Seven+Disciplines

 **Introduction to __[|Seven Disciplines for Strengthening Instruction Diagnostic] __ **

Tony Wagner and his team from the Change Leadership Group at Harvard worked with school districts across the country to improve student performance and identified seven disciplines that when well-established, improve student learning. Seven Disciplines for Strengthening Instruction Diagnostic, a tool designed by Wagner’s team to guide schools to systematically reform, facilitates the reflection process. In particular, it asks school personnel to rate the school on seven facets that are instrumental in creating effective learning experiences for students. A group of my colleagues and myself reflected on our schools’ current level of effectiveness within each facet as we completed Seven Disciplines for Strengthening Instruction Diagnostic Tool.

**Reflection **

The last five-years, I feel privileged to have been part of a school that is evolving, largely due to an effective educational leader. However, the exercise of completing this tool and discussing it with colleagues, spurs me to put on my “if I were the principal” hat and look at developing systematic changes. In doing so, I noted practices that are in place, as supported by evidence and looked at prioritizing practices to move the school along the continuum toward furthering the establishment of each discipline. The interactive nature between all seven disciplines is evident. Although, I attempted to isolate them for the purpose of discussing how to grow in the discipline, I strongly believe that raising the level of one will positively effect many of the other disciplines. My priorities are guided by my deep commitment to developing the capacity of teachers. My belief is an echo of many researchers, including Wagner, who says that we must “create schools and districts where all educators are learning how to significantly improve their skills as teachers and as instructional leaders”

Administrator Standard #3; Content Guidelines E Administrator Standard #6; Content Guidelines A, E