The Learning System, Summer 2013, Vol. 8, No. 4 Newsletters Turn resistance into positive energy By Valerie von Frank From passive resistance to direct pushback, the most effective way to turn resistance into useable energy is through skillful communication. Read how principals who become expert communicators can add valuable tools to their toolkit. Tool: The…

The Learning Principal, Spring 2013, Vol. 8, No. 3 Newsletters Strong principal networks influence school culture By Elizabeth Neale and Mariah Cone The Learning Communities standard documents the role of collaborative learning in helping practitioners reach their individual and collective goals. See how School Leaders Network brings networks of principals together to identify, reflect on,…

The Learning System, Summer 2013, Vol. 8, No. 4 Newsletters The power of observation: 5 ways to ensure teacher evaluations lead to teacher growth By Valerie von Frank The teacher’s ability to assess student learning, analyze outcomes, and adapt instruction to meet student needs may not always show up on a state standardized exam. However,…

The Learning Principal, Fall 2012, Vol. 8, No.1 Newsletters Breathe new life into collaboration: 5 principles for reviving problematic groups By Bradley A. Ermeling The principal of a large urban middle school in the Midwest asked for Bradley A. Ermeling’s guidance as a researcher and advisor to help make their teams’ collaboration times more productive….

The Learning Principal, Summer 2012, Vol. 7, No. 4 Newsletters Move beyond management: Coaching for school leaders translates into student improvement Despite an intense focus on instructional coaching and teacher leadership, little attention is paid to principal coaching and its role in leadership development. Read how coaching for principals translates into student success and how…

The Learning Principal, Spring 2012 , Vol. 7, No. 3 Newsletters A fresh perspective: School counselors prove valuable partners in understanding student needs According to the newest MetLife Survey of the American Teacher, 64% of teachers are reporting seeing an increase in the number of students and families needing health and social support services, while…

The Learning Principal, Winter 2012, Vol. 7, No. 2 Newsletters Strategic opportunities: Matrix helps principals support multiple teacher teams Research shows that effective leaders are shifting from management and control to strategic support. The assistance matrix is a planning tool to help principals or administrative teams offer the differentiated assistance they provide across multiple teams…

The Learning Principal, Fall 2011, Vol. 7, No. 1 Newsletters Leadership teams set the course for school improvement While the principal sets the vision, a good leadership team can set the course and coordinate faculty work to reach the goal. Learn how principals distribute leadership to bring teacher voices into professional learning planning and assessment….

The Learning Principal, Summer 2011, Vol. 6, No. 4 Newsletters School culture makes the difference on the road to college College Summit is a nonprofit organization that partners with schools across the country to increase college enrollment rates for low-income students by encouraging schools to build strong college-going cultures. Read about the principal’s role in…

The Learning Principal, Spring 2011, Vol. 6, No. 3 Newsletters What learning looks like: Instructional rounds help define and achieve systemwide improvement By Valerie von Frank School leadership: Principals play critical role with participation By Frederick Brown From the Evidence Database: How on-the job learning affects teacher practice in elementary school Tool: Instructional rounds organizer…