Characteristics of learning schools

The most important characteristics are –

School vision and mission

Clear and accessible to most staff

Shared by staff

Perceived to be meaningful by most staff

Pervasive in conversation and decision-making

Culture

Collaborative

Shared belief in continuous professional growth

Mutual support

Belief in providing honest feedback to colleagues

Sharing of ideas and materials

Support for risk taking

Encouragement for open discussion of difficulties

Commitment to helping students

School structure

Open and inclusive decision-making processes

Distributed decision-making

Team teaching

Frequent problem-solving sessions

Preparation periods for teachers to work together

School strategies

A systematic strategy for goal setting involving students, parents and staff

Development of school growth plans

Defining priorities for action and periodic review and revision

Resources to support professional development