ERRR #086. Gwyn Ap Harri on Building, Breaking, and Fixing a World Famous School
Jan 1, 2024
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Gwyn Ap Harri, CEO of XP School Trust and realsmart, talks about scaling up challenges and overcoming them. He discusses the successes and challenges of XP School, distinguishes malice from stupidity, explores relational problem solvers and their connection to leadership, and emphasizes the importance of clear line management and accountability. The podcast also touches on measuring the quality of teachers and exploring line management and accountability in organizations.
Accountability and empowerment are crucial for personal and collective growth.
Relational problem solving leads to more effective outcomes.
Adherence to processes, like effective project planning, ensures accountability and successful outcomes.
Data-driven decision making and student input promote transparency and enhance teaching and student experiences.
Deep dives
Recognizing the need for coaching and accountability
Accountability is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth, and even the most successful individuals and athletes have coaches to hold them accountable. Accountability is not about external control, but rather about empowering individuals to meet their own commitments and goals.
The importance of relational problem solving
Relational problem solving focuses on honoring problems with time to figure things out through collaboration and consensus building. It acknowledges that the world is built on relationships and that solutions are often simpler when viewed through this lens. Taking a relational problem solving approach can lead to more effective outcomes.
Balancing empowerment and accountability
Empowerment and accountability are not mutually exclusive, but work in tandem to drive personal and collective growth. Accountability involves being held accountable to one's own commitments and goals, while empowerment involves taking ownership of one's actions and working collaboratively to solve problems and meet objectives.
The importance of rigor and adherence to processes
At XP, adherence to processes, such as effective project planning, is crucial to maintaining accountability and ensuring successful outcomes. By rigorously following established processes, educators can deliver high-quality projects that meet desired objectives.
Importance of Performance Narratives
The podcast episode discusses the concept of performance narratives and how they play a vital role in improving adult agency within the school. Performance narratives are a way of assessing the quality of various aspects, such as crew curriculum, finance, professional core practices, and subject integrity. By analyzing data and feedback, leaders can make informed decisions to enhance the effectiveness of these areas. The goal is to systematically address challenges and continually improve adult practices in order to create a positive educational environment.
The Iterative Process of Improvement
The podcast highlights the iterative process of identifying and addressing areas of improvement within the school. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and the courage to hold onto one's convictions in the face of challenges. The process involves setting clear goals, such as fixing finance and professional core practices, and continuously reassessing and refining strategies to ensure effective leadership and teaching practices. This iterative approach allows the school to respond promptly to issues, create a culture of transparency and accountability, and facilitate the emergence of effective solutions.
The Role of Data and Student Input
The podcast emphasizes the importance of data and student input in understanding and addressing issues within the school. It highlights the need to move away from solely relying on book looks and walkthroughs and instead leverage student feedback to gain insights into teaching practices. By asking students about their experiences and perceptions of different subjects, teachers, and aspects of school life, leaders can gather valuable information to better understand strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This process promotes a culture of transparency and empowers teachers and leaders to make data-driven decisions to enhance teaching and student experiences.
The Focus on Leadership and Systematization
The podcast underscores the significance of effective leadership and systematization in driving school improvement. It emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize their role in improving adult practices and developing a shared understanding of the school's vision and goals. Through systematizing processes, such as performance narratives and assessments, leaders can create a clear framework for evaluating and improving various functions and maintaining accountability. This systematic approach allows for continuous improvement, empowers teachers, and helps create a positive and high-performing school culture.
