Breaking Through to Effective Teaching: A Walk-Through Protocol Linking Student Learning and Professional Practice

(Paperback)

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School leaders search for effective and practical ways to live out what research tells us makes a difference in student learning. Research literature is easy to embrace theoretically, but it is much more difficult to turn research into compelling collective action. How do we create the climate where the trusting members of a "professional learning community" improve the results of their practice What does it take to be the "small learning community" that includes students and parents as well as professional educators What will we do to harness the positive power of "community" to transform the learning and achievement of all students

This walk-through protocol provides both a process and a tool for inquiry-based professional development, community engagement, and ultimately, student self-direction. It starts with a school's commitment to build an inquiry model that assumes the capacity for extraordinary learning on the part of students, teachers, administrators, and families. The protocol can be employed narrowlyto guide the improving practice of a couple of teachers with a passion for biology, for exampleor more broadly. Many of the improving schools highlighted in the chapters of this book chose the walk-through protocol as a frame for school-wide professional development that led to exceptional growth in learning and student achievement. This process allows schools to create a community where all members approach learning as an inquiry and are proactive designers of their success.

Reviews

At last we have a book that provides practical and constructive guidance for the walk-through. Rather then a device to humiliate teachers and generate confrontation, the protocols and practical advice in these pages will build bridges between teachers and administrators. With compelling examples, vivid detail, and impressive case studies, the authors offer vital assistance to teachers and administrators, from the most experienced veteran to the newest members of our profession. -- Douglas B. Reeves, chairman, The Leadership and Learning Center

Author Bio

Patricia Martinez-Miller is one of the founding members of the UCLA School Management Program. She has many years of experience in the Los Angeles Unified System as a teacher, administrator, and principal.

Laureen Cervone has worked as a technical assistance provider for many years. Prior to joining UCLA's School Management Program, she worked in schools and districts through the federal regional educational laboratory system.