ERRR #098. Steve Capp on Effective School Leadership
Jan 7, 2025
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Steve Capp, an acclaimed school principal known for his expertise in turning around primary schools, shares invaluable insights on effective leadership. He discusses the importance of empathy in decision-making and how it can enhance school culture. Capp emphasizes the critical role of evidence-based teaching strategies in improving literacy and numeracy. He also highlights the need for collaboration among educators and the value of recognition in fostering a positive learning environment. Ultimately, he advocates for a culture of continuous improvement in schools.
Steve Capp emphasizes the significance of effective school leadership in improving educational outcomes and fostering a supportive school culture.
The Explicit Mathematics Program illustrates the importance of comprehensive resources and collaboration among educators to enhance student learning.
Establishing clear boundaries is essential for educators to maintain a healthy work-life balance while promoting student engagement and effectiveness.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) are crucial for addressing diverse student needs and ensuring equitable learning opportunities.
Deep dives
Acknowledging Indigenous Lands and Educational Initiatives
This episode opens by recognizing the ancestral lands of the Wurundjeri, Woiwurrung, and Boonwurrung people, emphasizing the ongoing impacts of colonization. The discussion transitions to the Explicit Mathematics Program (EMP), an extensive mathematical curriculum designed by educators from Australia. This program spans foundational to year two, offering comprehensive resources including lesson plans, daily reviews, and assessments aligned with various Australian curricula. The hosts highlight the collaborative efforts of prominent mathematical educators, illustrating a commitment to effective teaching and learning methodologies within the program.
The Catalyst Project and Its Impact on Education
Catalyst, an evidence-based educational initiative within the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, aims to enhance teacher effectiveness through structured professional development. This project draws on local and international expertise, emphasizing the importance of integrating the science of reading and learning in classrooms. By collaborating with educational researchers and practitioners, Catalyst seeks to transform teaching practices and improve student outcomes. The hosts invite educators to explore opportunities within Catalyst and engage in professional development that resonates with current educational needs.
Setting Boundaries as a New Teacher
One of the essential tips for new educators is to establish clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Given that 44% of jobs may be automated, it emphasizes the need to address cycles of disadvantage through effective teaching practices. The discussion indicates that setting boundaries helps teachers manage their workload more efficiently while promoting student engagement. This insight serves as a foundational principle for sustaining long-term success in the teaching profession.
Steve Kapp's Transformational Leadership Experience
Steve Kapp, currently the principal of Chelsea Heights Primary School and former principal of Bentley West Primary School, shares his extensive experience in educational leadership. With a strong focus on bridging research and practice, Steve emphasizes his dual role in improving educational outcomes and fostering a supportive school culture. He discusses the remarkable turnaround experienced at Bentley West, which became a reference model for high-achieving schools in Australia. Steve's journey reflects the significant impact a dedicated principal can have on both student learning and community engagement.
Measuring Success: Literacy and Numeracy Improvements
Under Steve's leadership, significant rises in literacy and numeracy rates have been achieved, notably through focused NAPLAN assessments. The narrative is anchored in evidence, showcasing the rise in students meeting the highest performance bands and a drop in those under the expected levels. Steve emphasizes the importance of internal measures, such as student confidence and enthusiasm for learning, as indicators of success. These qualitative aspects inspire educators visiting the schools to explore and replicate effective practices within their own communities.
The Role of Explicit Teaching in Educational Reform
The conversation highlights the transformative effects of explicit teaching methods on student engagement and learning outcomes. Steve shares his journey of collaborating with coaches and educational experts to implement effective instructional strategies. He notes the importance of systematic and structured approaches in teaching foundational skills, particularly in reading and numeracy. This focus not only benefits current students but also lays a solid foundation for future educational practices across the school.
Individualized Support: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Steve discusses the value of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in addressing the diverse needs of students. By recognizing and intervening early for students struggling to meet learning objectives, schools can provide tailored support mechanisms. The approach aims to prevent widening gaps in student knowledge and ensure that all students progress together. Steve stresses the importance of collaborative efforts within the school community, emphasizing a shared responsibility for each student's learning journey.
Creating a Collaborative and Reflective School Culture
Steve advocates for a culture that embraces open communication, feedback, and reflection among educators. By employing structured protocols and tools for collaboration, staff can better understand their individual leadership styles and contributions. He highlights the importance of balancing extroverted and introverted leadership qualities to foster a more inclusive environment. The discussions underscore the value of individual strengths and the collective goal of enhancing student learning outcomes.
In this episode, host Ollie Lovell speaks with acclaimed school principal Steve Capp to hear what it takes to turn around not one, but two primary schools. Steve shares countless pearls of wisdom on everything from pedagogy to management.
Full show notes at www.ollielovell.com/stevecapp
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