Date of Submission

6-25-2024

Document Type

DiP

Degree

Doctor of Education

Department

Education

Keywords

Complex, Innovation, Adaptive Leadership, Learning Organization, Systems Thinking

Abstract

More attention should be paid to an innovative mindset and a framework to support educators in complex educational landscapes. As leaders, we rarely take the time to focus our efforts on preparing schools for the inevitability of change. Agility College (AC) is a school that takes pride in its dedication to teaching and learning. We can rise even higher to support mid-level leaders (MLL) and be better prepared for our school’s future. An emerging problem of practice represented in my dissertation-in-practice which was highlighted during the pandemic was the need for a comprehensive change framework to support innovation and adaptability within AC, specifically to support MLLs. Applying adaptive leadership, systems thinking, and Kotter's eight-step change model helps frame a roadmap centred on the inclusion of diverse voices that can be used to help build our learning environment. Culture and psychological safety are examined as vehicles to support ongoing authentic engagement. Highlighting the importance of using tools like the congruence model and Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) helps the MLLs and I identify and evaluate problems. The preferred solution for AC is the establishment of a Learning Lab which attempts to create an environment where collective intelligence can thrive. The success of the Learning Lab lies in the fact that it goes beyond one-off training to develop leadership at scale and establish a learning environment (DeSmet et al., 2021). I hope the MLLs at AC will be able to learn and grow as professionals as we embark on this learning journey together

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