Prosocial learning communities: one step at a time, these three school districts are successfully working at the process of reform, using coaching to bring about change

Leadership, May-June, 2005 by Michelle Karns

Lesson learned: Striving to build success in every interaction requires a moral perspective that assumes the best possible motivation for behavior, treats others as capable and creates opportunity from mistakes, experimentation and corrections.

Most of us have to be coached to develop these skills. Coaching can connect students and teachers in a process that results in world-class schools. It is a high-risk venture that requires vulnerability and the willingness to risk being guided and given feedback about current practices and needs, and possible new directions.

Lesson learned: Trust between the stakeholders is key to building quality learning communities and the quality of these relationships shape results.

One step at a time

Atwater, Youngstown and Bakersfield are making gains because of what they are doing and what they are attempting to do. They are striving to become a different kind of school system, not just one that makes API or AYP this year. They are not perfect or finished with change, by any means, but they have begun the process of reform effectively and will need to continue their hard work. They are not waiting to have change done to them. They have identified a goal to create the prosocial learning environments and have set about to do so through coaching, one step at a time.

References

DuFour, Richard and Eaker, Robert. (1993). Professional Learning Communities at Work: Best Practices for Enhancing Student Achievement. Bloomington, IN: National Education Service.

Michelle Karns is a school improvement consultant and author. She can be reached at mskarns@pacbell.net.