Collaboration and Data Management

School leaders can implement a system of periodic student data review for the purpose of making system changes if necessary based on performance trends to accommodate student needs (Fullan, 2010). The data reviews should be followed by observations of teacher practices to link the student outcomes with instructional procedures. This strategy promotes the sustenance, of a nurturing, advocacy-based school culture that promotes student learning and teacher growth (Fullan, 2007). Following these actions within a structured system, collaborative meetings should be held to discuss any changes or additional strategies that may be needed. Teachers can collaborate in pairs or across grade levels to support each other by sharing strategies that work in specific instructional areas. One benefit of this strategy is the opportunity that teachers receive to collaborate. Collaboration is a powerful tool for providing a variety of sources for resources, information, and assistance. A challenge that may be experienced within the process of collaborative planning is coordinating time for teachers to meet, observe other teachers, or mentor one another.

Fullan, M. (2010). Positive Pressure. In Second International Handbook of Educational Change. Toronto, ON, Canada: Springer Science+Business Media.

Fullan, M. (2007). Professional learning of educators. In The new meaning of educational change. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.