Collective Leadership and STEM Practices as Catalysts of School Improvement

• In Event: Developing Collective Leadership for School Improvement: The Importance of Partnership and Networks

Abstract

Collective leadership of teachers and administrators can be a vehicle for catalyzing school improvement. This study describes how STEM, effective leadership, and supportive policies catalyze school improvement. Using a theoretical model of collective leadership development, we conducted a multiple-case study to identify common themes across all cases that provided insight into school improvement. Collective leadership accelerates the improvement of others in sustainable ways. We found that 1) STEM cultures of leadership—teams that approach challenges as design problems—permeate instruction, learning, and decision making. 2) Integrated STEM catalyzes collective leadership through co-designing, co-teaching, and collective efficacy. 3) Collective leadership combined with STEM approaches catalyzes a strong orientation toward improvement. 4) Policies should support collective leadership and improvement science practices.

Authors

• Jonathan Eckert, Baylor University
  Presenting Author

• Grant B. Morgan, Baylor University
  Non-Presenting Author