Simplexity

Michael Fulland & Joanne Quinn  coherence—The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems

As principal of a school in improvement, there is a constant sense of urgency. The need to facilitate learning differently is evident by our initial data, but the opportunity to be innovative to make it happen provides us with a multitude of possibilities. Recommendations are plentiful from a variety of researchers promising growth and positive change. What stands out with Michael Fullan and Joanne Quinn's new book coherence is the endorsement from one of educations top researchers John Hattie, author of Visible Learning

On the first page, first paragraph, Hattie states it eloquently. "Coherence is a book that demands action--it moves from the narrative of fixing one teacher at a time to asking about the coherence of the system (be it school, national, or world issues).  Fullan and Quinn create an important narrative about direction, working together, deepening learning, and securing accountability. The book sparkles with examples of coherence in action; it makes no excuses for employing the wrong levers of change.  This is the blueprint for a new vocabulary of education action; it shows where we need to go next, and is another example of Fullan at the top of his game" (Hattie, 2016).

Fullan and Quinn developed a coherent framework for school improvement planning starting with putting the "right drivers in action" as their foundation and leadership at the center. Their action framework puts the right drivers in action on the "route to success".  Start with focusing direction in each of your school systems, cultivating a collaborative culture with strong groups and individuals, deepening learning for better outcomes, and building capacity for results by developing skills to secure accountability.

As a building leader with many systems in need of revisiting with a pressing sense of urgency, the "simplexity" of the framework makes the task of prioritizing easier to facilitate the change that needs to occur.