Part One - Professional learning without follow through is malpractice Tuesday 1/10/2013

A two part post... to be continued...

Last week began with what was meant to be the biggest typhoon for many years. It did not affect us too much here in Hong Kong.

After a day without children at school I was fortunate enough to attend three PD sessions.

All of these added to my 'learning stack'.

Preparing for Principalship

This is a year long leadership development course run by the ESF. It was interesting listening to Bill who leads the Peak School, Brenda who leads Glenealy School and Jane who leads West Island School speak about leadership. 

Three takeaways for me:

• It is vital for a leader to 'get the pulse' of the school and this can only be done with presence, communication and integrity.
• Leaders need to be able to 'clear the path' as well as 'create the path'.
• Leaders in schools need to be 'learning leaders'. It is not enough to say you are one, you must show you are by taking risks and developing your own learning.

Assessment for Learning with Dylan Wiliam

This was a two day session led by Dylan Wiliam who is a great speaker and one you should take the time to hear if the opportunity arises. He is the author of a great book .

Three takeaways for me:

• Love the ones you are with. It is the teachers you have within your school NOW who can make the difference to the learning. Create time and opportunities for them to develop and grow as teachers and excel in their craft.
• The longer you stay in school the longer you live, the more money you earn and the more you contribute to society. This is why we do what we do.
• Teacher Learning Communities in school. Dylan gave us a very 'do-able' framework for making this happen.

ESF Professional Development Day - Fluencies a Conceptual Age with Lee Crockett

Lee was an amazing speaker and his two keynotes, and the session I attended with him were very thought provoking. His site is packed with ideas and resources  I really appreciate being inspired.

Three takeaways for me:

• Professional learning without follow through is malpractice. This should be a sign up in every staffroom in every school.
• Lee presented a effective structure for problem solving which he said worked through kindergarten to adults - Define, discover, dream, design, deliver (produce and publish) and debrief. I think this will be useful in many ways.
• He read ' Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!' which is a stunning book we should all be reading. Hooray for Dr Seuss!

An amazing week of learning for me. 

Part Two of Professional learning without follow through is malpractice soon.