Most people think the leader is a superintendent, a district administrator, a program director, or a principal. However, I've learned that the leader often is a teacher, a student, or someone else respected by others. The leader is someone others will listen to and follow.
At the districts and schools where I work, the meaningful and effective use of technology is usually the result of this leader's ability to
- communicate and share a common vision
- provide timely technical support
- provide relevant professional development
- comprehend and interpret standards
- assess programs.
The George Lucas Educational Foundation has showcased many examples of successful implementations of innovations resulting from effective leadership. I frequently use these examples to show my clients what it looks like when leadership is effective. Notice that each of these schools has a leader who possesses that special skill to get buy-in from faculty, parents, district administrators, school boards, and students:
Sherman Oaks Elementary School, which became the "neighbourhood hub" for the community.Fullerton IV Elementary School, where mathematics became a focus and students' comprehension and calculations soared.Union City School District, New Jersey, which changed from a district failing students to one where students can succeed.
As leaders, our work is cut out for us! Through this blog, I will be sharing what I'm seeing at schools and districts -- strategies for developing a common vision, technical support and relevant standards-based professional development, and methods for assessing programs.
By Patsy Lanclos
