The Lead Learner: Improving Clarity, Coherence, and Capacity for All

With practical examples, stories from the field, and numerous activities and reflective questions, this insightful book takes readers step-by-step through the work of the learning leader, helping them meet the unique learning needs of staff and students.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Preface: Lead the Learning A Perspective From a Lead Learner Author′s Acknowledgments About the Author Chapter 1. Setting the Stage Are We as Leaders Ready to Prepare All Learners for the 21st Century? The Driving Question: Are Our Decisions Leading the Learning? A New Leadership Focus Ensuring Clarity, Coherence, and Capacity: Crafting Improved Leadership Skills Conclusion Reflection Questions Activities Next Steps Chapter 2. Clarity: Strategic Planning Three Questions That Ensure Clarity in Strategic Planning Conclusion Reflection Questions Activities Next Steps Resource Chapter 3. Coherence (Part I): Learning System Infrastructure Setting the Stage for Coherence Establish Progress and Proficiency Expectations Establish Standardized and Customizable Features Coherence: Bringing It All Together Conclusion Reflection Questions Activities Next Steps Chapter 4. Coherence (Part II): Ensuring Inspired and Passionate Teachers in Schools Linking Learner-Centered Beliefs and Behaviors Unmasking Beliefs and Behaviors Hiring and Developing Educators for Impact Conclusion Reflection Questions Activities Next Steps Chapter 5. Capacity: Community Learning Building Capacity Through Continuous Improvement Standardized Success Criteria Customizable Organizational Routines for Learning Conclusion Reflection Questions Activities Next Steps Chapter 6. Crafting: The Lead Learner Facing Competing Beliefs in Learning Lead Learner Practices That Move Learning Forward Establishing Common Agreements for Learning Leverage Protocols for Dialogue Model Current Initiatives in Daily Practice Conclusion Reflection Questions Activities Next Steps Chapter 7. Conclusion Moving Beyond Stark Differences Influencing Educators Recognizing the Rate of Change Epilogue References Appendix Sample Strategic Plans Protocols Sample Evaluation Tools Sample Unit Plan Demonstration Scenario Index

About the Author :
Michael McDowell, EdD was a public school educator for eighteen years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent.  During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades including the National Blue Ribbon Award which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. McDowell serves on numerous boards, served as a college professor, and worked for non-profit organizations to enhance student learning around the world.  Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored bestselling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world.  A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Offering keynotes and executive coaching to heads of school around the world, he partners with educational leaders to implement high leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems through his work with Hinge Education.  

Review :
The enduring contribution of this book is in the guidance it provides leaders to recognize that they are part, an important part, but just a part, of a networked system.  As such, their decisions and actions send messages throughout the system about what is valued and what is not.  Take heed to McDowell’s advice and you’ll have a healthy, growth-producing system that will be the envy of those around you.  The work is possible, the information is available, and the results are clear. As the rules governing the practice of education evolve, educational leaders must be at the forefront of learning to be able to lead effectively. Through my experience in research, professional development and as a school district administrator, I know firsthand that the evolution of any practice – including education – must be informed by those on the frontline who are thought leader practitioners. In his book, The Lead Learner, Dr. McDowell, provides a case for why it is important for the leaders of learning organizations to continue their learning and to be at the forefront of discovery. He provides practical examples though empirical research and storytelling of ways that educational leaders can achieve the status of the Lead Learner.   It is great to pick up a book that puts learning first. This book offers an elegant set of resources that make leading learning so much easier. This is an essential resource for practicing and aspirant school leaders. These tools, ideas, and resources will help you develop a shared commitment to improved learning for all. This book builds upon the work of respected researchers and practitioners, with the goal of achieving the outcomes that are most essential for ALL students.