Three Day Conference: Understanding Instructional Leadership and Effective Schools – Odense, Denmark

Co-sponsored with University College Lillebælt (UCL)

Participants will

• examine attributes of an effective school leader for 21st century teaching and learning using international leadership frameworks
• explore the management versus instructional leadership dichotomy within the context of national and international schools
• enrich the understanding of the common elements of effective school leadership as identified by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OCED), the Wallace Foundation and Council of International Schools (CIS) Characteristics of Accredited Schools
• examine the leadership research of Ken Leithwood, Michael Fullan, Andy Hargreaves, Lyn Sharratt, Avis Glaze, John Hattie and Karen Edge
• examine components of instructional leadership including setting vision, creating a safe and orderly environment, developing other leaders, improving instruction and managing people, data and processes within a diverse school
• understand dimensions and capabilities outlined in Viviane Robinson’s Student Centred Leadership research
• utilize a self assessment tool for personal reflection on leadership strengths and areas for growth
• explore Michael Fullan’s research on the three roles of the instructional leader that maximize impact – lead learner, system leader and change agent
• examine the research of Ana Maria Villegas and Tamar Lucas about cultural responsive pedagogy (institutional, personal and instructional) including the mindsets of culturally responsive educators and
• explore practices to build intercultural competencies within national and international schools.

Participants will

• review and examine the effective school research from McKinsey & Company, Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), Washington State University, Larry Lezotte and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• identify characteristics of effective schools that support 21st century teaching and learning, using national school effectiveness, private, and international school accreditation frameworks
• explore key characteristics of the world’s best school systems according to OECD
• identify characteristics of effective schools that build intercultural competencies and global citizenship skills
• increase the understanding of components for effective schools including focus on learning, student voice, monitoring and assessment, strong home-school relationships, high expectations and clear mission and vision
• understand characteristics of effective learning organizations based on the research of Peter Senge
• understand the role of school and system leaders in developing and sustaining effective schools and systems and
• review key actions of leaders of high performing school and systems that set them apart from others.

Participants will receive Certificates of Completion for ISL Modules 1 and 2.