School reformers usually start out with high levels of energy and commitment to the process. Unfortunately, institutionalizing change is a long, arduous process, and over time competing responsibilities and the slow pace at which gains are made can drain enthusiasm.
Strong leadership can help ensure that initial reform objectives are achieved.
In addition to making key decisions and following through on their implementation, effective leaders build consensus, promote buy-in, and delegate authority among participants. Ultimately, strong leadership is about good management. This lesson details the essential attributes of reform leaders, and describes how a well-administered project can motivate others to internalize reform goals. Strong Leaders lay a groundwork for reform Teachers, administrators, and community members often hold well-formed expectations about how schools should function and what students are capable of learning. This can mean that the individuals responsible for implementing reform may be asked to put their personal perceptions and experience aside because they conflict with reform objectives.