Stage5_Maturity_Sustainability

**Dimension: Relationships,Collaboration,Interconnectedness and Communication**

 * Focus:**Developing and enhancing relationships both within the cluster and outside the cluster


 * Explanation**:Once a cluster is established it is important to share and reciprocate ideas and knowledge with other clusters/schools. This can be done through a number of channels such as attending Virtual Learning Network (VLN) monthly meetings,share documentation via VLN website and VLNC communication channels. Once a cluster becomes mature it will also want to work with other schools through projects etc.

Maintain good lines of communication and ensure there are induction processes in place for new staff.
 * Action**: Develop further relationships both within the cluster to include all staff and develop relationships outside the community.

__Link to VLN site and VLNCommunity__ Greater Christchurch Schools
 * Supporting Resources**:

** Dimension:Learner Needs **
**Focus**//://Review current teaching and learning practices,Identify areas of need and strength,Share with all teachers and learners.
 * Explanation**//:// Once a cluster has established it is important to continually improve practices and share best practice both within the cluster and nationally. By continually reviewing current practices and seeking to improve learning teaching and learning then the learner needs can be met//.//

Use student feedback to inform practices. Have teachers attend conferences and professional learning opportunities to share and expand ideas.
 * Action:** Have a regular system of professional development and review.


 * Supporting Resources**:__Link to Ulearn conferences/ Link to professional learning examples on VLN__

**Dimension:Logistical Coordination (Participation & Reciprocity)**

 * Focus:** Working with others outside the cluster.


 * Explanation**: As a cluster matures it will be able to share courses, resourcing, staffing and projects.The VLN community works on a philosophy of reciprocity and sharing rather than purchasing courses. The cluster may feel they can invite other schools to join the cluster.


 * Action**:Offer courses to other clusters and share with other clusters if capacity allows.


 * Supporting Resources**:__Link to VLN Courses__

**Dimension:Professional Development & Support**
**Focus**:Develop regular professional learning opportunities for teachers and ensure it is financially supported//.//


 * Explanation:** All the research and early experiences of clusters is that professional learning for teachers is vital. This may take various forms such as attending conferences, doing study, shared learning with other teachers, peer teaching and learning, regular meetings, huis etc.This allows teachers to develop the skills and knowledge needed and allows more experienced teachers to share their experiences. Some clusters have used Common Learner Management systems to coordiate this and have documents stored. The VLNcommunities organisation is also a very valuable support community that can share and give support. This should be budgeted for in the strategic plan.


 * Action**:Continual renewal and expanding of expertise. Ensure this is budgeted for in 5 year plan.


 * Supporting Resources**:__Link to VLN site and VLNCommunities.Also link to university courses.__

**Dimension:Pedagogy**

 * Focus**:Sustaining and reviewing practice that allows for change as pedagogy develops.- //Concerns based action model.//


 * Explanation:** As a cluster has established they should have developed policies and procedures for making the cluster sustainable and flexible. This should allows members to develop and explore teaching and learning practices that meet the learner needs and this will develop and grow over time especially as new technologies and methods evolve.Funding should be budgeted to allow professional learning of members, this may include professional development activities both online and face to face and also allow members to be invovled in further education such as post graduate papers and research. Clusters should have regular review practices and strategic plans that allow for ongoing development and these should be reflected in the school goals and charters so members of the Learning Community Online also are supported by their base school and can lead change in practices and pedagogy of all staff. This is particularly important as staff changes (Particularly Principals) can mean that a school's level of involvement may change if the new staff are unaware of the committment of the school to the cluster.


 * Action**: Develop a review process and strategic plan.

Tertiary providers Core - Ulearn/ Learning at School/efellowships
 * Supporting Resources**:__Link to BECTA model__

** Dimension:Technical Coordination **

 * Focus**:Developing strategies for review and adopting new technolgies and how they will be integrated to teaching and learning.


 * Explanation:**Once a school or cluster has established they will often be ready to explore other technologies and ways of involving other students, classes and teachers. It is important that this is done in a planned way and inclusive of all staff and students. This may require a high investment of professional learning and exploring and reviewing process.


 * Action:** As part of the strategic plan include how new technologies as they come on stream will be reviewed and evaluated before being implemented. This policy and procedure should be flexible enough to allow for the unknown to be able to be included in a safe and strategic manner.


 * Supporting Resources**:__See TKI and VLN site__

**Learning and Teaching Resources**
**Focus:** Regular review of teaching and learning resources to ensure they are current and up to date.Ensure innovation and research inform practice.


 * Explanation**: As things change so quickly it is important that schools and teachers develop procedures that allow them to continually review and up date their practice and adapt their resource base. There is an increasing body of research being developed and it is important that this informs practice otherwise schools can have an adhoc approach that often leds to teachers working in isolation rather than working collectively and sharing. As teachers do this then they will also be able to support students to sharing and working collaboratively. Students can be active participants in co-constructing learning resources for themselves and other students.

Keep up to date with research. Subscribe to rss feeds of relevant websites and resource repositories. Have a system to review current teaching practices and resources. Professional development programme that keeps staff up to date. Include student voice and innovation. Share both within and outside the LCO.
 * Action:**

__Links to current research NZCER Others Derek you know of ? __
 * Supporting Resources:**

**Administration & Support Strategies**
**Focus:** Regular review of systems to ensure LCO management is sustainable.


 * Explanation:** As personnel can change and as the needs of the LCO will change it is important that the adminstration practices and lead management teams are sustainable. Do not rely on one or two individuals to drive the LCO as this can make the LCO vulnerable when key people leave. It is important as new personnel, especially Principals, come into the cluster then the cluster goals and procedures are shared.

Establish a cycle for review of LCO policies and protocol. Build leadership capacity across the LCO and provide opportunities for distributed leadership. Establish a process for induction of new Principals and leadership personnel within schools.
 * Action:**


 * Supporting Resources**:__ Links??? __

**Focus:** Develop a strategic plan to meet financial goals that allows for sustainability e.g. 5 year plan


 * Explanation:**The strategic plan needs a funding model that allows for the cluster to be self sustaining and grow as the needs of the cluster develop and change. This should be regularly reviewed and adapted and be included in school documentation and annual planning.


 * Action:** The strategic plan has a funding model that allows for the cluster to be self sustaining and grow.


 * Supporting Resources**:__See eCluster Review report for details__

**Evaluation and Strategic Planning**
**Focus:** Develop a strategic plan and self review process for meeting cluster goals that allows for sustainability e.g. 5 year plan


 * Explanation:** An ongoing cycle of review and strategic planning will ensure that the LCO is responsive to the changing needs of the participating schools. It is important to align this process to the shared vision of the LCO and improving the learning opportunities for all students. This will ensure that if and as changes are made, they reflect the true purpose of the LCO and are not just expediant measures. A long term strategic plan is critical to give enough time to sustain momentum towards LCO goals by providing continuity and some security of appointment to key personnel.

All schools involved have had input and included the goals of the cluster in their own school charter and documentation.
 * Action:** A strategic plan and review process for meeting cluster goals is firmly in place that allows for sustainability e.g. 5 year plan.

__Link to eCluster review report__
 * Supporting Resources**:

**OUTCOME** **Sustainability**
Clear process of review and renewal in place and followed. Cluster remains fresh and self-renewing
 * Success Indicators:** Other schools invited to join. Cluster continues to grow and is self sustaining.