CPD Team

This post was written by Lynne Sinclair (professional adviser to Scottish Government) and delegate to the International Summer School on Leadership

Professor Harris shared with us that she arrived at the conference  during a thunderstorm. Her insightful and thought-provoking presentation ensured that she departed to thunderous applause.

She opened her comments by sharing that she is passionate about understanding how schools improve in order to maximize the life chances in all children.  This passion was obvious throughout her seminar as was her determination to ensure that research is relevant and informative in educational reform.

She covered a wide range of areas in the short hour and I could happily have listened far longer both to her wisdoms and her wicked sense of humour.  By drawing together highlights in research she delivered compelling messages in relation to school improvement and leadership .  She argued that distributed leadership is a common denominator in schools that have secured and sustained long term improvement. She highlighted that leadership is highly context dependent. She emphasised the importance of effective teaching. Flowing through her comments was her view that schools can improve themselves. She urged us to ask the question before any improvement initiative is introduced, “What difference will this make in the classroom?”

Professor Harris wondered aloud if we would only have listened to 10-15% of her presentation as this would be in line with some research. I for one would say no as I was thoroughly engaged and inspired. Maybe the next time we hear her will be at the signing of her forthcoming book….

PS Alma referred during her presentation to the OECD report on school leadership.

Tags: Alma Harris, Lynne Sinclair, summer school
Categories: Leadership