Subject: Communicating with educators

Posted by Timothy Lucas on 5/17/2005
In Reply To:Communicating with educators Posted by Heather Blau on 5/17/2005

Message:

I think Peter has raised a important idea. Showing how systems dynamics applies to school and classroom leadership is one step in bringing the concepts to life for teachers. The typical principal spends less than 10% of her or his time dealing with improving instruction and learning. However, using the applications of SD with staff and parents in the daily operation of the school models its use for teachers in curriculum areas. With the pressures on NCLB, AYP, and other mandates - school leaders are looking for new tools and approaches to their current reality.

Also, the infusion of SD into teacher leadership programs impacts grade levels, mentoring, coaching, parent and department meetings. Current practitioners came to SD through different pathways and interests - use of technology, higher order thinking skills, subject area applications, differentiated instruction.... Addressing the tools school and classroom leaders need and use moves beyond curriculum applications as one other area of focus.

Timothy Lucas
Professor - Lehigh University, College of Education
Graduate Program for Educational Leadership
Author/Consultant - The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook Project
Schools That Learn

Follow Ups:

Communicating with educators - Florence Duarte 5/18/2005