Reculturing for Student Success | Edvantia (formerly AEL)
Program Description
This professional development program is organized around a conceptual framework consisting of five components of a high performing culture: vision, mission, core beliefs, structures, and distributed accountability. The conceptual framework begins with the end in mind: increased achievement for all students. The framework draws from educational research and literature related to school culture and performance.
During this course, participants:(1) explore the relationship between a positive school culture and student and adult learning in schools; (2) learn the concept of distributed accountability and its role in promoting high levels of student achievement; (3) explore and engage in personal reflection about beliefs that contribute to high performance learning cultures, specifically beliefs about (a) ability and achievement, (b) efficacy and effort, and power and control; (4) identify structures that promote high performance learning cultures in the context of (a) physical environment, (b) policies and procedures, and group relationships.
Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
Instructional Leadership (ISLLC standard 1)
Communication & Community Relations (ISLLC standard 4)
Professionalism (ISLLC standards 5 & 6)
Program Goals and Objectives
By the end of this program participants will demonstrate the ability to:
- identify characteristics associated with a high performance culture and relate these to improved adult and student performance in schools
- draw from the research base on school culture to develop a rationale for the importance of culture (and reculturing) to school improvement
- talk to important stakeholder groups about the importance of examining core beliefs and facilitate individuals and groups in reflecting on these beliefs
- identify structures that support or hinder individuals from adopting beliefs that promote achievement for all students
- differentiate among different leadership roles associated with the creation and nurturing of high performance culture
- use strategies and tools that can be employed to assess, create, and nurture a high performance culture
- work with a school leadership team to develop an action-oriented approach to creating a high performance culture in their school
Program Format
- Authentic: Application exercises use scenarios and artifacts from real schools.
- Reflective. Participants have opportunities to examine their own beliefs and learn to use tools that promote reflection with their faculties.
- Interactive. All learning is "hands on" and activity based, e.g., synectics, cooperative learning strategies, structured group activities to promote dialogue and reflection. El Immediately applicable. Participants are prepared to apply tools and knowledge to improve the learning cultures of their home schools.
Target Audience
The program was initially designed for school leadership teams; however, it is also appropriate for school leaders at all levels, including division administrators. It has also been used successfully with school faculties.
Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
No/yes. This is an online course that is designed for cohort groups, based on the principles of developing a professional learning community. It can, however, be used by a cohort of administrators and/or a leadership teams within a school or district. Recommended group size is from 5 to 20. This course can also be offered face-to-face with online follow-up.
Duration of Program
The program contains 24 hours of face-to-face instruction with an interim assignment in home school or division. This is usually structured as three initial days of training and a one-day follow-up 6-8 weeks later.
Outcomes Measured
- Participant reaction to training
- Participant cognitive gains (i.e., understanding of knowledge and skills presented)
- Participant use of concepts and skills
- Changes in participant attitudes and perceptions
Program Evaluation
- End-of-session participant evaluation
- Analysis of participant's portfolio of home-school (-division) project
Contact Information
Patricia Hammer, Director of Marketing and Communications
Edvantia
P.O. Box 1348
Charleston, WV 25325
Phone: 800-624-9120 ext. 5437
Email: patricia.hammer@edvantia.org