CLEE and RIDE Launch the LEAD-RI Community of Practice By Mark Prince
The Center for Leadership and Educational Equity in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Education launched the first LEAD-RI Community of Practice Cohort in September 2019. The Lead-RI Community of Practice helps NISL-trained state, district and school level leaders think more expansively about scaling learning systems to increase equity in a professional practice community. The LEAD-RI Community of Practice uses a highly interactive adult pedagogy, such as Socratic questioning, Instructional Rounds, group discussion and feedback sessions, consultancy through dilemmas, data analysis, and peer leadership coaching to grow, implement, and reflect upon the skills and knowledge gained through the NISL program.
LEAD-RI has three main purposes – 1) Deepen dispositions to lead for equity around cultural competence/responsiveness (i.e. value of diversity as a strength, hold a growth mindset for all, be confident to take personal action and responsibility to lead change toward equitable outcomes, value personal growth and self awareness as a vehicle to impact others); 2) Improve shared leadership and adult collaboration in their schools to increase high and equitable outcomes; and 3) Work collaboratively to collectively build the capacity of principals throughout the state.
The Community of Practice meets for six half days throughout the year at CLEE in Providence. Read some reflections from participating district and school leaders about their impression from the initial meeting.
Before I thought…
“ Not sure what to expect.”
Now I think…
“This is a great opportunity to create the fundamentals of NISL and focus on how to problem solve strategically.”
Before I thought…
“…this would be a direct extension of all NISL work.”
Now I think…
“…it’s even better than that because we are diving deeper into the work around the instructional core to strengthen learning and teaching. The network of peers is invaluable.”
Before I thought…
“…I was skilled at leaving my bias and assumptions at the door while working with others.”
Now I think…
“…this is an area we need to continue to revisit and be mindful of. They can lead our reactions and action steps in the wrong direction.”
Before I thought…
“This is a great opportunity to create the fundamentals of NISL and focus on how to problem solve strategically.”
Now I think…
“…it’s even better than that because we are diving deeper into the work around the instructional core to strengthen learning and teaching. The network of peers is invaluable.”