Exemplary Leadership

Barbara McSwain
May 26, 2008

Exemplary leaders are brilliant at prioritizing and focusing on what is truly important. This is as true in the education world as it is in the world of business. Warren Buffet, the second richest man in the world, was asked in an interview by Charlie Rose about the secret to his success as a businessman. Buffett answered that it was his ability to focus. Buffet is able to pick just the right things to focus his attention. First he does extensive research and finds companies in which to invest that meet specific criteria, including having the right people. Buffett allows those people to run the companies and he is committed for the long term. It is not complicated. It does not hurt that he happens to be brilliant!
Exceptional leaders discover high payoff activities to engage in and think about. They are decisive and take action. In the world of an educational leader, that would include the Learning-Focused Balance Achievement model.

            


After years of implementing Learning-Focused in thousands of schools across the United States, "We have learned a lot.  We have learned that schools can and do achieve when they concentrate on a prioritized curriculum, common unit/lesson design that emphasizes the top 5 learning strategies identified by the U.S.D.O.E. Districts should systematically address as many of the bubbles as possible on the Balanced Achievement Model," stated Max Thompson, founder of Learning-Focused at the Amazing Conference on Continuous Improvement in February 2008.
Educational Leaders must continuously challenge themselves to the following questions:

  • Where should I focus my attention and actions in order to insure the highest increase in student achievement?

  • How can I prioritize my time to ensure that I am able to conduct 5x5's (Monitoring 5 minutes a day, 5 different classrooms, 5 times a day) and conduct Walkthroughs (a vertical walkthrough the school 3-5 times a year for a snapshot of the entire school)?

  • How do I get "buy in" from the Board of Education, teachers, students and parents?

  • How do I know when to change from a supportive role to an evaluative role?

Exceptional leaders focus on benchmark assessments to guide decision making. Formative and summative assessments guide decision making for instruction and of learning. Benchmarks for progress serve as a guide to move the district/school forward. This approach allows leaders to focus their time and attention on the most essential components of Balanced Achievement to increase student achievement.
Exceptional Leaders are constantly assessing where they can best use their time and attention. They have the ability to focus!