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Facilitating a Transformation in Education

Dialogue on Leadership

Dr.Garry McKinnon

October 9, 2013

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Inspiring EducationFacilitating a Transformation in

Education in Alberta• Is there a need for a

transformation in education in Alberta?

• What would a transformation in the nature of learning and teaching in Alberta schools look like and what would it take to bring about the desired change?

Calgary Science School Story-Use this video clip prepared by Calgary Science School teachers and students to generate ideas relating to innovative practices and facilitators for bringing about change in learning and teaching

http://calgaryscienceschool.blogspot.ca/p/our-story-video.html

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Key observations: Research Focus; Exemplary Learning & Teaching Frameworks;

Learner Engagement; Parental Involvement; Focus

on Community; Building Social Capital; Disposition

of Inquiry; Effective & Appropriate use of

Technology;

Key observations from the Calgary Science School Story

Hands-on learning, Connected to real life experiences; Charter goals consistent with Inspiring Education agenda; Engaged Thinker- Ethical Citizen with an Entrepreneurial Spirit; Collaboration (purposeful); De-privitization of teaching; Sharing through social media; Partnerships; Instructional leadership; Teacher engagement;

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New Model of Leadership

Shift from the notion of the principal as sole leader of a school to a distributed leadership model which allows specific leadership roles to be delegated to individuals with the requisite motivation, interest and expertise. (Leadership Symposium)

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Action Strategies for a Transformation in

Education

1. Develop and Articulate a Shared Vision for Implementing the

Inspiring Education Agenda

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2. Make Teaching Practices Open and Public

If we are going to move beyond the celebration of exemplars and best practices and establish new practices, we need to move away from the idea of teaching as a solo/isolated activity to a more public collaborative model.

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3. Provide Well-informed, Supportive Leadership

Leaders in education at all levels, will need to be very good at telling the story and working collaboratively with others in developing a shared vision and commitment to action.

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4. Actively Involve Students in Directing Their Own Learning-We need to develop new approaches for hearing the student

voice and authentically involving students

(instructional leaders) 

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5. Create a Culture of Collaboration at all Levels in Education

Creating a culture of collaboration at all levels in education is the key to successfully achieving the transformational goals articulated in Inspiring Education

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6. Partner with Universities in Enhancing Teacher Preparation and Professional Learning Experiences

Universities can serve a major role as change agents through providing teacher preparation experiences and professional learning opportunities for teachers and school administrators supportive of the Inspiring Education Agenda

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7.Recognize the important role for technology as a

means to an end rather than an end in itself

Technology is not an isolated island it should be

interconnected with all aspects of learning and

teaching

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8. Celebrate Diversity as a Feature of our Classrooms

We need to think not only in terms of addressing the diverse needs of learners but also promoting diversity in teaching practices designed to intellectually engage and meet the needs of all learners

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9.Work together

in making fundamental changes in curriculum and our approach in developing learner competencies

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10. Promote Research and the Development of

Research-informed Pedagogical Practices