Version 1 of 3 Systemic Improvement-Actions of Effective Leaders

In the Spring, 2009 of The AdvancEd Source, Brian MCulty, Ph.D. writes that the single biggest challenge among educators is the lack of follow through in initiatives. There is not a lack of knowledge, but instead, a lack of action throughout the system. He refers to this as the "knowing-doing gap." This is true not only of leaders but of teachers as well.

How often have we attended some really good workshops, but came back and never implemented what we learned? This is probably more the norm rather than the exception. Williams (2007) further adds that the most important variable in effective classrooms is what teachers do as opposed to what they know. More effective teachers act on what they know works. Further, this can be applied to administrators as well.

The more effective principals have not only commitment to reform strategies, but they also have a high degree of follow-through on the implementation of the strategies. In addition, this would be true of all Central Office personnel and superintendents. McNulty has provided "Five Actions of Success" that might be helpful in carrying out the reform strategies. They are:

1. Use data well
2. Develop a limited number of focused goals
3. Focus on instructional practices
4. Implement deeply, and
5. Monitor and provide feedback and support

So whether we are working on new differentiation strategies in our classroom and schools or whether we are carrying out effective Classroom Walk Through Strategies, this five step plan can helps us take the knowledge that we have an implement effectively in our school system. Tomorrow, we will begin looking more deeply at these 5 steps.