Creating the Desired Future Introduction Creating your Leadership Philosophy and Vision Articulating Your Philosophy Articulating Your Vision Bringing Joy to the Work of Improving Schools What is Improvement? Frameworks for Leadership Using the Concept of Multidimensionality Using the 2 X 2 Matrix for Designing a Plan Determining the Current Reality Introduction Questions for Study Five Whys? Data-Driven Goals Workshop Implementing Data-Driven Goals Workshop in Your School Outcome Data Process Data Generating Hypotheses Data-Driven Goals Workshop Feedback Data-Driven Goals Workshop Testimonials Organizing for Improvement Introduction The Principal's Role During Implementation Frameworks for Improvement Grade-Level and/or Content-Alike Teams Building-Wide Focus Learning Teams Are We Improving? Organizing for Improvement: Implementation Organizing for Improvement: Applications Studying, Communicating, and Acting on  Results Personal Reflections Lessons Learned in Using Data Studying Results Analyzing Data: Control Chart Interpretation Graphing Basics Communicating Results Acting on Results An Example of Studying, Communicating, and Acting on Results Concepts @ Work: Desired State Chart Concepts @ Work: Grade-level Teams Concepts @ Work: Four Levels of Measures Bibliography About the Content Expert

Welcome!

This website is designed with the new administrator in mind; however, administrative veterans may also find it useful. Four questions are at the heart of the materials you'll find here:

What do I believe? What do we believe? What must we do? How will we do it?

Hopefully it easy to find what you need. You will find information that provides background, theory, and exercises designed to challenge your thinking or make your thinking more explicit. You will find a variety of processes that you may use to engage people. You'll also find examples of completed templates, processes, and tools to further stimulate your thinking about how others have utilized the processes described. There are two underlying assumptions regarding your use of the materials found here. The first one is that you will evaluate and utilize materials based upon your needs—what you are trying to create and the context in which you are working. Tools and processes offered as examples throughout this website may or may not be appropriate for your use. The second underlying assumption is that you understand the importance of engaging others in creating, implementing, and monitoring your plan for improvement. Whether you are a principal or a superintendent, you cannot do all this work alone. Use the materials provided to engage others and develop people in a way that increases leadership and efficacy. These materials were designed for you to use and to support you in the work of improving Iowa schools. Enjoy!