Valerie von Frank – författare

How great groups make great schoolsTraining leaders how to conduct effective meetings is important, but it′s not enough to ensure that the professional development process is valuable. This field book shows educators how to develop group culture, enhance facilitators′ skills, and optimize the group′s most precious resource—its members. The authors describe how to form working committees, task forces, grade-level, and department teams, and faculties that are more effective and better equipped to resolve complex issues around student learning. Specific topics include Understanding eight principles that underlie effective groupsLearning the five standards for effective meetingsSetting clear goals and rolesPracticing new ways of talking for improved collaborationExamining perceptions and mental modelsEnhancing energy sourcesWorking with conflictDeveloping basic facilitation skillsThis practical guide′s special features include the newly updated seven norms of collaboration, a sample team assessment survey, instruments for assessing meeting effectiveness, an extensive bibliography, and practical examples embedded throughout the text. Practitioners will find a valuable road map for leading effective, student-focused school improvement efforts.

Bridge the generation gap and achieve outstanding results!

You might expect the occasional age-related misunderstanding to find its way into the classroom—after all, if today’s kids aren’t exactly from another planet, they’re definitely from another generation. At least you and your colleagues are all on the same page…right? Not necessarily. In some schools, as many as four generations work side by side, and that means countless chances for crossed wires, miscommunication, and perhaps even mistrust.

Authors Jennifer Abrams and Valerie von Frank are attuned to these generational differences.  In this book, based on Abrams’ popular workshop, the authors demonstrate how educators can look past their own generational filters to reap the benefits of seeing through a new lens. Focusing on the major contexts in which generational differences play out—including recruitment, coaching, professional learning, and succession planning—this book offers

Tools, checklists, and recommendations for collaborating, evaluating, and engaging in professional learning that meets multigenerational needs Professional development activities that cultivate an understanding of generational differences and strengthen workplace culture Real-life stories and case studies that bring the topic to life

With this honest, practical, and often amusing look at generations at work, you’ll learn to improve communication, retain staff, and look toward succession—a multigenerational plan for school success.

“Few people today are taking on this topic, particularly in the U.S. One of the greatest leadership challenges of this age is how to work across generations. Newer generations are not flawed versions of previous generations—each has its own compelling perspective to contribute. This is the best book to add to an issue that affects all educators and will open up many people’s thinking about leadership.” — Andy Hargreaves, Thomas More Brennan Chair Lynch School of Education Boston College, MA

When teachers use data effectively, students see results. Learning Forward is a leader in understanding and advancing professional learning that leads to student success. This series explores Learning Forward’s seven Standards for Professional Learning, which outline the characteristics of effective professional learning. In this volume, the authors explore the crucial function of data for designing, implementing, and evaluating professional learning. The book’s features include: An original “think piece” by Thomas Guskey on using data in deliberate and thoughtful ways in the context of professional learning Specific implementation strategies that focus on analyzing student, educator, and system data and assessing progress A detailed case study of one district’s journey to successful use of data and how it led to measurable improvement in student achievement Learning to collect, analyze and use data is an essential component of professional development. When schools are able to make data work for them, students are the ones who benefit.

Professional development that increases educator effectiveness and student success! Learning Forward is a leader in understanding and advancing professional learning that leads to student success.  This series explores Learning Forward’s seven Standards for Professional Learning which outline the characteristics of effective professional learning that, collectively, advance teaching and learning. This volume gives teachers and administrators a detailed roadmap for implementing the Outcomes standard. Deepen you knowledge of this standard with:  

An original essay by Delores B. Lindsey and Randall B. Lindsey on using the lens of Cultural Proficiency to highlight the theme of educational equity that is embedded in the standard Practical tools that guide leaders in finding coherence between performance standards for educators and curriculum standards for students A powerful case study to illustrate how the standard was enacted across a major urban school district

With this book, educators will reach new heights in professional growth and students will reap the benefits!

 

The right learning design can support professional growth!

Learning Forward is a leader in understanding and advancing professional learning that leads to student success.  This series explores Learning Forward’s seven Standards for Professional Learning which outline the characteristics of effective professional learning that, collectively, advance teaching and learning.

In this volume, you’ll get original essays, an inspirational case study, and detailed guidance on implementing the Design standard.  Deepen your knowledge of standards with

An original essay by Eleanor Drago-Severson that offers a fresh take on designs for professional learning that is grounded in adult developmental theory Practical tools that assist readers in selecting appropriate learning designs that promote educator growth Examples of powerful designs for professional learning that are job-embedded, promote active engagement, and support implementation

With this book, educators will reach new heights of professional growth and students will reap the benefits.

Secure the resources needed to support educator professional growth! Learning Forward is a leader in understanding and advancing professional learning that leads to student success. This series explores Learning Forward’s seven Standards for Professional Learning, which outline the characteristics of effective professional learning that, collectively, advance teaching and learning.  In this volume, you will learn creative strategies for prioritizing, monitoring, and coordinating the resources required for educator learning and student success. This book includes: 

An original essay by Karen Hawley Miles and Anna Sommers on how school systems can reconfigure people, time, technology, and money to improve and sustain educator growth Implementation strategies, practical tools, and specific examples for maximizing resources—especially time—for teacher learning A case study of how Dearborn Public Schools, Michigan, shifted existing resources to drive professional learning despite tough economic times

Learn how wise management of professional learning resources can help achieve stronger outcomes for your educators and students!