Leading for Learning: Reflective Tools for School and District Leaders

Author: Knapp, M.S., Copeland, M.A., Talbert, J.E.
Publisher: Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy
Publication Date: 2003, February
Full text available online at: http://depts.washington.edu/ctpmail/PDFs/LforLSummary-02-03.pdf

Abstract (written by WestEd)

Leading for Learning is a framework of reflective tools that enables leaders to enact three learning agendas: improving student learning, enhancing professional learning, and building systemwide supports for all participants' learning. The framework tools help leaders "clarify core values, promote professional community, and highlight the need for inquiry and evidence in the improvement process."

The research-based framework has five areas of action:

• Establishing a focus on learning
  
• Building professional communities that value learning
  
• Engaging external environments that matter for learning
  
• Acting strategically and sharing leadership
  
• Creating coherence

For each area of action, the report outlines the essential tasks for leaders in the schools and at the district level and identifies the processes and challenges to do so. Furthermore, it guides the reader by highlighting key ideas and posing reflective questions.



See also the companion piece, Leading for Learning Sourcebook: Concepts and Examples, which can be downloaded from the Publications section of http://www.ctpweb.org/. This document delves further into the ideas behind the framework, details four annotated longitudinal cases, and offers various tools.