Context+and+Rationale

=Dandenong Ranges Leadership Network=

Context:
The Dandenong Ranges Network (DRN) is one of ten Eastern Metropolitan Region networks in the state of Victoria, Australia. The Student Family Occupation (SFO) is .41 and is the third highest in the region. A study of student aspirations in Outer Eastern Melbourne (Langworthy et al, 2007) shows that students and parents do not have high educaitonal aspirations. This means that school leaders need to focus on student engagement and provision of pathways for students. DRN teachers traditionally work for long periods in the same school, therefore, implementing change can be a challenge for leaders. One principal reports tht leadership is generally not high on teachers' agenda which means that strategic planning will be required to attract active paricipation in a leadership network.

Rationale:
Building the instructional leadership capacity of principals and school leaders to improve teacher practice is a key improvement strategy in the Dandenong Ranges Network 2009 Annual Implementation Plan. The Dandenong Ranges Leadership Network is a strategy designed to address three main aims: It is envisaged that the network will assist aspirant leaders by providing opportunities for teachers to: · Develop own identification of self as a leader through membership of the network · Develop others’ recognition of themselves as a leader through membership of the network · Participate in professional development, both as a recipient and active contributor · Undertake relevant and current professional reading · Take part in professional discussions about current educational issues and professional reading · Build collegiate networks · Participate in online networking forums through the Dandenong Ranges Leadership Network wikispace
 * 1) To increase the members’ leadership knowledge and skills
 * 2) To increase the members’ ability to contribute to leadership practice in their schools
 * 3) To increase the number of teachers and current school leaders who are prepared and motivated to take on further leadership roles in schools