Learnership: Invest in Teachers, Focus on Learning, and Put Test Scores in Perspective

Put the focus of education back where it belongs—on learning! Do you feel bogged down by endless administrative tasks? Do you wish you could focus more on what truly matters—learning? Learnership provides both insight and solutions for moving past the distractions and becoming a learning leader. Cathy Toll illustrates this transformational process through activities and focused "learning conversations." Toll uses supported actions, theory and research, real-life stories, and narrative bibliography to explain how the practice of learnership can be implemented on a daily basis. This book offers: Practices to help teachers improve their effectiveness using problem-solving techniques More effective ways to approach data, testing, and accountability Strategies for supporting Professional Learning Teams (PLT) and educational coaches Learnership is an invaluable resource for principals and teachers in school-based leadership roles, or anyone who wishes to focus on school improvement and their own personal growth as a leader in education.

Table of Contents:
List of Figures Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Introduction to Learnership Felicia Robertson, Washington Intermediate School Gordon Fielding, Centerville High School The Difference 2. Look for Learning Teacher Learning as a Path to Student Learning How to Look for Learning Principals as Learning Leaders Conclusion 3. Understand Learning Systems Learn Shifts in Identity Shifting Perspectives Conclusion 4. Inquire into Learning Information Sources of Information Contradictory Claims Differing Viewpoints Data Problems Data Redux A Role for Principals Conclusion 5. Put Test Scores in Perspective Mile Markers on the Journey What Information? Information of Greater Value So What? Principal Attention to Student Learning Teacher Learning Teacher Supervision These Curious Times Conclusion 6. Influence Learning Disequilibrium Tune In to Disequilibrium More on the Question Prompt Disequilibrium Processes that Enhance Learning Conclusion 7. Support Learning Educational Coaching Professional Learning Teams Principal Leadership Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions Conclusion Narrative Bibliography References Index

About the Author :
Cathy A. Toll is a consultant and author who supports learning by helping professional learning teams, educational coaches, and school leaders to invest in teachers’ capacity to make a difference for students.. She has published widely for teacher leaders, including four books for coaches and numerous articles in professional journals. She has served as a teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, a reading specialist, a curriculum coordinator, a principal, director of literacy research and development, university professor, grant director, consultant, and educational coach. Her PhD is from Pennsylvania State University, with a focus on curriculum and instruction, language and literacy education, and teacher professional growth.

Review :
"Administrators will find this book to be a useful tool in working with their staffs to encourage 'Learnership' throughout their buildings." -- Nancy M. Betler, Talent Development Facilitator and National Academic League Commissioner "In Learnership, Cathy Toll reminds us that we didn't get into the teaching profession to make 'data-driven decisions' and shows how starting with an issue and 'thinking data' can enhance learning. This book came at the perfect time in my career. It's a book I'll keep around to reference & refuel." -- Andrew Goodin, Chemistry Teacher "Cathy Toll makes a contribution in the professional field and calls educators to focus on student learning instead of data and instruction as the tools for student learning." -- Patricia J. Burke, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction