Building and Connecting Learning Communities

Steven Katz is the director of Aporia Consulting Ltd. and a faculty member in the Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE, UT), where he teaches in the Child Study and Education graduate program. He is the recipient of the OISE, UT- wide award for teaching excellence. Steven has a PhD in human development and applied psychology, with specialization in applied cognitive science. His areas of expertise include cognition and learning, teacher education, networked learning communities, leading professional learning, and evidence-informed decision making for school improvement. He has received the Governor General’s Medal for excellence in his field and has been involved in research and evaluation, professional development, and consulting with a host of educational organizations around the world. He is the author of several best-selling books, including Leading Schools in a Data-Rich World, Building and Connecting Learning Communities, Intentional Interruption, and The Intelligent, Responsive Leader. Lorna M. Earl is a director of Aporia Consulting Ltd. and a retired associate professor from the Department of Theory and Policy Studies at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. She was the first director of assessment for the Ontario Education Quality and Accountability Office, and she as been a researcher and research director in school districts for over 20 years. Throughout her career, Earl has concentrated her efforts on policy and program evaluations as a vehicle to enhance learning for pupils and for organizations. She has done extensive work in the areas of literacy and the middle years, but has concentrated her efforts on issues related to evaluation of large-scale reform and assessment (large-scale and classroom) in many venues around the world. She has worked extensively in schools and school boards, and has been involved in consultation, research, and staff development with teachers′ organizations, ministries of education, school districts, and charitable foundations. Earl holds a doctorate in epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as degrees in education and psychology. Sonia Ben Jaafar is a research associate at Aporia Consulting Ltd. She works internationally to support policy and program development and implementation through applied research and evaluation. Her areas of expertise include assessment, accountability, educational reform, policy and program development, and comparative studies.Ben Jaafar graduated from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto with a PhD in theory and policy studies. She also holds an MA in curriculum, teaching, and learning; a BEd specialized in science education; and a BSc in biochemistry.

"Taking your school from great to greater—to get there, this compelling book gives you tools to use with staff for reflecting on and refining your professional practices. It provides you and your team with effective options for taking learners to the next level of improvement."

• PrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbout the Authors1. Why Networks? Why Now?It’s About LearningNetworks: A Powerful Organizational ToolTime for Reflection2. How Networked Learning Communities WorkWhat Are Networked Learning Communities?How NLCs Work: The Theory of ActionUsing NLCs to Focus Local PLCsThe Anatomy of a NLC: A Refined Theory of ActionTime for Reflection3. Establishing a Clear and Defensible FocusFocus ForemostEvidence-Based FocusFrom a School Focus to a Network FocusTime for Reflection4. Collaborative Inquiry to Challenge Thinking and PracticeThe Importance of RelationshipsFrom Inquiry to an Inquiry Habit of MindFrom Relationships to Deep CollaborationGetting to Powerful Collaborative InquiryTime for Reflection5. Leadership in Networked Professional Learning CommunitiesRoles of Formal LeadersRoles of Informal LeadersTime for Reflection6. From Student Learning to Teacher LearningTowards Focused Collaborative InquiryCollaborative Inquiry for Teacher LeadersWithin-School Focused Professional Learning: Collaborative Inquiry for TeachersTime for Reflection7. Using the Network to Support Professional Learning for LeadersCollaborative Inquiry and Focused Learning for LeadersUsing Critical Friends to Promote Inquiry and Focus EffortsFrom Collaborative Inquiry to Instructional Leadership ActionsTime for Reflection8. Sustaining Networked Learning CommunitiesSustaining Collective UnderstandingSustaining Professional LearningSustaining and Broadening LeadershipSustaining Powerful Networked Learning CommunitiesTime for ReflectionReferencesIndex