Values-based Leadership: At the Heart of Sustaining School Reform and Improvement

1. Values-based Leadership: At the Heart of Sustaining School Reform and Improvement A paper on the professionalism of leadership by: Michael Harris and Michelle Johnston Presented at the International Seminar 2005 on The Professionalisaton of School Leadership University of Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany October 2005

2. Age of Public and Accountability Criticism Demands College Readiness

3. This presentation will focus on: Exploring values-based leadership for sustainable improvement; Sharing observations; developing a rationale; Examining lessons learned; Framing values-based leadership within a school improvement focus; Exploring school-based examples; and Identifying implications for the future.

4. Values-based leadership is fundamental and includes: Creating transitions; Improving academic cultures; Overseeing changes; Achieving strategic goals; Empathizing; Enhancing professionalism, and Collaborating to achieve goals.

5. Values-based leadership is guided by values and integrity.

6. Values-based leadership requires that we: Model�lead by example Communicate big and important ideas, visions, and missions Act with integrity and ethics Oversee change without worry about the risks Make decisions Use our power and empower others wisely Encompass collegiality and team building Exude courage and commitment to reach higher standards

7. Interaction between Leader�s core beliefs; Institutional beliefs; and Institutional context.

8. Elmore�s point of view Leaders� clearly articulated expectations; Communicated sense of urgency; High expectations; and Professional development.

9. Clearly articulated beliefs are necessary to: Change the organizational culture; Achieve success; and Ensure that the changes result in continuous improvement.

10. Personal values bring organizational values to life.

11. Kouzes� and Posner�s five concepts Model the Way Inspire a Shared Vision Challenge the Process Enable Others to Act Encourage the Heart

12. Lessons learned Shackleton�working in unity toward a goal Withrow�modeling the values Pryor�committing to and standing by values

13. Competencies of great leaders Manage change Have self-knowledge Establish plans Inspire Have strategic agility Take risks Exhibit calm under fire Set practices Take charge Orient to results Manage diversity Communicate a broad perspective Shares interpersonal sensitivity

14. Acts of leadership include A sense of purpose and ethics Communication skills to frame and deepen the conversation for change Deep understanding of change and transitions Understanding context

15. Without a base of values, competing agendas perpetuate the status quo�just hanging on.

16. Unsuccessful reforms Lights for the football field and removing the library; One more thing that will pass; Limited administrative support and commitment; Turmoil.

17. Focus on results and trigger change by: Encouraging teamwork; Setting goals; and Using performance data.

18. Balanced leadership framework with a values-based leadership construct Fosters shared beliefs and sense of community; Establishes operating procedures and routines; Provides resources and professional learning; Establishes clear goals and puts them at the forefront; Has strong lines of communication; Engages colleagues in important decisions and policies; Advocates for the school; Awareness of personal sensitivities; Challenges the status quo; and Communicates strong ideas and beliefs.

19. Urban superintendent communicates one value�the importance of reading.

20. Power of a teacher-leader�and knowing when to get out of the way.

21. Implications Need for a new type of professional learning for school administrators Include an examination of values-based leadership Elevate school leadership to a professional status

22. In summary, developing leaders, who move organizations through the change process, require a new level of professionalism.