Discovering the dimensions of effective leadership
On Tuesday 14 October, education expert and organisational pyschologist, Professor Viviane Robinson, gave the 8th annual Ann D. Clark Lecture at The Sebel Parramatta to over 380 educators and staff from the Parramatta diocese, other dioceses and educational systems.
Professor Robinson’s lecture focused on the influence of school leaders on student outcomes, identifying five dimensions of effective leadership for schools to consider in their own strategies for improvement. The five dimensions Robinson outlined were as follows:
1. Establishing Goals and Expectation
2. Resourcing Strategically
3. Planning, Coordinating and Evaluating Teaching and the Curriculum
4. Promoting and Participating in Teacher Learning and Development
5. Ensuring an Orderly & Supportive Environment
Professor Robinson challenged leaders to think about how they were developing each dimension of leadership in their school or system, reinforcing the positive impact leaders can have on learning outcomes.
“The more leaders focus their relationships, their work and their learning on the core business of teaching and learning, the greater their influence on student outcomes,” said Professor Robinson.
Professor Robinson is currently Professor in the Faculty of Education in the University of Auckland, an appointment she received shortly after the completion of her doctoral studies at Harvard University. She is an organisational psychologist, specialising in school improvement, leadership and the relationship between research and improvement. She is the author of five books and numerous chapters and journal articles.
Professor Robinson is passionate about doing research that makes a difference to practice in schools. She was recently honoured in Australia in her invitation by ACEL to deliver the William Walker Oration and was the recipient of the 2007 Headley Beare award for educational writing.
The annual lecture is held in honour of Ann D. Clark, the founding executive director of schools in the Parramatta diocese, who retained that position until her death in 1997. Ann is remembered for many educational initiatives that have since been adopted by other systems, both State and Catholic.
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