Learning & Leading With Habits of Mind

Management is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about nur-

turing and enhancing.

—Thomas J. Peters

Having worked with numerous schools and school districts over the past
decade, we have found that one element in successful implementation of
the Habits of Mind is the support for the habits by leadership personnel.
Often the school principal holds this role. Sometimes, however, a teacher,
department facilitator, librarian, counselor, or vice principal is given this
opportunity. Some of the functions and responsibilities of this person are
the following:

•Making presentations to staffs, parents, and the public about what
the Habits of Mind are, how to teach them, their importance, and their
place in the school curriculum.
•Advocating the values and benefits of the Habits of Mind, encour-
aging others to employ them in their own lives and careers, and recog-
nizing performance in others.
•Coaching teachers, administrators, and parents in the use and value
of the Habits of Mind.
•Designing action research and encouraging data collection about
the effects of the Habits of Mind on students and staff.

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Leading Schools with

Habits of Mind

Part IV