Thus, high performance expectations are held for each individual member. Improvement is also an expectation. These practices support the proactivity of individuals who are consciously moving away from reactive behaviors. Rather, individuals see themselves as interdependent with the entire community. A sense of togetherness and mutuality of interests pervades a school that is becoming a learning community.
Individuals learn from one another and find strength in diversity .
Supporting this connectedness among individuals is a norm of honest and open communications. A school does not change the vision and norms that motivate its members without intentionality. The school's leadership can, however, employ rituals, heroes and stories in an effort to strengthen the culture for learning. Through this process, heroes can be recognized and held up as role models for others. And storytelling regarding individual and collective failures and successes can be facilitated and perpetuated.