Learning side by side: Teachers and principals work together to strengthen instruction

摘要

The Kent School District, Washington's fourth-largest district, is experiencing rapidly changing demographics. In 2013, the district implemented a professional learning plan in an effort to strengthen instruction and eliminate achievement gaps between student groups. The yearlong plan focused on side-by-side learning: teacher leaders working with principals and teachers working with teachers. To encourage collaboration, the plan incorporated learning walks, professional learning communities, and an inquiry cycle to develop a strengths-based stance for observation and feedback.