Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 EDL 830 Leadership for Learning San Diego State University Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership Learn, Lead, Transform! Joseph F. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D. I. CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR: Name: Joseph F. Johnson, Jr. E-mail: jjohnson@mail.sdsu.edu Office Phone: 619-594-1424 Office Hours: By appointment II. Office Address: EBA 346 Dept. Coordinator: Carmen Curphy, 619-594-4063 edl@mail.sdsu.edu CLASS SESSIONS: Classes will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the following dates in NE 171: September 20 September 27 October 18 October 25 November 15 December 13 III. DEPARTMENT VISION: San Diego State University’s Department of Educational Leadership endeavors to enhance public school systems by developing exceptional leaders committed to learn, lead, and transform in ways that improve that improve the educational attainment of all students, especially historically underachieving students. IV. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Increasingly, the public expects educational leaders to improve student learning outcomes. Over the past 40 years, researchers have amassed information about leadership practices that influence September 6, 2014 xvi. 1 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 improvements in student learning; however, most school and district leaders remain overwhelmed by the challenges associated with improving a broad spectrum of learning indicators, especially for students of color, English learners, and students whose families meet low-income criteria. This course will familiarize students with the research on leadership practices that influence school and district learning results. Students will use this research to inform, challenge, and justify their own theories of action regarding the improvement of teaching and learning. V. LEARNER OUTCOMES This course is designed to lead students toward the attainment of the following goals and outcomes associated with the San Diego State University doctoral program in educational leadership. By developing a vision of how curriculum, instruction, and relationships combine to influence learning results and by developing a workable theory of action (informed by research) for improving learning in elementary and secondary schools, doctoral students will be able to: 1. Organizational Strategy: Organize strategies to improve the quality of education and promote the success of all students, while sustaining their institutional mission. The demonstration of this outcome is based on knowledge of organization, cultures, environments, and future trends. Learning Indicators: 1.1 Assess, develop, implement and evaluate strategies to monitor and improve the quality of education and long-term effectiveness of PreK-12 education. 1.2 Use data-driven evidence and proven practices from internal and external stakeholders to solve problems, make decisions, and plan strategically. September 6, 2014 xvi. 2 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 1.4 Develop a positive environment that supports innovation, teamwork, and successful outcomes. 1.5 Align organizational mission, structures, and resources with institutional plans. 2. Resource Management: Equitably and ethically sustain people, processes, information, and assets, to fulfill the mission, vision and goals of their institutions. Learning Indicators: 2.1 Ensure accountability for student learning in all operations. 2.2 Create an organizational culture that values positive employee relations. 2.8 Manage conflict and change in ways that contribute to the long-term viability of the organization. 3. Instructional Leadership: Apply the necessary knowledge and skills to promote the academic success of all students by fostering a positive organizational culture. Graduates would develop effective curricular programs, a student-centered learning environment, and ongoing professional growth opportunities for all staff Learning Indicators: 3.1 Obtain leadership characteristics and dispositions needed to develop learning organizations. 3.2 Identify ways to facilitate learning for the organization as a system and learning for individuals within the system. 3.3 Develop a culture of evidence to assess educational policies, programs, and practices to assist in closing the achievement gap 3.4 Articulate strategies for closing achievement gaps across a school, district, region, or state. September 6, 2014 xvi. 3 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 3.5 Examine the role of local, state and/or national assessments in the improvement of student achievement. 3.6 Participate in the evaluation of the effectiveness of comprehensive staff development programming on professional performance and student achievement. 4. Communications: Use scrupulous listening, speaking, and writing skills to engage in honest, open dialogue. Learning Indicators: 4.3 Communicate clearly and appropriately to internal and external constituencies orally and in writing. 4.4 Gain proficiency in individual, small group, and large group oral communications and group decision-making processes. 5. Collaboration: Demonstrate the ability to develop responsive, cooperative, mutually beneficial, and ethically sound internal and external relationships; ones that nurture diversity, foster student success, and promote the organization’s mission. Learning Indicators: 5.6 Manage conflict and change by building and maintaining productive relationships. 5.7 Develop, enhance, and sustain teamwork and cooperation. 5.8 Facilitate shared problem solving and decision-making. 6. Organizational Advocacy: Recognize, commit to, and advocate for the mission, vision, and goals of the organization. September 6, 2014 xvi. 4 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 Learning Indicators: 6.1 Value and promote diversity, inclusion, equity, and academic excellence. 6.3 Demonstrate a commitment to the organizational mission and student success through the scholarship of teaching and learning. 6.4 Promote equity, open access, learning, teaching, student success, and innovation as primary goals for the organization. 7. Professionalism: Set high standards for self and others, continuously improve self, demonstrate personal accountability, and ensure the long-term growth of self and the organization. Learning Indicators: 7.1 Self-assess performance regularly using feedback, reflection, goal setting, and evaluation. 7.6 Promote and maintain high standards for personal and organizational integrity, honesty, and respect for people. Goal 9. Decision Sciences: Engage in scientific methods to assess practice, examine results and promote sound decision-making. Learning Indicators: 9.1 Utilize the expertise of external researchers and the results of research studies in the literature to improve decision-making. 9.3 Evaluate research studies based on their value to an organization. 9.4 Assess validity and transferability of research findings to specific areas in an organization, such as student learning outcomes and enrollment management. September 6, 2014 xvi. 5 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 9.6 Foster a "culture of evidence" within an institution for policy analysis and decision making purposes. VI. COURSE TEXTS/DOCUMENTS Required texts: American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Rationale: You will use this book extensively throughout this course and the entire doctoral program. It is an essential reference tool regarding the technical aspects of writing. Marzano, R. J., Waters, T., & McNulty, B. A. (2005). School leadership that works: From research to results. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Rationale: This book is based upon a meta-analysis of 69 studies of leadership and learning results. It is the foundation of McREL’s balanced leadership program. The book provides helpful background information that will be useful in this course, as well as other courses in your doctoral program. Dufour, R. & Marzano, R. J. (2011). Leaders of learning: How district, school, and classroom leaders improve student achievement. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press. Rationale: This book discusses critical leadership strategies that influence the improvement of teaching and learning. It can be particularly useful as leaders seek to accelerate implementation of more challenging academic standards. September 6, 2014 xvi. 6 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 Johnson, J. F., Perez, L.G., & Uline, C. L. (2012). Teaching practices from America’s best urban schools: A guide for school and classroom leaders. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education. Rationale: This book describes teaching practices found in schools that achieved remarkable academic results for diverse student populations. Robinson, V. (2011). Student-centered leadership. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Rationale: This research-based book provides a coherent framework for considering how leaders influence student achievement. It will be particularly helpful in considering topics for the second research synthesis assignment. VII. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS Students are expected to attend all classes and actively participate in class discussions in a manner that deepens the learning experience for all members of the class. In accordance with University policy, by the end of the first class, students should notify the professor of any planned absences for religious observances and the professor shall reasonably accommodate such requests. Students are expected to complete assignments in a timely manner and with a high level of professionalism. Assignments submitted more than 12 hours after the due date/time will earn five points less than the same assignment would have earned if on time. Assignments submitted more than two days after the due date/time will earn 10 points less than the same assignment would have earned if on time. September 6, 2014 xvi. 7 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 Students are strongly encouraged (not required) to bring laptop computers to each class. Several class activities will require students to access information electronically. Wireless internet access will be available in the classroom where the class will meet. VIII. ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION Students have the opportunity to earn a grade of A, B, C, Incomplete, or F. The professor will establish scoring guides, which will define standards of work for grade attainment. Students will be expected to engage in self-reflection and provide meaningful input related to their ability to demonstrate competency in meeting course outcomes. Discussion will be a major component of class time. All students are expected to contribute on a regular basis to class discussions. All discussions and presentations will be conducted in a professional manner appropriate for a graduate level class. Lack of participation due to absences may affect a student’s grade (See Section X, subsection G.) IX. Grading Scale 93 % - 100 % = A 87 % - 89 % = B+ 80 % - 82 % = B- 73 % - 76 % = C 90 % - 92 % = A- 83 % - 86 % = B 77 % - 79 % = C + 70 % -72 % = C- STUDENT APPEALS If for any reason a student feels that he/she has need for an exception to the program or any other programmatic issue that needs to be addressed, they must adhere to the following procedures: 1. Talk to their professor of record (depending on the issue). 2. If the issue is not resolved, talk with the Program Director. 3. If still not resolved, talk to the EDL Chair. September 6, 2014 xvi. 8 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 4. If the chair does not resolve the problem to the student’s satisfaction, the student can send a letter of appeal to the Department of Educational Leadership’s Error and Omissions committee. The student also has the right to the SDSU Student appeal process delineated at the following web site: http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/index.html X. COURSE DELIVERABLES AND REQUIREMENTS A. As part of a group, develop “Tips for Writers” based upon either Chapter 3, 4, 6, or 7 of the APA Publication Manual. Your group should provide 12 tips that reinforce important issues that graduate students may have forgotten or may have never known. Each tip should be written clearly and concisely. As well, the tip should provide an original example that accurately illustrates the tip and a counter-example that illustrates failure to use the tip accurately. The groups score for this assignment constitutes 5% of the course grade. Post your group’s “Tips for Writers” paper by Friday, September 26th at 11:59 p.m. Your group will present highlights of your paper during class on Saturday, September 27th. B. Create a synthesis of four to six empirical research studies that examine one teaching practice that influences the quality and quantity of student learning. You will be given the opportunity to choose one of eight topics associated with Chapters 2 through 9 from the book Teaching Practices from America’s Best Urban Schools. You will be expected to read the chapter and then identify four to six empirical research studies related to the selected topic. The synthesis must not be more than seven double-spaced pages in length. Five points will be deducted for each page or portion of a page in excess of seven pages. (The cover page and the reference list are NOT counted as pages.) At least one of the studies must have utilized September 6, 2014 xvi. 9 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 quantitative methodology. At least one of the studies must have utilized qualitative methodology. Do not select articles or reports that are syntheses of research, meta-analyses, or commentary. Each document selected must describe original, empirical research. Your synthesis must be written in APA style and include the following elements: A clear, brief description of the teaching practice that is the focus of your synthesis A concise description of the major findings of the studies you examined An analysis of how and why the findings differed (considering context, samples, methodology, etc.) A clear, practical description of what educational leaders should do (based on the findings) in order to make a more powerful difference in their schools OR a clear explanation of why the findings are not useful to educational leaders An explanation of one finding (from one or more of the studies) that might be commonly overlooked or misunderstood by practitioners An explanation of an issue related to the design of one or more of the research studies that might limit or enhance the confidence of leaders who consider implementing the research findings A description of important research questions the studies leave unanswered Bibliographic information (in APA style) for the studies and any other citations listed in the synthesis Students may choose to re-write and re-submit this synthesis for a better grade (as long as the original assignment was submitted on time.) This option is not available for the other course assignments. If this paper is re-submitted, the professor will average the original grade with the grade for the resubmitted paper to create a new grade for the assignment. The grade for this September 6, 2014 xvi. 10 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 assignment constitutes 25% of the course grade. Submit this paper via the course website by Sun., Oct. 19th, 2014, 11:59 p.m. If you choose to re-submit the paper, the resubmission must be received by Sun., Nov. 30th, 2014, 11:59 p.m. C. As a group, read and prepare to present to class four articles/reports concerning educational leadership. The articles will be provided by the professor. The group presentation should include the following: A clear, brief description of the principal or district-level leadership practices that are the focus of the four articles A concise description of the major findings of the studies you examined An analysis of how and why the findings differed (considering context, samples, methodology, etc.) A clear, practical description of what educational leaders should do (based on the findings) in order to make a more powerful difference in their schools OR a clear explanation of why the findings are not useful to educational leaders An explanation of one finding (from one or more of the studies) that might be commonly overlooked or misunderstood by practitioners An explanation of an issue related to the design of one or more of the research studies that might limit or enhance the confidence of leaders who consider implementing the research findings A description of important research questions the studies leave unanswered Bibliographic information for the studies (in APA style) September 6, 2014 xvi. 11 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 The grade for this assignment constitutes 5% of the course grade. One member of your group should post the group’s PowerPoint presentation on the course website by Oct. 24, 2014, 11:59 p.m. Your group will present your report in class on Oct. 25, 2014. D. Observe a classroom where the teacher generates better than typical student learning results. Conduct at least two observations of this teacher. (Alternately, you can observe one teacher once and another one once. You must, however, conduct a total of two observations.) Each observation should last at least 20 minutes. Submit and post observation notes in a series of bullets. Your observation notes should include no less than 40 bulleted statements (20 bullets per observation) about what you observed in the classroom. In addition to submitting the observation notes with the assignment, post the observation notes on the course website so that all cohort members can examine all of the observation notes. It will be important for you to read the notes posted by your cohort colleagues, note trends, and post questions and comments that allow you to better understand similarities and differences. In posting this assignment, do not use the real names of teachers or the school. This assignment constitutes 10% of the course grade. Post your observation notes on the course website by Friday, Nov. 7th, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. E. Create a synthesis of four to six empirical research studies that examine either one dimension of student-centered leadership or one of the leadership capabilities defined by Robinson in StudentCentered Leadership. The synthesis must not be more than seven double-spaced pages in length. Five points will be deducted for each page or portion of a page in excess of seven pages. At least one of the studies must have utilized quantitative methodology. At least one of the studies must have utilized qualitative methodology. At least one of the studies must be a doctoral dissertation. No more than one of the studies can be a study your group used for Assignment C. Do not select articles or reports that are syntheses of research, meta-analyses, or September 6, 2014 xvi. 12 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 commentary. Each document selected must describe original, empirical research. Your synthesis must be written in APA style and include the following elements: A clear, brief description of the principal or district-level leadership practice that is the focus of your synthesis A concise description of the major findings of the studies you examined An analysis of how and why the findings differed (considering context, samples, methodology, etc.) A clear, practical description of what educational leaders should do (based on the findings) in order to make a more powerful difference in their schools OR a clear explanation of why the findings are not useful to educational leaders An explanation of one finding (from one or more of the studies) that might be commonly overlooked or misunderstood by practitioners An explanation of an issue related to the design of one or more of the research studies that might limit or enhance the confidence of leaders who consider implementing the findings A description of important research questions the studies leave unanswered Bibliographic information (in APA style) for the studies and any other citations listed in the synthesis The grade for this assignment constitutes 30% of the course grade. Submit this assignment via the course website by Sun., Nov. 16th, 2014, 11:59 p.m. This signature assignment will give evidence of your ability to: Communicate clearly and appropriately to various constituencies in writing Understand the leadership characteristics, dispositions, and actions needed to develop learning organizations September 6, 2014 xvi. 13 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 F. Develop a graphic representation of your theory of action that explains how school or district leaders influence constructive changes in student learning. In two to four double-spaced pages, explain the graphic representation with reference to studies that support elements of your theory. As well, indicate which elements of your theory have not been empirically tested. The grade for this assignment constitutes 15% of the course grade. You will present your theory of action to the class on Saturday, December 13th, 2014. You must also submit this assignment via the course website by Sun., December 7th, 2014, 11:59 p.m. This signature assignment will give evidence of your ability to do the following: Improve learning results and ensure accountability for the academic success of all students Use evidence and proven practices to solve problems, make decisions, and plan strategically Identify ways to facilitate the organization’s learning and growth Effectively utilize local, state, or national assessments in ways that improve student learning Develop a culture of evidence for assessing policies, programs, and practices, Articulate strategies for closing achievement gaps Catalyze the involvement and commitment of educators and other stakeholders G. Actively engage in class discussions and activities. Students will earn 100 points for each class session they attend, in full, and actively participate. (600 possible points in total.) The score for active engagement constitutes 10% of the course grade. The professor will deduct points for full-session or partial-session absences or for a lack of participation. The professor will notify students via e-mail if points are deducted for absences or a lack of participation. September 6, 2014 xvi. 14 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 XI. UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS SDSU rules and regulations concerning graduate students can be found in the Bulletin of the Graduate Division that you received in class. This Bulletin can also be found on line at: http://coursecat.sdsu.edu/bulletin/index.html Disability Students with special needs (as specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act) should notify the instructor immediately so that special accommodations may be made. Field Trips and Liability Coverage: Should this course require students to participate in field trips, research or studies that include course work that will be performed off-campus, it is important to note that participation in such activities may result in accidents or personal injury. Student participating in the event are aware of these risks, and agree to hold harmless San Diego State University, the State of California, the Trustees of the California State University and Colleges and its officers, employees, and agents against all claims, demands, suits, judgments, expenses, and costs of any kind on account of their participation in the activities. Students using their own vehicles to transport other students to such activities should have current automobile insurance. Plagiarism: Students may be suspended, placed on probation or given a lesser sanction for one or more of the following causes which must be campus related: (a) Cheating or plagiarism in connection with an academic program at a campus. (b) Forgery, alteration or misuse of campus documents, records, or identification. http://gra.sdsu.edu/dra/integrity_research_scholarship.htm September 6, 2014 xvi. 15 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 XII. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR EDL 830 Class Session Prior to Session 1 Topic/Activity Major Session Outcomes Assignments Due Read chapters 3, 4, 6, and 7 of the APA Publication Manual. Read chapters 1 and 2 of Leaders of Learning. Read the introduction and first chapter of Teaching Practices from America’s Best Urban Schools Session 1 Sat., Sept. 20, 2014, 9:00 – 3:30 Discussion of class/group norms and doctoral program purposes/goals Review of syllabus and Blackboard. Discussion of expectations for assignments, including a review of the scoring guides to be used to evaluate assignments Select groups that will work on “Tips for Writers” to highlight key points in Chapters 3, 4, 6, and 7 of the APA Publication Manual and discuss the scoring guide for Assignment A Discussion: Types of research and research articles Select topics for the first research synthesis based on chapters of the book, Teaching Practices from America’s Best Urban Schools: A Guide for School and Classroom Leaders. Use electronic library resources to identify articles in support of the first research synthesis. Discussion: Scoring guide for Assignment B September 6, 2014 By the end of the session: Students will understand the course expectations and know how to access information about the course through the syllabus or Blackboard. Students will be able to differentiate types of research and describe their purposes, primary characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. (Key Concepts: epistemology, empirical, qualitative, quantitative, reliability, validity, meta-analysis) Students will use electronic library search engines to identify research articles that address specific educational topics. Students will have tentatively identified their topic and at least two of the articles they will include in their first research synthesis assignment.(Key Concepts: Journal Databases, Key Words) xvi. 16 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 Between Sessions 1 &2 (Approx. 3 hours of group work) Work with your group to highlight key points from one assigned chapter (either Chapter 3, 4, 6, and 7) of the APA Publication Manual. Develop and post a “Tips for Writers” page with at least 20 useful tips associated with your chapter. Session 2 Sat., Sept. 27, 2014, 9:00 – 3:30 Assignment A: Group presentations on “Tips for Writers” Discussion: Academic writing Discussion: The dissertation In-depth group discussions of articles for the first research synthesis with particular attention to the quantitative and qualitative research methodologies employed, samples, and findings Lecture & discussion: Theories of action and instructional effectiveness (especially related to the teaching of Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards to diverse populations of students) Assign articles to groups for leadership presentation (Assignment C) and discuss scoring guide Assignment A: Post your group’s “Tips for Writers” paper by Friday, September 26th at 11:59 p.m. By the end of the session: Come to class with copies of Students will be able to the articles you articulate major issues that plan to include influence writing in your first effectiveness. (Key Concepts: synthesis. You clarity, coherence, concision, should have and precision) read all of the articles and be Students will be able to prepared to describe the major parts of a discuss your dissertation and discuss the thoughts, rationale for each part. questions, and Furthermore, they will be concerns. You able to describe how should have Assignment B includes also completed elements that are similar to reading elements of Chapter 2 of a Teaching dissertation. (Key Concepts: Practices from introduction, review of America’s Best literature, methodology, Urban Schools. findings, conclusions) Students will be able to articulate the major issues they will address when they write their first research synthesis, Assignment B. (Key Concepts: methodology, sample, instruments, findings, implications, limitations) Students will begin to articulate a vision of outstanding teaching and September 6, 2014 xvi. 17 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 learning that, if enacted, could lead to excellent learning results for all students. Between Sessions 2 &3 (Approx. 4 hours of group work) Assignment C: Your group is responsible for reading and presenting four articles provided by the professor. Your group will develop a PowerPoint presentation to share with the class on October 25th. Assignment C: Post your group’s PowerPoint presentation on the course website by Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, 11:59 p.m. Read Chapters 3-5 of Leaders of Learning. Read Chapters 1-6 of School Leadership that Works. Read Student-Centered Leadership Session 3 Sat., Oct. 18, 2014, 9:00 – 3:30 Detailed discussion regarding classroom observation assignment (Assignment D) and scoring guide Identify topics and begin identifying articles for second research synthesis, Assignment E. Discuss scoring guide for Assignment E. Lecture: The role of school leaders in improving teaching and learning Discussion: Integrating concepts from leadership articles, course texts, and personal experiences/beliefs into theories of action Conduct two classroom observations Between of a teacher who obtains better than Sessions 3 typical learning results. Complete &5 Assignment D. Post the bullets from Approx. 2 your observations. Analyze the data hours on posted from classmates and post your own questions and comments. September 6, 2014 By the end of the session: Assignment B: Submit first research Students will understand the synthesis via concept of “theory of action” website by and will begin to articulate Sun., Oct. theories of action related to 19th, 2014, how leaders influence 11:59 p.m. learning results.(Key Concept: theory of action) Prior to class, finish reading Students will articulate Studentmajor issues that influence Centered the effectiveness of school Leadership, leaders as they endeavor to Chapters 3-5 of improve instruction. (Key Leaders of Concepts: effect size, Learning, and correlation, construct) Chapters 1-6 of School Leadership that Works Assignment D Post your obs. notes on the course website by Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. xvi. 18 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 Session 4 Sat., Oct. 25, 2014, 9:00 – 3:30 Assignment C Presentations: Groups will make their presentations on leadership articles By the end of the session: Students will explain research in clear oral Preliminary feedback regarding first presentations that highlight research synthesis. Detailed discussion salient findings and of writing issues. Use of the “track implications, while helping changes” feature in word processing the audience understand programs limitations. (Key Concepts: methodology, sample, Identification and discussion of instruments, findings, themes emerging from classroom implications, limitations) observations Students will experience the In-depth group discussions of articles process of examining for the second research synthesis qualitative data to identify (Assignment E) with particular patterns, categories, and attention to the quantitative and themes. (Key concepts: qualitative research methodologies saturation, triangulation, employed, samples, and findings counter-examples, analysis) Discussion of first- and second-order change Students will be able to articulate the major issues they will address when they write their second synthesis, Assignment E. (Key Concepts: methodology, sample, findings, implications, limitations) Come to class with copies of the articles you plan to include in your second synthesis. You should have read all of the articles and be prepared to discuss your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Also, prior to class, finish reading Leaders of Learning. Assignment C: Group presentations of leadership articles during class on 10/25 Students will be able to articulate major issues that influence the effectiveness of leaders as they endeavor to generate first- and secondorder changes in schools. (Key concepts: first-order and second-order change) Session 5 Sat., Nov. 15, 2014, 9:00 – 3:30 Lecture/discussion The role of district leaders in improving teaching and learning Discussion: Integrating concepts related to district leadership into September 6, 2014 By the end of the class session: Students will be able to describe how their vision of effective instruction should Assignment E: Submit second research synthesis review via xvi. 19 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 theories of action Detailed discussion of theory of action assignment (Assignment F) and scoring guide inform their work as school and district leaders. (Key Concepts: systemic change, proactive redundancies, board/superintendent relationships, leadership continuity/stability) course website by Sun., Nov. 16, 2014, 11:59 p.m. . Students will be able to describe how issues related to district leadership influences their theories of action regarding the improvement of learning results. (Key Concepts: systemic change, proactive redundancies, board/superintendent relationships, leadership continuity/stability) Session 6 Sat., Dec. 13, 2014, 9:00 – 3:30 Presentations of theories of action Application of course learning to dissertations Application of course learning to school and district leadership practices NCUST visits to finalist schools Course evaluations September 6, 2014 By the end of the class session: Students will demonstrate their ability to integrate their learning about instructional effectiveness and the role of principals and district leaders into 1) their professional practice as educational leaders and 2) their academic inquiry and research. Resubmission of Assign. B: Resubmit Assignment B (if desired) by Sun., Nov. 30, 2014, 11:59 p.m. Assignment F: Submit via course website by Sun., Dec. 7, 2014, 11:59 xvi. 20 Leadership for Learning, Fall 2014 XIII. Overview Time Line Before September 20 September 20 Read chapters 3, 4, 6, and 7 of the APA Publication Manual. Read chapters 1 and 2 of Leaders of Learning. Read the introduction and first chapter of Teaching Practices from America’s Best Urban Schools First session: 9:00 – 3:30 in NE-171 Between 9/20 & 9/27 Meet with your “Tips for Writers” group. Identify articles for the first research synthesis (Assignment B). Between 9/20 & 10/18 Read Chapters 3-5 of Leaders of Learning. Read Chapters 1-6 of School Leadership that Works. Read Student-Centered Leadership. September 26 Post your group’s “Tips for Writers” (Assignment A) before midnight. September 27 Second session: 9:00 – 3:30 in NE-171 Present “Tips for Writers” (group presentation). Between 9/27 & 10/25 Develop group presentation on leadership articles (Assignment C). October 18 Third session: 9:00 – 3:30 in NE-171 October 19 Post first research synthesis (Assignment B) before midnight. Between 10/19 & 10/25 Select and read the articles you plan to include in your second synthesis. Bring copies of the articles to class on October 25. Finish reading Leaders of Learning. October 25 Fourth session: 9:00 – 3:30 in NE-171 Present to class (as a group) on leadership articles (Assignment C). Between 10/18 & 11/9 Conduct two classroom observations (Assignment D). November 9 Post observation notes (Assignment D). Identify articles for second research synthesis (Assignment E). November 15 Fifth session: 9:00 – 3:30 in NE-171 November 16 Post second research synthesis (Assignment E) before midnight. November 30 Resubmit Assignment B (if desired). December 7 Submit Assignment F before midnight. December 13 Sixth session: 9:00 – 3:30 in NE-171 September 6, 2014 xvi. 21