Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems

by Michael Fullan

Third, improving teaching and learning practices was at the heart of the capacity building strategy. Investments were made in collective capacity building related to instruction and leadership. Sustained professional learning, focused on a set of high-yield instructional practices, was offered consistently across the province to create a common language, knowledge base, and skill sets for teachers and leaders. Learning sessions were always followed with application and networks for support. Change was accelerated with the easy accessibility of video exemplars, digital supports, and webinars created by Ontario teachers and leaders. Capacity building was not mandated, but when the quality was so high and so accessible in multiple formats, the diffusion was widespread. At the secondary level, a similar set of high-yield literacy strategies for grades 7–12 were identified. Curriculum teams from each content area were then invited to create resource banks tailored to their content areas. This engagement of expertise from the field ensured that the offerings were relevant and credible, while reinforcing the partnership and goals.