EAGSR 7115 Building Communities of Practice
If true reform is to occur in schools, school change leaders need to utilize approaches aimed at mobilizing student, teacher and parent communities. This course will examine a variety of ways school leaders may develop 1) a community of student learners that addresses self-responsibility academically and socially, 2) a supportive culture for teachers through induction, coaching and mentoring and 3) a plan to engage parents in the agenda of the school. Students will explore the literature that frames the importance of social learning, delve into historical beginnings of communities of practice and explore promising approaches in the US and in international settings. The course will also reference and reinforce the literature on professional learning communities and discuss the skills and processes necessary to build and sustain the professional capacities of building-based faculties.