Josh's+Page

Owens, R. G., & Valesky, T. C. (2007). //Organizational Behavior In Education.// Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Hi group members and welcome to my page! I hope the articles I have found are helpful.

Rough Draft - we can read and share at next meeting I think - just to make changes and have it flow smoothly.


 * Article One: How Principals and Peers Influence Teaching and Learning**

Abstract: This paper examines the influence of principals and teachers in leading roles through a teacher's perception. It examines the influence and effects leadership roles has on teachers, their instructional strategies, and student achievement. Do principals or peer leaders have a stronger influence, is one of the examining questions. The study included areas of mission and goals, principal trust, focus on instruction, instructional conversation, interaction, and advice networks. Finding were varied in different areas, but demonstrated that one or other type of influence indirectly or directly affected student achievement scores.

Link: [|Article]


 * Article Two: The Place of Autonomy in School Community: Taking a Closer Look at Teacher Collaboration**

Abstract: This study is an observations of two ability to improve the use of professional learning communities or PLCs. The researchers define autonomy as "self rule" and heteronomy as "rule of the other." They argue is becoming more and more in education and without a balance of autonomy teacher professionalism and student achievement has decreased. Their study supports that working in collaboration with other teachers directly influences positive increases in student scores. The study breaks down the two schools' routines and practices in regards to their exemplary professional learning communities. They found three kinds of practices involved in the PLCs: emergent, congruent, and aligned practice. Each practice was further broken down into the four attributes: focus, expertise, structure, and process.


 * Note - this is a long but detailed observation and study of productive PLCs.
 * Note - The metaphor on page 277, second paragraph, is interesting. It shows the relationship between autonomy and heteronomy.

Link: Article


 * Article Three: An Administrator's Challenge: Encouraging Teachers to Be Leaders**

Abstract: This article uses the data of two previous studies to examine the positive and negative ways principals can influence teachers to be leaders. The results give insight on the role of administrator in teacher motivation and leadership opportunities. It also touches on the importance of appreciation, the spirit of collaboration, support in risk taking, and the embrace of change.

Link: Article


 * Article Four: A View of Professional Learning Communities Through Three Frames: Leadership, Organization, and Culture**

Abstract:

Link: Article