McRELs Knowledge
Taxonomy
(Not as easy as we first thought!)
What is McREL’s Taxonomy?
McREL stands for Mid Continent Research for
Education and Learning.
McREL’s research combines the results of several
studies addressing a set of related research
hypothesis. Using the results of this, McREL
examines the effects of leadership practices on
student achievement.
The initial study period was over thirty years and as a
result they originally identified 21 leadership
responsibilities that are significantly associated with
student achievement. McREL continues its research
today and has become more technologically focussed.
We liked this picture
McRELs
research
emphasise
that to be
effective
teachers we
need to know
not just what
we are
teaching but
why, how and
when.
“McRELs balanced leadership framework
is predicated on the notion that
effective leadership means more than
simply knowing what to do – it’s knowing
when, how, and why to do it. Effective
leaders understand how to balance
pushing for change, while, at the same
time, protecting aspects of culture,
values and norms worth preserving.”
www.elead.org/principles/balancedleadership.asp
Hang on, what’s a taxonomy
again?
Taxonomy is very different from
taxidermy.
According to Wikipedia, Taxonomy is the
practice and science of classification.
Ok then, continuing on ……
Why another leadership
framework?
Educators are well aware of the fact that
good leadership makes a difference.
Many previous frameworks have been
based upon theories rather than
concrete evidence.
The studies undertaken involved 2,894
schools, approximately 1.1 million
students, and 14,000 teachers.
The 21 responsibilities of effective school
leaders:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Fosters shared beliefs and a sense of community and cooperation.
Establishes a set of standard operating procedures and routines.
Protects teachers from issues and influences that would detract from their teaching time and
focus.
Provides teachers with materials and professional development necessary for the successful
execution of their jobs.
Is directly involved in the design and implementation of curriculum, instruction, and
assessment practices.
Establishes clear goals and keeps those goals in the forefront of the school's attention.
Is knowledgeable about current curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
Has quality contact and interactions with teachers and students.
Recognizes and rewards individual accomplishments.
Establishes strong lines of communication with teachers and among students.
Is an advocate and spokesperson for the school to all stakeholders.
Involves teachers in the design and implementation of important decisions and policies.
Recognizes and celebrates school accomplishments and acknowledges failures.
Demonstrates an awareness of the personal aspects of teachers and staff.
Is willing to and actively challenges the status quo.
Inspires and leads new and challenging innovations.
Communicates and operates from strong ideals and beliefs about schooling.
Monitors the effectiveness of school practices and their impact on student learning.
Adapts leadership behaviors to the needs of the current situation and is comfortable with
dissent.
Is aware of the details and undercurrents in the running of the school and uses this
information to address current and potential problems.
Ensures that faculty and staff are aware of the most current theories and practices and
makes the discussion of these a regular aspect of the school culture.
We hope you
memorised all of that!
What does this mean
for us?
McRELs taxonomy has developed
considerably over the years. The
most recent research suggests that
the use of digital technology is
imperative in the classroom and
professional development for effective
learning to take place.
Where to next?
“Teachers must realise that technology
doesn’t just mean wires, plugs and
boxes. Instead, it’s about how education
must evolve to best prepare our
students for the future.”
http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20100607#pg22
In a nutshell …
We thought long and hard about this….
Combining McRELs Knowledge Taxonomy
framework with modern teachnology (we made
up a new word!) we can provide a rich and
dynamic learning environment for students,
teachers and leaders. It is irresponsible of us
as educators to wait for new tools to come to
us, we need to be actively modelling the
essence of what we want our students to do in
order to become life-long learners in a global
society.
For further information …
• www.mcrel.org – The official site.
• www.changetheodds.org
• www.elead.org/principles/balancedleade
rship.asp