New Patterns of School Supervision: A Handbook for the Reflective Practitioner

Introduction

In "New Patterns of School Supervision," Sergiovanni and Starratt present a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the role of the school supervisor. They argue that traditional models of supervision, which focus on evaluation and accountability, are no longer effective in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. Instead, they propose a new model of supervision that is based on reflection and collaboration.

The Reflective Practitioner

At the heart of Sergiovanni and Starratt's model of supervision is the concept of the reflective practitioner. A reflective practitioner is someone who is constantly thinking about their own practice and how they can improve it. They are open to feedback and willing to experiment with new ideas. They are also committed to lifelong learning.

The Collaborative Supervisor

The collaborative supervisor is a partner in the learning process. They work with teachers to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to develop plans for improvement. They provide feedback and support, but they also allow teachers to take risks and make mistakes. They believe that the best way to learn is by doing.

The Reflective Process

The reflective process is a key component of Sergiovanni and Starratt's model of supervision. It involves four steps:

1. Observation: The supervisor observes the teacher in action.
2. Description: The supervisor describes what they observed.
3. Analysis: The supervisor analyzes the observation and identifies areas for improvement.
4. Action: The supervisor and teacher develop a plan for improvement.

The Benefits of Reflective Supervision

Reflective supervision has a number of benefits for teachers and students. For teachers, it can help them to:

• Improve their teaching skills
• Identify their strengths and weaknesses
• Develop new strategies for teaching
• Become more reflective practitioners

For students, reflective supervision can lead to:

• Higher levels of achievement
• Increased motivation
• A greater love of learning

Conclusion

"New Patterns of School Supervision" is a must-read for anyone interested in improving the quality of education. Sergiovanni and Starratt provide a clear and concise roadmap for developing a reflective practice that can lead to improved teaching and learning.

Call to Action

If you are a school supervisor, I encourage you to read "New Patterns of School Supervision" and to consider adopting a reflective approach to your work. I believe that this book has the potential to revolutionize the way that we supervise teachers and improve the quality of education for all students.