The purpose of this resource
This resource, designed for senior leaders, accompanies the online programme ‘Playing the Learning Power Game‘ for staff. It aims to support senior leaders to introduce teachers to their programme and thereafter to take a strategic approach to sustaining momentum as the teachers’ programme develops.
You might assume that since this is a DIY resource for senior leaders it will naturally fall to you to lead this development, and launch ‘Playing the Learning Power Game’ to your colleagues. However, larger junior and most secondary schools often prefer to spread the load of managing the programme by selecting a group of the staff, often known as ‘Learning Champions’. The Learning Champions learn together and work their way through part of the Playing the Learning Power game course before using that experience to involve all staff and manage the Professional Learning Team sessions. This route:
- needs time for Learning Champions to become familiar with ‘Playing the Learning Power Game‘ before launching it in school and allows opportunities to iron out any practical problems;
- creates practical experience of the approach within the school which can act as a ‘go to’ resource for other staff;
- offers senior leaders a significant group of teachers ready, willing and able to promote / support / encourage others.
There is a module specially designed for ‘Learning Champions’ – available on request at no additional cost.
A MUST READ if you are considering the Learning Champion Route
Deciding on Learning Champions:
If you are considering the Champion route, the composition of your group of Learning Champions is of critical importance.
Below are some ‘must do’s’. Experience shows you should ensure that:
- all subject areas / faculties are represented;
- a wide range of experience is represented;
- champions are widely regarded as sound / excellent practitioners if they are to have credibility;
- you have sufficient Champions to lead the Professional Learning Teams you plan to create (see Section 3 of this module for more on PLTs and how they function);
- some senior leaders need to be Champions to demonstrate SLT commitment and to provide a conduit between the Champions and SLT;
- you exploit the opportunity to involve a couple of colleagues who might need to be brought on-side early, rather than leaving them to snipe from the sidelines – most schools have one or two of these;
- directed time is found to enable the group of Champions to meet;
- you consider how you will maintain the morale, engagement and interest in those who are not designated Champions of Learning.
So that, when The Learning Power Game is launched to all colleagues, you have already built a wide network of committed teachers willing and able to support their colleagues.
If this way of working appeals, feel free to contact TLO for further advice / guidance and materials.
Accessing expert advice and support
Whichever route you choose you might consider adding support via Zoom conversations to ensure that you have access to expert advice and a named consultant who can act as critical friend as you move through the programme. If this is of interest, contact TLO to explore possibilities.
The contents of this resource.
This leadership resource has 7 sections:
- Overview: strategic issues and a programme for staff
- A distillation of key messages of Learning Power
- A blended learning programme
- Leadership strategies to secure Learning Power
- Keeping an eye on progress
- Training resources you may find useful
- Where now: where next?
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