embracing the challenge, taking the lead A leader in learning – sharing knowledge… Karin Gilbert Nicole Craven

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Knowledge Management What benefits does KM have for the school organisation and how does it translate into achieving organisational goals?

embracing the challenge, taking the lead What are our organisational objectives? To achieve better student learning outcomes

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Ethical imperative to change Align with goals of organisation Develop a knowledge strategy A new way of thinking

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Dimensions of Leadership 3 Dimensions to leadership: Strategic Educational Accountable Each one applies to: Curriculum Pedagogy Governance

embracing the challenge, taking the lead 3 tracks for change Building systems of self managing schools Unrelenting focus on learning outcomes Creating schools for the knowledge society (Caldwell 2006)

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Knowledge in the school organisation Intellectual capital – talent, skills, know- how, know-what, Relationships social capital – machines and networks that embody them – that can be used to create wealth or in educational terms “to ensure learning” (Stewart 2002)

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Schools and knowledge….. This raises an issue for schools and school systems of what account is taken of intellectual assets, and what strategies are in place or are planned to enhance them. One of the strategies is knowledge management. (Stewart 2002)

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Schools and knowledge….. ‘Knowledge management is the process by which the organisation generates wealth from its intellectual or knowledge- based assets.’ Successful KM is consistent with the image of the ‘the intelligent school’ (Stewart 2002)

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Stewart’s second pillar: Know what your knowledge assets are so you can deploy them in a strategic context.

embracing the challenge, taking the lead What knowledge? What knowledge networks are in our schools? Think about: Curriculum Pedagogy Governance

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Knowledge Audit What knowledge does the organisation need to acquire or develop? Where are knowledge flows impeded? How can knowledge be better shared and organised? What knowledge resources are currently in use? What are the current and future benchmarks for knowledge use?

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Important Checkpoints Align strategy with goals of organisation Stages of knowledge process Consider the culture of the school Can KM strategies be measured? Identify and consider ways to manage knowledge risk

embracing the challenge, taking the lead KM & Professional Learning How do you ensure that your knowledge base will grow?

embracing the challenge, taking the lead KM and Professional learning The pedagogic capital of a school needs to be known to plan and implement a professional learning program (2007 Munro) Knowledge networks underpin effective pedagogic capital.

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Brings us to…. Why professional learning? - to continually improve Why school improvement? - to improve student learning outcomes

embracing the challenge, taking the lead What is a professional learning team? A group of teachers working collaboratively to recommend strategies for improving student learning outcomes – using the school improvement framework.

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Professional Learning Teams 1.Enables knowledge sharing; 2.Identifies shared vision and purpose; 3.Evaluates effectiveness of current practice; 4.Maximises use of current data; and 5.Enables recommendations to be given. Problem solving Requests for information Seeking experience Reusing assets Coordination and synergy Discussing developments Documentation projects Visits Mapping knowledge and identifying gaps

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Organisations must foster knowledge giving as well as knowledge seeking.

embracing the challenge, taking the lead The challenge for Leadership “…let me be absolutely clear. The goal is system improvement (all schools in the district). This is so because sustained improvement of schools is not possible unless the whole system is moving forward.” (Fullan 2002)

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Framework School Improvement Agenda moving towards School Improvement Framework Goal Alignment critical to achieving whole school improvement

embracing the challenge, taking the lead

Pedagogy Parents Education in Faith School Community Student Wellbeing Prayer Liturgy Sacraments Parish connection Icons /Symbols Accreditation Organisational Structures Professional Learning Staff Wellbeing Resource Management Leadership & Management Policies Principles Student Outcomes Curriculum Assessment Reporting Student Engagement Student Connectedness Classroom Climate Inclusion Prevention to Intervention Accessibility Wider Community Enrolment Parish Social Justice CATHOLIC SCHOOL VISION Learning & Teaching

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Professional Learning Teams… Reflect Identify Research Evidence Reference (data) Interpret Recommend

embracing the challenge, taking the lead PLT Approach 1.Staff meetings: –Initial meeting –Presentation 2.Staff nominate sphere preference. 3.PLT’s established. 4.PLT meetings: –Brainstorm sheet –Sphere Focus Sheet

embracing the challenge, taking the lead PLT Approach 5.PLT meetings 2 and 3: –Research, use of data, strategies and planning (eg: call or visit another school, literature / website research, contacting a specialist in this particular field) 6.Staff meeting (reporting back in PLT’s). 7.PLT meetings 5 and 6 (as above).

embracing the challenge, taking the lead PLT Approach 8.Staff Professional Learning: –15 minutes allocated to each PLT to report back recommendations to staff 9.Publication on Professional Learning Portal. 10.Reflection on link to School Improvement Plan.

embracing the challenge, taking the lead KM at Mercy Also includes: Professional learning plan for each teacher Learning portals to access relevant information, documents, knowledge

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Professional Learning Portal

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Summary Make KM a priority for your leadership Conduct a knowledge audit Identify your organisational goals and align your action with them Work collaboratively to develop knowledge sharing strategies Use data to clearly position your strategies Your ultimate goal is to improve the wealth of your organisation – student learning outcomes

embracing the challenge, taking the lead Bibliography Beare, Hedley Creating the Future School Routledge/Falmer. London Caldwell, Brian J Re-Imagining Educational Leadership, Acer Press. Camberwell. Cuvelier, Monique “Understanding Today’s Capital: Thomas Stewart Delves into His keynote at Online Information 2006” article Freepint online newsletter, 23 rd November 2006 accessed online at Knowledge Management Better Practice Checklist. AGIMO. Version Available online Siemens George Knowing Knowledge. Available online at Munro, John. Pedagogic Capital: An Essential Concept (and Tool) for Effective School Leaders. CSE Seminar Series Paper No. 161, Feb 2007 School Improvement Framework Catholic Education Office Melbourne. Accessed online