The Effective School
Introduction
The Effective Schools is both an educational movement and body of research which examines school-based factors which positively influence learning outcomes in both primary and secondary schools. It is a priority target for all European education systems, as the knowledge society demands α school that educates people in critical thinking, innovation and flexibility.
Description
There are different views of the effective school, as the term could imply different approaches to leadership, curriculum, teaching and learning approaches and techniques, school management and parents’ involvement. Dr. Larry Lezotte was one of the pioneers of the Effective Schools movement, which began in 1966.
As the school is a social construction and investment in human capital, the society expects this investment to be cost effective and profitable in terms of social improvement, thus contributing to development and ensuring prosperity and social inclusion in Europe and beyond.
This course focuses on the effectiveness of the school, in terms of quality education, employing all the approved innovations that improve and secure school quality and effectiveness. Leadership, curricula, teaching-learning methodologies, learning styles, relations and exchanges with the local society, inclusion education, reporting and quality indicators system will be widely discussed and enrich the participants’ knowledge and experience. Apart from school principals, the course will be beneficial for all teachers of any discipline.
The course is going to have insights at the key characteristics of the effective schools and explore ways of implementing an effective school.
Learning Objectives
The main learning objectives of this course can be summarized as follows:
- Understand the Foundations of Effective Schools:
- Define the key components of an effective school.
- Explore the historical and theoretical foundations of effective school models.
The three different modules:
A. The theoretical approach to effective school;
B. Simulation and team work on the effective school
C. Lessons learned and ways forward.
The course provides knowledge, methodology, insights and skills on the following key topics:
- Effective Schools –history and movement
- Managing the change
- Introducing the innovation
- Securing high quality education
- Modern and effective teaching and learning approaches
- Professional development of the teacher
- The Finnish success story.
The course will empower school principals, teachers and other school stakeholders to turn their schools in learning organizations, effective, productive and at the same time attractive to students and families.
Learners will:
- Learn how to manage the introduction of a quality system at school, using an School Management Plan
- Acquire knowledge about the movement of the Effective Schools
- Learn how to motivate teachers and students
- Assist teachers to develop their professional qualities
- Get knowledge about the new teaching and learning approaches that fit to an effective school
- Get knowledge and skills on implementation and innovation processes
- Learn to implement the “whole school approach”
Methodology and Assessment
The key principles, methodologies, and assessment strategies that align with the goals of the course.
Leadership and Vision:
The role of leadership in creating a vision for the school.
Effective communication strategies for conveying the vision.
School Culture and Climate:
The impact of school culture on student achievement.
Strategies for fostering a positive and inclusive school climate.
Instructional Leadership:
The role of instructional quality in improving teaching and learning.
Effective strategies for curriculum implementation.
Collaborative Decision-Making:
Involving stakeholders in decision-making processes.
Skills for fostering collaboration.
Data-Driven Decision-Making:
Explore the use of data to inform decision-making and assess school performance.
Methodology:
Lectures and Discussions:
Lectures for providing foundational knowledge.
Discussions to encourage critical thinking.
Case Studies:
Case studies of successful schools to identify best practices.
Group Projects:
That require students to apply course concepts to real-world scenarios.
Foster teamwork and collaboration.
Assessment:
Individual Assessments:
Quizzes and exams to assess understanding of theoretical concepts.
Group Projects:
Evaluation of group projects.
Peer evaluations.
Case Study Analysis:
Application of course concepts to real-world scenarios.
Class Participation:
Active participation in discussions and activities.
Contributions to group discussions and presentations.
By incorporating a variety of teaching methods and assessment strategies, this course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of effective school leadership and management.
Course program
| Day | Activities |
| Monday | Welcome-Registration-Ice breaking activities-Outline of the course program. Program objectives-Participants’ presentations-Expectations and objectives-Practical information about the course. Short presentation of the Greek Education System |
| Tuesday | Introduction to the Effective School Understand the Foundations of Effective Schools:Define the key components of an effective school.Explore the historical and theoretical foundations of effective school models. School Management Plan (SSMP)- Creation of a SSMP. |
| Wednesday | Conflict management in an Effective School Alternative forms of an Effective School |
| Thursday | Managing the change Introducing the innovation Securing high quality education |
| Friday | Modern and effective teaching and learning approaches Professional development of the teacher The Finnish success story. Certificates ceremony Farewell |
400Euros. Includes only tuition fee
Contact:
Dimitrios Kalaitzidis
Sessions
- 2024-3-25 to 2024-3-29
- 2024-6-24 to 2024-6-28
- 2024-11-18 to 2024-11-22
- 2025-4-7 to 2025-4-11
Registration
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfksCQ_0QvW2BimFu3Q3WaYDOdHn30rMNihA8tUTMJEKSSUxA/viewform
