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the survival guide for iowa school administrators Boxes, design only
LEADERSHIP FOR SYSTEMS THINKING
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(5) Deep Learning
Fullan's Eight Elements For System Thinking In Action For Sustainability

Leadership for Systems Thinking Templates
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Microsoft Word File, click to view/download.
"There are three big requirements for the data-driven society: drive out fear; set up a system of transparent data-gathering coupled with mechanisms for acting on the data; make sure all levels of the system are expected to learn from their experiences. Deep learning is for students, teachers, schools, districts, and governments if sustainability is to have any change" (Leadership and Sustainability, p. 23).

One of the best ways for administrators to model deep learning is to invite others to give input on their performance. What better way to "drive out fear" in others within the system than to model how data can be used to improve performance for any and all members of the system?

Below is one example of a principal's administrative survey that you may want to peruse. Note that after each reflection on the principal, the staff-member evaluator is then asked to reflect on him or herself. This is specifically done to enhance "deep learning" and to illustrate how the actions of each person influences the overall system. This same format is used when teachers ask their students to complete a survey on them. In both cases, the results of the survey are used to help develop professional growth plans.

It is also important to note that each person being evaluated chooses questions from a bank of questions that were collectively developed by educators around their community-identified traits for the learning climate and culture expected in the school system: safe to risk, ownership, choices, collaboration, engagement, real world tasks, activities, and assessments. If your district hasn't already identified the conditions for learning expected in your school system, you may want to contact your area education agency for help on facilitating that work.



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