OVERVIEW
Critical Friends is a formalized exchange program among school leaders in many countries. The OPC is offering these learning opportunities with Head Teachers’ Associations in various locations throughout North America and abroad; where the programs are currently running successfully. There is a potential for exchanges in numerous other countries.
A critical friend has been described as “a trusted person who asks provocative questions, provides data to be examined through another lens, and offers critiques of a person's work as a friend” (Costa & Kallick, 1993). The benefits of participation are profound, but most importantly, it can inform school improvement strategies, improve teaching and learning and impact student achievement through exposure to experiences in other countries with students. It also enhances the ability of a school leader to focus on the merits of the school program within his/her district and the direction needed for continuous growth.
The Ontario Principals’ Council makes this professional growth opportunity available to its Members at a reasonable cost. Costs associated with the program include a two day training program that provides the framework for investigation, flights to and from the partnering country, resources (minimal) and a one day debriefing upon completion of the program to detail the action research reporting requirements. Costs vary with each program.
Watch for announcements in the Education Leadership Canada bulletin for upcoming opportunities.
KEY INSIGHTS
Study tours to selected countries will be organized by the co-ordinator. Participants will include:
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Candidates interested in global topics related to leadership capacity building.
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Candidates prepared to bring research to the Institute for Education Leadership for consideration.
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Candidates willing to commit to present findings for the associations’ meetings/publications/websites etc.
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Candidates willing to maintain a network of school leaders within and beyond Ontario who would continue the dialogue and sustain the momentum of international research/networking. Topics may be offered by a subcommittee and would be reflective of the interests and needs common to school leadership across Ontario and beyond.
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All participants must engage in the required training on action research and the follow-up debriefing expectations for sharing results of the inquiry.
To download the 2009 Ontario/New South Wales Principals’ Exchange Overview click here.
For more information on the International Leadership Research Exchange contact Education Leadership Canada (416)-322-6600 or 1-800-701-2362.