Abstract De-privatising teaching and working collaboratively with fellow teachers in purposively designed school buildings requires effective leadership. The principal is situated amongst those closely affiliated to their school such as teachers, parents and students, and yet they need to work alongside the wider school community, the school’s governing Board of Trustee members and national educational policy-makers and administrators. This article uses a single case study of a school leadership team who changed the school culture from traditional one teacher per classroom settings to four to five teachers with approximately 105 students in flexible learning spaces. The principal and three members of the governing Board of Trustees of the school were interviewed. The study found that the leadership team had invested considerable time into sustained professional development in ways to effectively develop collaborative teaching communities within flexible learning spaces. The professional development, led by the principal, was underpinned by the principal spending time seeking a clear understanding of research-based practices that supported the change. This explicit knowledge of the principal allowed teachers, Board of Trustee members and parents to have confidence in the changes to teaching strategies in flexible learning spaces.
{"title":"A New Zealand case study: What is happening to lead changes to effective co-teaching in flexible learning spaces?","authors":"J. Fletcher, J. Mackey, L. Fickel","doi":"10.21307/jelpp-2017-007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/jelpp-2017-007","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract De-privatising teaching and working collaboratively with fellow teachers in purposively designed school buildings requires effective leadership. The principal is situated amongst those closely affiliated to their school such as teachers, parents and students, and yet they need to work alongside the wider school community, the school’s governing Board of Trustee members and national educational policy-makers and administrators. This article uses a single case study of a school leadership team who changed the school culture from traditional one teacher per classroom settings to four to five teachers with approximately 105 students in flexible learning spaces. The principal and three members of the governing Board of Trustees of the school were interviewed. The study found that the leadership team had invested considerable time into sustained professional development in ways to effectively develop collaborative teaching communities within flexible learning spaces. The professional development, led by the principal, was underpinned by the principal spending time seeking a clear understanding of research-based practices that supported the change. This explicit knowledge of the principal allowed teachers, Board of Trustee members and parents to have confidence in the changes to teaching strategies in flexible learning spaces.","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"70 - 83"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42218538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.21307/jelpp-2017-0019
Denis Slowley
Abstract This article reports the findings of a study into the boards of trustees of two small primary schools in New Zealand, the boards of which had been deemed by the Ministry of Education to be “at risk”. Both boards also fitted into a broad band of schools identified by the Ministry of Education as most likely to have difficulty gaining a competent board. The study found that, while there were some issues about the understanding of the board s governance role by individual trustees, the key concern appeared to be a conflict in the perceptions about the board s role between the localised views held by the parent trustees and the centralised views held by the government and its advisors. The study also found that the centralising policies of the government had placed increasing compliance and regulations on the boards which were too complex for non-professional educators to adequately fulfil. Therefore, the article suggests that the government s centralising policy initiatives are a key factor behind the growing number of boardsofsmall primary schools being declared ineffective. The article also suggests that those policy initiatives are having an especially negative impact on boards where there are few parents available for the board or there is a small pool of parental expertise.
{"title":"Local logics versus centralisation: A possible dilemma for the boards of trustees of New Zealand’s small primary schools","authors":"Denis Slowley","doi":"10.21307/jelpp-2017-0019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/jelpp-2017-0019","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This article reports the findings of a study into the boards of trustees of two small primary schools in New Zealand, the boards of which had been deemed by the Ministry of Education to be “at risk”. Both boards also fitted into a broad band of schools identified by the Ministry of Education as most likely to have difficulty gaining a competent board. The study found that, while there were some issues about the understanding of the board s governance role by individual trustees, the key concern appeared to be a conflict in the perceptions about the board s role between the localised views held by the parent trustees and the centralised views held by the government and its advisors. The study also found that the centralising policies of the government had placed increasing compliance and regulations on the boards which were too complex for non-professional educators to adequately fulfil. Therefore, the article suggests that the government s centralising policy initiatives are a key factor behind the growing number of boardsofsmall primary schools being declared ineffective. The article also suggests that those policy initiatives are having an especially negative impact on boards where there are few parents available for the board or there is a small pool of parental expertise.","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"69 - 80"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43508185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.21307/jelpp-2017-0017
Tamara Shilling
Abstract This exploratory case study examined the role of leadership in the context of curriculum mapping implementation to determine leadership approaches and strategies needed for the initiative success. Twelve participants shared their experiences concerning the “phenomenon” of the study through semi-structured interviews. The study results confirmed findings from previous research about the critical role of leadership in the initiative success and provided leadership strategies for implementing sustainable educational initiatives.
{"title":"Teachers’ perspectives of the school leadership strategies for a successful change initiative","authors":"Tamara Shilling","doi":"10.21307/jelpp-2017-0017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/jelpp-2017-0017","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This exploratory case study examined the role of leadership in the context of curriculum mapping implementation to determine leadership approaches and strategies needed for the initiative success. Twelve participants shared their experiences concerning the “phenomenon” of the study through semi-structured interviews. The study results confirmed findings from previous research about the critical role of leadership in the initiative success and provided leadership strategies for implementing sustainable educational initiatives.","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"46 - 57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48968123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.21307/jelpp-2017-0014
F. Bennett
Abstract One of the most challenging tasks for any school’s board of trustees is leading the process to employ a new principal when a principal change is impending. The importance of this task cannot be underestimated as there is an integral relationship between school leadership and student achievement. Globally, research indicates that this task is becoming increasingly difficult as an aging population of principals is heading towards retirement and fewer teachers and middle managers are aspiring to lead a school. This challenge is further complicated if the school has specific employment criteria such as those found in integrated faith-based schools. The pool of applicants is smaller than for state schools and this requires that strategic succession planning occurs to develop a well-prepared leadership pipeline for future leadership roles. This paper draws on doctoral research focused on principal succession in faith-based schools in New Zealand and suggests a model to successfully manage the principal succession process.
{"title":"Who will lead? Principal succession in New Zealand’s faith-based integrated schools","authors":"F. Bennett","doi":"10.21307/jelpp-2017-0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/jelpp-2017-0014","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract One of the most challenging tasks for any school’s board of trustees is leading the process to employ a new principal when a principal change is impending. The importance of this task cannot be underestimated as there is an integral relationship between school leadership and student achievement. Globally, research indicates that this task is becoming increasingly difficult as an aging population of principals is heading towards retirement and fewer teachers and middle managers are aspiring to lead a school. This challenge is further complicated if the school has specific employment criteria such as those found in integrated faith-based schools. The pool of applicants is smaller than for state schools and this requires that strategic succession planning occurs to develop a well-prepared leadership pipeline for future leadership roles. This paper draws on doctoral research focused on principal succession in faith-based schools in New Zealand and suggests a model to successfully manage the principal succession process.","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"3 - 15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42037728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2017-01-01DOI: 10.21307/jelpp-2017-0018
Claudia Navarro Corona, C. Slater
Abstract This paper presents and compares the results of two qualitative studies about leadership roles in secondary education. Both studies were conducted in the northwest of Mexico. The results show that in the first instance principals and deputy principals do not form work teams and show little concern for participation with one another. The functions of the deputy principals focus on the control of the institution, while the principals address the broader dimensions of administration, organization, social participation and pedagogy. This difference could lead to problems of sustainability of leadership because there is no platform for preparation and promotion. In addition, the absence of training programmes in Mexico limits the professionalisation of deputy principals. It is recommended that the functions performed by the principals and deputy principals be integrated.
{"title":"The integration of the functions of principals and deputy principals in the management of secondary schools","authors":"Claudia Navarro Corona, C. Slater","doi":"10.21307/jelpp-2017-0018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/jelpp-2017-0018","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This paper presents and compares the results of two qualitative studies about leadership roles in secondary education. Both studies were conducted in the northwest of Mexico. The results show that in the first instance principals and deputy principals do not form work teams and show little concern for participation with one another. The functions of the deputy principals focus on the control of the institution, while the principals address the broader dimensions of administration, organization, social participation and pedagogy. This difference could lead to problems of sustainability of leadership because there is no platform for preparation and promotion. In addition, the absence of training programmes in Mexico limits the professionalisation of deputy principals. It is recommended that the functions performed by the principals and deputy principals be integrated.","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"58 - 68"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43215447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ann R. J. Briggs, Bek Gabites, Scott Mackenzie, J. McIntosh, Josh Shelley, P. Verstappen
Abstract Our teacher leadership story comes from two schools collaborating on a New Zealand Teacher Led Innovation Fund (TLIF) project exploring the effect of student-led learning practices on literacy achievement within modern learning environments (MLEs). Our rationale is that learning which is individualised for all learners leads to more equitable outcomes for all. It also enables student ownership of learning, which in turn increases success for all learners, measured through improved student engagement, positive shifts in attitude, and improved progress and achievement. We undertook two cycles of participatory action-based inquiry to find out how successful collaboration and student ownership within the MLEs could impact on literacy engagement and achievement. We noted considerable progress in the development of key competencies, influenced by the transfer of ownership from teacher to student through choice, sharing of the curriculum, and engagement with the wider range of resources readily available in an MLE. Giving students a say in their topic and context increased their engagement and led to improved outcomes in literacy achievement. The support provided by our school management for teacher-leadership of the innovations has enabled research-informed student-led pedagogy to be developed at both schools.
{"title":"Teacher leadership report: How student-led pedagogy in modern learning environments (MLEs) can improve literacy learning","authors":"Ann R. J. Briggs, Bek Gabites, Scott Mackenzie, J. McIntosh, Josh Shelley, P. Verstappen","doi":"10.21307/jelpp-2017-006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/jelpp-2017-006","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Our teacher leadership story comes from two schools collaborating on a New Zealand Teacher Led Innovation Fund (TLIF) project exploring the effect of student-led learning practices on literacy achievement within modern learning environments (MLEs). Our rationale is that learning which is individualised for all learners leads to more equitable outcomes for all. It also enables student ownership of learning, which in turn increases success for all learners, measured through improved student engagement, positive shifts in attitude, and improved progress and achievement. We undertook two cycles of participatory action-based inquiry to find out how successful collaboration and student ownership within the MLEs could impact on literacy engagement and achievement. We noted considerable progress in the development of key competencies, influenced by the transfer of ownership from teacher to student through choice, sharing of the curriculum, and engagement with the wider range of resources readily available in an MLE. Giving students a say in their topic and context increased their engagement and led to improved outcomes in literacy achievement. The support provided by our school management for teacher-leadership of the innovations has enabled research-informed student-led pedagogy to be developed at both schools.","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"62 - 69"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42838279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Bradbeer, M. Mahat, Terry Marian, B. Cleveland, T. Kvan, W. Imms
Abstract Driven by international trends and government policy, it is a requirement for all newly built schools in New Zealand to be designed as innovative learning environments (ILEs) with flexible learning spaces. These environments, celebrated by some for the “transformational” educational opportunities they may provide, also raise questions about whether the anticipated pedagogical value of these “non-traditional” spaces is based on idealised visions of teaching and learning rather than empirically derived evidence. Before such complex issues can be efficiently addressed, evidence of the actual “state of play” of ILEs is required. Drawing on New Zealand specific data from a large Australasian research project, this paper triangulates principals’ opinions, teachers’ perspectives, and the literature on some key preliminary issues: what types of learning spaces can be found in New Zealand schools; what teaching styles are evident in these spaces; what pedagogical beliefs are driving ILE teaching practices; and what types of learning activities are occurring in ILEs? The paper provides an evidencebased platform for further discussion about the opportunities and challenges surrounding the use and practice of ILEs in New Zealand.
{"title":"The “state of play” concerning New Zealand’s transition to innovative learning environments: Preliminary results from phase one of the ILETC project","authors":"C. Bradbeer, M. Mahat, Terry Marian, B. Cleveland, T. Kvan, W. Imms","doi":"10.21307/jelpp-2017-003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/jelpp-2017-003","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Driven by international trends and government policy, it is a requirement for all newly built schools in New Zealand to be designed as innovative learning environments (ILEs) with flexible learning spaces. These environments, celebrated by some for the “transformational” educational opportunities they may provide, also raise questions about whether the anticipated pedagogical value of these “non-traditional” spaces is based on idealised visions of teaching and learning rather than empirically derived evidence. Before such complex issues can be efficiently addressed, evidence of the actual “state of play” of ILEs is required. Drawing on New Zealand specific data from a large Australasian research project, this paper triangulates principals’ opinions, teachers’ perspectives, and the literature on some key preliminary issues: what types of learning spaces can be found in New Zealand schools; what teaching styles are evident in these spaces; what pedagogical beliefs are driving ILE teaching practices; and what types of learning activities are occurring in ILEs? The paper provides an evidencebased platform for further discussion about the opportunities and challenges surrounding the use and practice of ILEs in New Zealand.","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"22 - 38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41606874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Increasingly, New Zealand primary and intermediate schools are adopting the concept of flexible learning spaces and promoting team teaching approaches. Such open spaces and pedagogy can be challenging for even experienced teachers to adapt to. Is it realistic, therefore, to expect novices to work successfully in these challenging spaces from the onset of their teaching careers? Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes in New Zealand equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to plan, teach and evaluate learning for a diverse class of children with individual learning, social and cultural needs. However, while researching their own practice working within new spaces and pedagogy, some experienced Bay of Plenty intermediate and primary teachers articulated additional necessities for beginning teachers starting out in such complex teaching environments. Analysis of their ideas suggests such spaces require teachers to have particular capabilities if they are to work collaboratively in open learning spaces. This paper argues that ITE programmes and leaders need to be proactive and include appropriate theoretical and pragmatic coursework, to assist student teachers to cultivate the capabilities required of collaborative team members, by the time they graduate.
{"title":"Collaborative teaching in flexible learning spaces: Capabilities of beginning teachers","authors":"Barbara Whyte","doi":"10.21307/jelpp-2017-008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/jelpp-2017-008","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Increasingly, New Zealand primary and intermediate schools are adopting the concept of flexible learning spaces and promoting team teaching approaches. Such open spaces and pedagogy can be challenging for even experienced teachers to adapt to. Is it realistic, therefore, to expect novices to work successfully in these challenging spaces from the onset of their teaching careers? Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes in New Zealand equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to plan, teach and evaluate learning for a diverse class of children with individual learning, social and cultural needs. However, while researching their own practice working within new spaces and pedagogy, some experienced Bay of Plenty intermediate and primary teachers articulated additional necessities for beginning teachers starting out in such complex teaching environments. Analysis of their ideas suggests such spaces require teachers to have particular capabilities if they are to work collaboratively in open learning spaces. This paper argues that ITE programmes and leaders need to be proactive and include appropriate theoretical and pragmatic coursework, to assist student teachers to cultivate the capabilities required of collaborative team members, by the time they graduate.","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"84 - 96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49070271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fundamental innovation in education systems is problematic, disruptive and challenging. It requires those who are steeped in existing systems and ways of being to rethink and reimagine their professional understanding and practice. The intended outcome of a changed system is presumably more effective learning opportunities and better outcomes for students. However, the very nature of systemic change creates uncertainty in that there is not yet evidence that the ‘new system’ will necessarily be ‘better’ than the original. These and other challenges are reflected in a number of the articles in this special issue. To paraphrase the sentiments in some of the articles, the current model of schooling is no longer fit for purpose. It is predicated on neoliberal thinking, accepts the utility of a transmission model, and is arguably aimed at preparing young individuals for the marketplace. Despite the rapid changes occurring in this post-school marketplace, many western education systems are not keeping pace with, or necessarily acknowledging, the nature of these changes. Conceptualising school-based education differently requires new ways of understanding, the propensity to develop and encourage new discourse, and the courage to contest the status quo. Handy (2015) suggests that
{"title":"In the mi[d]st of policy enactment: Leading innovative learning environments (ILEs) in New Zealand schools","authors":"Michele Morrison, Jeremy Kedian","doi":"10.21307/JELPP-2017-001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/JELPP-2017-001","url":null,"abstract":"Fundamental innovation in education systems is problematic, disruptive and challenging. It requires those who are steeped in existing systems and ways of being to rethink and reimagine their professional understanding and practice. The intended outcome of a changed system is presumably more effective learning opportunities and better outcomes for students. However, the very nature of systemic change creates uncertainty in that there is not yet evidence that the ‘new system’ will necessarily be ‘better’ than the original. These and other challenges are reflected in a number of the articles in this special issue. To paraphrase the sentiments in some of the articles, the current model of schooling is no longer fit for purpose. It is predicated on neoliberal thinking, accepts the utility of a transmission model, and is arguably aimed at preparing young individuals for the marketplace. Despite the rapid changes occurring in this post-school marketplace, many western education systems are not keeping pace with, or necessarily acknowledging, the nature of these changes. Conceptualising school-based education differently requires new ways of understanding, the propensity to develop and encourage new discourse, and the courage to contest the status quo. Handy (2015) suggests that","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"1 - 8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43975151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract This story of leading change is written by the Principal and Deputy Principal of Thorrington School in Christchurch where the leadership focus has been to shift curriculum design and teaching practices to be more responsive to the needs of learners. The article considers the shift in the practices of twenty teachers over a three-year time frame. The school does not have purpose built Modern Learning Spaces / Environments (referred to as flexible learning spaces in this article) so considerations for moving towards flexible learning had to start with changing mindsets and pedagogy. Initially there was a group of early up takers from amongst the staff who adapted their classrooms, furniture and processes to implement a change in practice. Although other teachers in the school recognised the success of this team the impetus to change practice across the whole school was largely rhetoric. Over time school wide resultant change was an amalgam of purpose, support, and development of new skills and strategies. Various drivers for change were recognised as being helpful for some teachers but not for others. Changes in teachers’ mindsets happened independently of each other and at different times for different people but together they eventually combined to change the attitudes and behaviours of teachers towards flexible learning practices. Although student achievement data is improving in all areas across the school this article does not track the trajectory of student data for consideration nor does this article address the community consultation process that occurred alongside this journey.
{"title":"You have to start somewhere: Designing, tailoring and tinkering. A reflection on leading a change process","authors":"Christine Harris, Christopher Panther","doi":"10.21307/JELPP-2017-011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21307/JELPP-2017-011","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This story of leading change is written by the Principal and Deputy Principal of Thorrington School in Christchurch where the leadership focus has been to shift curriculum design and teaching practices to be more responsive to the needs of learners. The article considers the shift in the practices of twenty teachers over a three-year time frame. The school does not have purpose built Modern Learning Spaces / Environments (referred to as flexible learning spaces in this article) so considerations for moving towards flexible learning had to start with changing mindsets and pedagogy. Initially there was a group of early up takers from amongst the staff who adapted their classrooms, furniture and processes to implement a change in practice. Although other teachers in the school recognised the success of this team the impetus to change practice across the whole school was largely rhetoric. Over time school wide resultant change was an amalgam of purpose, support, and development of new skills and strategies. Various drivers for change were recognised as being helpful for some teachers but not for others. Changes in teachers’ mindsets happened independently of each other and at different times for different people but together they eventually combined to change the attitudes and behaviours of teachers towards flexible learning practices. Although student achievement data is improving in all areas across the school this article does not track the trajectory of student data for consideration nor does this article address the community consultation process that occurred alongside this journey.","PeriodicalId":33385,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Educational Leadership Policy and Practice","volume":"32 1","pages":"125 - 132"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46403802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}