Week 7 Discussion 2 - How Do Principals Really Improve Schools?

Week 7 Discussion 2 - How Do Principals Really Improve Schools?

After completing this week's Readings and Resources, access the link below and read the article by Rick DuFour and Mike Mattos (from The Principalship).

• How Do Principals Really Improve Schools? (Educational Leadership, April 2013, Volume 70, Number 7, Pages 34-40)
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http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr13/vol70/num07/How-Do-Principals-Really-Improve-Schools%C2%A2.aspx

 
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr13/vol70/num07/How-Do-Principals-Really-Improve-Schools%C2%A2.aspx#.XGbWeaCie58.email 

While we know that observing teachers in practice is important, Rick FuFour and Mike Mattos have some ideas about how principals can really improve schools. They are promoting the idea that a better way to improve any instructional program is through Professional Learning Communities which help to create a culture of collective responsibility.

• Are you willing to make the argument that program evaluation can really take place through the PLC, or do we still need to spend time in observing teachers individually if we are to ensure quality instruction? We would probably all agree that past experiences with teacher observation and evaluation have largely proven to be ineffective in inspiring and motivating teachers, it may be that collectively monitoring student achievement may be the better way to go.
• Would you have to change the agenda in your PLC, or is this collective monitoring on-going in your school?
• When you become the principal, where will you concentrate most of your efforts to improve instructional programs?

Your initial responses are due by 11:55 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday and should be between 200-250 words. The initial posting should be a statement of your point of view on the question, supported by the required readings.