“I thought I was prepared to do this”: an exploration of the learning and development of leadership coaches

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Shawn Huggins ◽  
Hans W. Klar ◽  
Parker M. Andreoli
Keyword(s):  
School Improvement ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Developmental Needs ◽  
Qualitative Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coach Learning ◽  
Coaching Skills

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to determine what experienced school leaders learned through participating in a three-year leadership initiative, called the Leadership Learning Community (LLC), that helped them coach less experienced leaders to lead school improvement efforts.Design/methodology/approachData were collected and analyzed using a qualitative design throughout the three-year initiative.FindingsThe findings indicate the LLC leadership coaches learned to accept and navigate the leaders' developmental and contextual needs, practiced and honed their coaching skills and recognized their own developmental needs.Originality/valueThese findings address the paucity of research on leadership coach learning and development.

Conceptualization and challenges: examining district and school leadership and schools as learning organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Welsh ◽  
Sheneka Williams ◽  
Karen Bryant ◽  
Jami Berry
Keyword(s):  
School Improvement ◽  
School Leadership ◽  
Learning Organization ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Learning Organizations ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Conceptualizing schools as learning organizations provides a potential avenue to meet the pressing challenges of school improvement in the USA. District and school leaders play an important role in creating and sustaining the conditions for a learning organization, yet little is known about how leadership responds to learning-resistant contexts in their mission to improve schools. This study aims to examine the relationship between the district and school leadership and schools as learning organizations. The focus is on the conceptualization of schools as learning organizations and the challenges involved in creating and sustaining conditions and processes in which to improve schools. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses semi-structured interviews with district and school leaders in the state of Georgia and data from completed dimensions of a learning organization questionnaire (DLOQ) study to analyze how district and school leaders conceptualize or make sense of schools as learning organizations and overcome challenges associated with creating and sustaining a learning organization in learning resistant contexts. Findings The analyzes find that participants perceive their school or district as a learning organization when the structure allows others to work together to learn and grow for the benefit of students. Originality/value This study is unique in that it adds to a growing number of studies that examine schools as learning organizations using the DLOQ and sheds light on the nature of learning resistant contexts.

Exploring linkages of performance with metacognition

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R. Lyons ◽  
Randall Paul Bandura
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Secondary Purpose ◽  
Core Self ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeIn this exploratory, correlational study the authors set out to demonstrate the relationships as well as inter-correlations among direct and indirect performance measures, along with measures of knowledge of cognition, and evaluation of cognition. The information helps inform manager learning and development. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, primary purpose, to identify linkages of performance with individual’s efforts to improve their learning processes via metacognition; and second, secondary purpose, primarily for the benefit of practitioners, is the provision of detailed information regarding performance measures and practical measures of metacognition.Design/methodology/approachThe study made use of correlation analysis among performance measures and measures of metacognitive effort. The design is not intended to support cause and effect relationships, nor demonstrate the technical, predictive value of measures.FindingsA majority of associations among indirect performance measures with one another and with nearly all of the measures of knowledge of cognition, and evaluation of cognition were positive and significant (mostly at the 0.01 level). Findings offer broad support for the linkage of self-efficacy (SE), and core self-evaluation (CSE) with performance.Practical implicationsRelationships identified in this study may help practitioners alter and improve their practices/methods of identifying individuals who possess attributes that are highly related to performance and learning. The new knowledge may influence decisions about recruitment, selection and training.Originality/valueLittle research has focused on relationships among indirect performance indicators such as SE, CSE and established measures of metacognition. The present study helps to identify important relationships.

COVID-19 – school leadership in crisis?

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 321-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alma Harris
Keyword(s):  
School Leadership ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Scholarly Work ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Leadership Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Changing Role

PurposeThis article explores how school leaders are responding during COVID-19 and what forms of leadership practice are emerging.Design/methodology/approachThis article draws upon the contemporary leadership literature and scholarly work.FindingsThis article proposes that the current crisis has shifted school leadership dramatically towards distributed, collaborative and network practices.Originality/valueThis article offers a commentary about the changing role of school leaders and their changing leadership practice during this pandemic.

scholarly journals Promoting collaboration in a competitive context: school improvement networks in Chile

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-226
Author(s):  
Mauricio Pino-Yancovic ◽  
Constanza Gonzalez Parrao ◽  
Luis Ahumada ◽  
Alvaro Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
School Improvement ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
School Performance ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
National Study ◽  
Opportunities To Learn ◽  
Improvement Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
School Networks ◽  
System Improvement

Purpose Chile has developed the school improvement networks (SINs) strategy to support the work of school leaders. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the functioning and effect of the SINs strategy as perceived by principals and curriculum coordinators across the country. Design/methodology/approach An adapted version of the Educational Collaborative Network Questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1,723 participants from 1,375 schools distributed in 398 networks. Descriptive, factor and sub-group statistical analyses by school performance categories and by different roles within these schools and networks are presented. Findings Results indicate that school leaders perceive SINs as an opportunity to work effectively in shared projects that can later be implemented in their own schools. Participants indicate that they can share knowledge in their networks and use it to solve problems in their own schools, which is especially relevant for secondary school leaders who work in difficult circumstances. Results suggest that it is important to facilitate greater autonomy for school leaders in their networks, especially regarding decision making about network goals and activities that are more significant to their contexts. Originality/value This is a national study of a recent school improvement strategy, which provides evidence, from the perspective of school leaders, of its strengths and improvement areas. This study shows that despite being in a competitive context, principals and curriculum coordinators value the opportunities to learn from and with others. These results can be of value for other contexts attempting to promote school networks as a means for school and system improvement.

School leadership during a pandemic: navigating tensions

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 391-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah M. Netolicky
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
School Leadership ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global Crisis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual

PurposeThis paper explores, from the perspective of an Australian pracademic, how school leaders are leading during the global COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis essay explores the tensions navigated by school leaders leading during this time of global crisis, by looking to research as well as the author's lived experience.FindingsThe author finds that school leaders are navigating the following: accountability and autonomy; equity and excellence; the individual and the collective and well-being and workload.Originality/valueThis paper offers insights into school leadership, at all times but especially during times of crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The roles of school leaders in developing future-ready learners: the case of Singapore

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 249-269
Author(s):  
Choun Pei Wong ◽  
David Ng
Keyword(s):  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
School Leadership ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Leadership Preparation ◽  
Traditional Teaching ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Society

PurposeAn education system can only be successful if it can develop future-ready learners who can continue to learn after graduation, take on their future lifework and thrive in the future society and environment. This article examines the economic, social and environmental trajectories of Singapore and proposes that it is important for future-ready learners to develop habits of practices that will support the skills, knowledge and values that are pertinent to these trajectories.Design/methodology/approachSchool leaders are responsible for creating environments and implementing practices that are conducive for fostering habits of practices that are crucial for future-ready outcomes. The authors discuss the inadequacies of traditional teaching and learning practices in supporting these habits and elucidate how newer paradigms such as constructivism, connectivism, coagency and communities of practice might be more useful in achieving this. The authors also present a case study of a school leadership preparation programme that aims to develop future-ready learners.FindingsThis paper provides insights into how newer paradigms of teaching and learning can be supportive for developing desirable habits of practices for future readiness.Originality/valueThis discussion piece introduces a fresh concept – habits of practices – that is relevant in preparing future-ready learners in Singapore.

School culture and leadership of professional learning communities

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 682-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
School Culture ◽  
School Improvement ◽  
Professional Learning Communities ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Professional Learning Community ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Shared Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policies And Procedures

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore supportive and shared leadership structures at schools as a function of school culture policies and procedures. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative study was conducted at three secondary schools in the Midwestern USA. Administrators and teachers were interviewed, professional learning communities observed and artifacts collected to explore school culture policies, procedures and leadership in the implementation of professional learning community practice. Findings – This study concludes that school leaders must provide supportive and shared leadership structures for teachers in order to ensure a positive school culture and effective professional learning communities that impact school improvement. Leaders in schools must work directly with teachers to create policies and procedures that provide teachers the leadership structure to directly impact school improvement through professional learning community collaborative efforts. Originality/value – This study builds on the school culture and professional learning communities literature by exploring existent policies and practices in schools as unique cases. Much of the literature calls for specific case studies to identify issues in the implementation of effective practice. This study is important to the community as specific cases that may inform educational leaders on mechanisms that may be leveraged to ensure successful implementation of policies and procedures outline in school culture and professional learning community literature.

scholarly journals Crisis leadership and coaching: a tool for building school leaders' self-efficacy through self-awareness and reflection

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodie Lynn Brinkmann ◽  
Carol Cash ◽  
Ted Price
Keyword(s):  
School Climate ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Cognitive Coaching ◽  
Crisis Leadership ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Naturalistic Inquiry ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis paper introduces a cognitive coaching and reflection tool to help school leaders build self-efficacy at a time when schools are facing a crisis in leadership. Key themes emerged from the data generated as part of a larger study of PK-12 administrators' leadership during the coronavirus pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative study is based on phenomenological research methods and uses naturalistic inquiry design.FindingsThe findings consider the building of school leaders' efficacy in crisis management during a pandemic. A total of seven data-driven reflection themes are identified: self-care, professional development (PD), communication, school climate, instruction, parent resources and advocacy.Research limitations/implicationsInvestigated using a purposeful, nonrepresentative sample were the perceptions and experiences of PK-12 administrators as they served in their leadership role during the pandemic. Therefore, the results are not generalizable beyond the scope and context for which the research was conducted. An implication of this study is that this tool can be used by coaches working with school leaders and by leaders themselves to increase self-efficacy.Originality/valueThe cognitive coaching and reflection tool could be beneficial in developing leaders' self-awareness and reflection skills, in turn building self-efficacy. Although there are other tools to support leaders' self-awareness and reflection, the effects of the pandemic represent a unique opportunity for examining leader practices to adjust to, prepare for and deal with the impacts of a crisis.

How VUCA is changing the learning landscape – and how curiosity can help

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
Alison Horstmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Development ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Employee Development ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
Plausible Mechanism ◽  
Learning Professionals ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to describe four ways learning professionals can harness curiosity to navigate learning environments marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). Design/methodology/approach A review of theory and research on curiosity, VUCA, and learning and development challenges was conducted. Findings When applied to talent development, the attributes of curiosity (inquisitiveness, openness, creativity, and disruption tolerance) can help learning professionals innovate their offerings. Practical implications Organizational development and learning professionals are encouraged to implement measures for harnessing the power of curiosity within their processes to optimize their organizations’ learning programs. Originality/value VUCA has placed significant pressures on learning professionals to continually evolve employee development offerings to keep pace with dynamic organizational skill needs. Curiosity is presented as a plausible mechanism for enabling learning professionals to more successfully navigate these pressures.

There is no “T” in school improvement: the missing team perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 922-929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale Benoliel ◽  
Izhak Berkovich
Keyword(s):  
School Improvement ◽  
School Leadership ◽  
School Change ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Team Leadership ◽  
Coupling Mechanism ◽  
Effective School ◽  
Central Function ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Teams

Purpose The concept of teams tends to be marginalized in the scholarly discussion of school improvement. The purpose of this paper is to argue that teams play a crucial role in promoting an holistic integration of school operation necessary to support school change. Specifically, the paper outlines the dynamic of effective teams at times of school improvement. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents the concept of teams, elaborates on their central function as a “coupling mechanism,” and describes the reciprocal relations between teams and school change. Findings The paper emphasizes the reciprocal effects of teams and change, suggesting that teams can serve as key change agents in school restructuring processes, specifically when balancing between “coping” and “pushing” forces. Based on the model, effective team leadership and effective school leadership at times of school change are introduced. Practical implications are discussed for school leaders. Originality/value The integration of the concept of teams into the school improvement discourse might assist school leaders to develop processes and procedures that will enable both school teams and schools to react more effectively in times of change and restructuring.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document