STRATEGIES TO ESTABLISH SHARED AGREEMENTS

Shared agreements promote a common understanding of collective action and individual responsibility. They outline policies and procedures for "getting the job done" and help to ease any anxiety teachers may have about leading. To create shared agreements simply address the 5Ws and 1H.

Who. Establish who is responsible for getting something done. That includes the team and individuals. (From the scenario presented at the start of this article where the staff decided to "focus our professional development time on reading strategies," the team is responsible for planning school improvement efforts, the team creates the agenda, and each member comes prepared to share ideas for the professional development day.)

What. Be specific about what needs to be done. It is helpful to specify tasks to be accomplished as well as actions to be taken. (From the scenario: Plan a method to illustrate to teachers what the data show about how students are performing in reading.)

When. Everyone must be aware of deadlines. Outline when and how often a task needs to be done. (From the scenario: Teachers will implement the reading strategies every day beginning tomorrow.)

Where. Consider different environments. For example, what will happen in the classroom? At the district office? (From the scenario: In the classroom, teachers will practice using the reading strategies.)

Why. Establish a sense of purpose for activities. (From the scenario: Understanding the importance of the "reasons to celebrate" ritual may help teachers actively participate.)

How. Ensure that everyone knows in what ways the job will get done. (From the scenario: At times the principal seemed to be the only active participant. The team could agree that everyone participates as equals.)

Even when a school has a vision of shared leadership, teachers may continue to depend too much on the principal. For a variety of reasons teachers may, at times, disengage from leadership activities. Creating shared agreements that specify collective action and individual responsibility is a powerful way to engage teacher leaders.