Harris, A., Leithwood, K., Gu, Q., & Brown, E. (2010). 10 Strong Claims about successful school leadership. Nottingham: National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services

This article outlines the findings from a three year study in the UK.  It follows on from a previous study.  It concludes that there is no one set model for successful leadership within a school.  However successful leaders use the same set of skills and actions within a flexible structure to meet the needs of their institution.  Key elements of leadership within this study include; having a strong ethical and moral purpose; building layers on leadership within the school; flexibility based on the needs of the school; and having trust and trustworthiness with the staff, students and community.

"Successful leaders:

• – define their values and vision to raise expectations, set direction and build trust
• – reshape the conditions for teaching and learning
• – restructure parts of the organisation and redesign leadership roles and responsibilities
• – enrich the curriculum
• – enhance teacher quality
• – enhance the quality of teaching and learning
• – build collaboration internally
• – build strong relationships outside the school community "

2014's learning journey

A new year a new challenge

This year brings a great change of pace.  Study leave!  This year I will be working away at 4 courses.  This will complete my Master's of Education - endorsed in Leadership.  While the courses will challenge me, I am hoping the time frame won't.  Having completed 3 courses last year while working, I am hoping I will be able to use this year as a re-charger year as well.

So this year's courses:

1. EDEM634 - leadership of learning
2. EDEM637 - Distributing leadership for learning
3. EDEM638 - Curriculum Leadership
4. EDEM639 - Leadership for School and Centre Improvement

What I hope to gain from this is a refinement of my skills as a leader, strategies to improve outcomes for my school, or any school I am fortunate enough to work with, and some new knowledge that I didn't know I didn't know :)

Success!

Yippee!  All 2013 courses were successful (very) and I have completed my postgrad, endorsed in e-Learning, with distinction!!!
I am very keen to keep using my new skills, however 2014 won't give me too many opportunities as I ave been awarded study leave so will only be in the classroom for 8 weeks, which with my release days etc adds up to a total of 20 teaching days... can't wait!