Schools are complex working environments and leading change in schools is far from a straightforward process. Yet, where possible, we look to simplify things, as we form mental models, classify and categorize, and aim to be both effective and efficient. Sometimes, investing the time and resources to gaining a deeper and greater understanding of something... Continue Reading →
School leaders spend a lot of time developing strategic plans, setting goals and writing action plans. Often the best laid plans and intentions are often derailed and not realised owing to the constant struggle to maintain focus and keep on track. This, to a large extent, is precipitated by the number of 'other' matters that... Continue Reading →
Communication is such an important element of leading schools successfully, yet the amount of time we spend planning communication is grossly underestimated. Good communication within and external to a school can not just keep stakeholders informed of what is going on, it can create action when needed, establish a school's identity, purpose and direction, as... Continue Reading →
Students are often asked to compare and contrast, distinguish, or pick out the similarities and differences between two or more items. Frequently, I have observed students attempting to respond by describing each of the items separately, in turn, without forming a comparison or contrasting statement, which is what this type of question prompt calls for.... Continue Reading →
Leading successful change in schools is not just about the ideas and initiatives but the implementation. The best change agents are those who can see change through from start to finish and consolidate that change as part of a school's culture. This takes time, patience and, most importantly, follow-up. Leaders of change in schools must... Continue Reading →
The purchase of new school materials to support student learning is the subject of much discussion among educators. Oftentimes, conversations center on there being inadequate resources in many of our schools. This may certainly be the case in a number of schools, but there are some cases where schools waste the resources that they are... Continue Reading →
To have a successful school, it requires leaders who are abreast of how everything in a school works. Schools are highly complex places where poor decision-making in one area of the school can have significant impact on another. Schools are complex in that external forces that either mandate or create pressure for change on certain... Continue Reading →
