Leadership, collaborative learning, and student achievement – discover what works! Today’s improving school systems require educators who intentionally collaborate and co-learn in service of students to get expected results. This resource-rich book from experts Sharratt and Planche is a straightforward, strategic path to achieving sustainable communities of deep learners. Research-proven inquiry techniques, vignettes, case studies and practical action-oriented protocols help you build strong learning relationships for high-impact student achievement. System leaders, principals and teachers learn to:  Integrate diverse views and perspectives Build trust and hear every voice Apply a replicable inquiry framework to leverage key resources and processes Build students’ cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills  Use "Assessment-in-Action" to improve, monitor and sustain student and staff progress  Build a collaborative culture through learning together Use this guide to transform your school from a place of ‘good intentions’ to a center of intentional practice today! "Is your school ready to learn to meet student needs as a team? If so, Leading Collaborative Learning: Empowering Excellence is the book to help your staff learn together in order to improve student learning." Renee Peoples, Teaching and Learning Coach West Elementary, NC "This is more than just another book on school leadership or school improvement. Collaborative learning is essential for success, and educators working in any capacity can find information here about how their role contributes to the process. From system leaders to school leaders to teachers to students, this book clearly explains the necessity of everyone’s participation in collaborative learning processes. As the authors state, participation in collaboration "is a powerful way to deepen educator capacity, to increase the value of the professional capital in the school, and to harness the power of the collective." Melanie Mares Sainz, Instructional Coach Lowndes Middle School, VA

Table of Contents:
List of Figures and Tables Foreword by Jim Knight Introduction by John Hattie Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Chapter 1. Leading Collaborative Learning Moving to Excellence Guided by Research Definitions Set the Stage How We Lead Matters Our Research Broad Themes Emerging From the Research Collaborative Learning Cultivates Leadership The Impact of Collaboration on Student Learning A Pause for Reflection Chapter 2. From Theory Into Action Conditions for System Success Constructivism Frames Our Approach to Inquiry Collaborative Learning Is Our Approach to Leading Translating Our Theory of Action Into Four Practical Elements The Impact of Collaboration on Student Learning A Pause for Reflection Chapter 3. System Leaders Working Alongside School Leaders The Importance of System Leadership Leadership With Attitude: From Collegiality to Co-Learning Preparing Leaders to Lead Learning Structures That Drive Learning Applying Our Theory of Action The Impact of Collaboration on Student Learning A Pause for Reflection Chapter 4. School Leaders Working Alongside Teacher-Leaders Leadership for Student Achievement and Collaborative Learning Five Dimensions of Leadership Contextual Factors That Build Collaboration Using Leadership Influence Practical First Steps Enabling Collaborative Inquiry The Strong Case for Accomplished Teacher-Leaders in Every School Data That Matter When Time Is an Issue, a System Leader or Principal Might . . . Voices From the Field: A Case Study Applying Our Theory of Action The Impact of Collaboration on Student Learning A Pause for Reflection Chapter 5. Teachers Working Alongside Teachers Unstructured and Structured Collaboration Changing the “What” in Learning Conversations Learning Protocols as Scaffolds to Successful Collaborative Inquiry Applying Our Theory of Action A Pause for Reflection The Impact of Collaboration on Student Learning Chapter 6. Teachers and Students Working Alongside Each Other Teaching Is Evolving What’s the Difference? Cooperative Learning, Collaborative Learning, and Co-Learning Authentic Collaborative Learning Matters Teachers as Stewards Personalization and Differentiation Matters Classroom Inquiry-Based Learning: A Timely Approach Student-Led Learning Walks Applying Our Theory of Action A Pause for Reflection Our Culminating Event The Impact of Collaboration on Student Learning Afterword by Michael Fullan Appendices Appendix A. Survey Questions Appendix B. A Protocol to Establish Norms of Engagement Appendix C. Inhibiting and Enabling Conditions for Collaboration Appendix D. Sample Collaborative Discussion Protocol Appendix E. Benefits and Challenges of Networked Learning Communities Appendix F. Guiding Questions for Leaders in the Establishment of a School Leadership Team Appendix G. A Professional Learning Protocol: Sharing Student Work as a Driver for Co-Learning for Three to Four Participants Appendix H. A Protocol for the Process of Co-Learning With and Without Release Time Appendix I. Practical Beginnings to Inquiry-Based Teaching and Learning Appendix J. Assessment Within Inquiry Processes The Book Study Glossary References and Further Readings Index