Leadership Team Training Program Elements

 The Mission: Proficiency in Academics and Character

A discussion of the proper Mission of 21st Century public education: Academic Proficiency and Strong Character for all children. We will work to establish, unambiguously, the responsibility we adults must assume for achieving this Mission.

 The Mindset: Two Models of Development

To reach rigorous standards of proficiency, educators and their students need a positive, healthy mindset about intelligence and development. We investigate two contrasting belief systems about the nature and distribution of intelligence: the crippling, prevailing innate ability mindset (corresponding to Dweck’s “Fixed” mindset); and the contrasting "Get Smart" Mindset (sustained, effective effort builds intelligence) required for continuous learning and high performance.

This module is at the heart of all Efficacy Experiences and is the foundation for subsequent learning and work.

 Method: The Self Directed Improvement System (SDIS)

The SDIS is a Method of data-driven analysis that students and educators can use to improve their teaching and learning strategies. This simple, powerful approach can be used with existing school data sets.

 Performance Orientation vs. Learning Orientation

Based on the work of social psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, this module explores two different psychological responses to failure and difficulty—one debilitating, the other adaptive, actually mobilizing effort toward learning.

 Strong Side vs. Weak Side

 A simple, useful model of character development that emphasizes the individual’s power of choice.

 Mission Strategy Planning

Participants will work through a detailed planning framework for operationalizing the Efficacy Approach in their schools.

 Managing Resistance

This set of modules explores psychological resistance to change, a common phenomenon in schools undergoing reform. Leaders will practice identifying the underlying reasons for resistance, and develop strategies for effectively responding.