January 2006: Leading Student Achievement: Expanding the Professional Dialogue Symposium
In January, 2006, principals gathered to share the progress that has been made as a result of our partnership. The keynote speaker, Richard Sagor, spoke to us about action research. Richard Sagor founded ISIE, the Institute for the Study of Inquiry in Education, in 1997, to work with schools and educational organizations on the use of action research and data-based school improvement while he was a professor of educational leadership at Washington State University. His most recent book is The Action Research Guidebook: A Four-Step Process for Educators and School Teams. Avis Glaze and Ben Levin also offered their insights into the LSA project.
Notes can be found at www.principals.on.ca/cms/documents/PLTLSASympJan27Report.pdf (PDF)
Dr. Ben Levin, Deputy Minister of Education, Ontario Ministry of Education
In the video segments below, Dr. Ben Levin expresses appreciation for and highlights the importance of the work being done by Ontario principals. He discusses the successes and challenges experienced by all involved in education. He then encourages questions and comments from principals in the audience, and ends with his thoughts about collective agreement and professional development.
Video Segments:
- Introduction (Length: 1 minute)
- Importance of the Principal's Role (Length: 5 minutes)
- Comments and Questions (Length: 9 minutes)
- Collective Agreement and PD Issues (Length: 4 minutes)
Additional Materials:
- Study Guide PDF
Dr. Richard Sagor, Educational Consultant, Author; Educational Leadership Program Director and Professor, Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, USA; Founder of the Institute for the Study of Inquiry in Education
Dr. Richard Sagor's video presentation below provides a specific and detailed process for implementing an action research project in a school. Sagor defines action research as "investigations conducted by and for the people taking the action, on their own action to inform their future actions." He addresses value of the principal both as facilitator of teacher action research and as action researcher.
Video Segments:
- Introduction (Length: 13 minutes)
- Definition of Action Research (Length: 15 minutes)
- Types of Action Research (Length: 8 minutes)
- Stage 1: Clarify Your Vision/Targets (Length: 25 minutes)
- Stage 2: Articulate Your Theory(s) (Length: 28 minutes)
- Stage 3: Implementation/Data Collection (Length: 8 minutes)
- Stage 4: Reflect on Results (Length: 8 minutes)
Additional Materials:
Dr. Avis Glaze, Chief Student Achievement Officer, Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat
In the video segments below, Dr. Avis Glaze expresses her appreciation for the deep commitment on the part of the principals. She celebrates the gains that have been achieved and urges the group to continue with the work because it is not done; she highlights several areas that still need to improve. Dr. Glaze suggests that successful leaders are aware of the future and encourages the audience heighten their own and others' awareness of the changing nature of the world. She stresses the importance of public relations and influencing public attitudes about education. She lists many skills required of principals and ends with a story that highlights the importance of teaching.
Video Segments:
- Introduction (Length: 3.5 minutes)
- Improving Professional Learning Communities
(Length: 3 minutes) - Areas of Improvement (Length: 4 minutes)
- The Costs of Inadequate Education (Length: 12 minutes)
- Influencing Public Attitudes about Education (Length: 4 minutes)
- The Role of the Principal (Length: 2 minutes)
- Conclusion (Length: 2.5 minutes)
Additional Materials:
- Study Guide PDF
