MACMILLAN Instructional Leadership and Leadership for Learning in Schools: Understanding Theories of Leading (Palgrave Studies on Leadership and Learning in Teacher Education)

Review “This is a groundbreaking work of scholarship that brings together preeminent voices from around the world to think together and about two of the most critical concepts in the field of education, leadership and learning. In the process, longstanding ideas are uprooted such as the singular, heroic leader in a hierarchical system that can single-mindedly drive a school to perform according to set targets. This book, by contrast, demands a more democratic leadership built around the collective strengths of followers, in which not only children learn, and which pursues education outcomes far beyond a narrow preoccupation with test scores. This remarkable book should be required for every education leadership student anywhere in the world.” (Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor, Stellenbosch University, South Africa)“Great teachers are first great listeners. The authors in this collection have had the opportunity to listen and to learn from schooling sites around the world. They’ve brought that privilege and that experience to this book. Paraphrasing part of the liturgy of one religion – If you are interested in being less of what you used to be and more of what you ought to be – then this is guidance in the shift from managing schools to leading learning. A welcome summary that deserves attention – and action. All premised on the analysis of these experts.” (Dale Mann, Professor Emeritus, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA and Managing Director, Interactive, Inc.)“With shared teacher, school and system leadership now acutely recognized as critical factors in explaining high performing Learning Systems, this impressive international volume on Leading Learning in schools could not be more timely. Tony Townsend brings together a collection of compelling international authors who reveal the importance of leadership competencies for complexity, new approaches to leadership learning, the conditions which enable the shared leadership of learning and the significance of the impact of leadership on learning.” (Anthony Mackay, President and CEO of the National Center for Education and the Economy, USA) Product Description This book offers a nuanced understanding of how two different theories of leadership can be applied to achieve better results within schools. These leadership theories – Instructional Leadership and Leadership for Learning – have assisted our recent understanding of school leadership. This book interrogates the theories themselves as well as their impact on education systems around the world. It also looks at how they can be practically applied to educate school leaders within their schools and beyond, building partnerships with families, schools and other community agencies serving students. In doing so, the book considers the possibility that these theories are not opposed, but two sides of the same coin. Both are underpinned by the question ‘how do we provide the best educational experience for students?’. The answer to this question will determine the way leaders go about the task of leading schools. This important book will be of interest and value to students and scholars of educational leadership, as well as educational leaders themselves. About the Author Tony Townsend is Professor of Educational Leadership at Griffith University, Australia. His research interests include leadership, school effectiveness, school improvement, and teacher education, and he has published widely on these topics.