A “ Learning Centered Focus School” is one where school leaders and teachers seek continuous learning and continuous instructional improvement to promote teacher efficacy. Educators study and apply the principles defined in the program: Creating the Learning Centered School,designed and developed by Mike Rutherford. Starting with awareness sessions, the program is designed to be quickly embedded into the fabric of the school as trained facilitators use the DVD program to guide groups of teachers in professional conversations and applications. In a “ Learning Centered Focus School” three habits to develop teacher efficacy become the culture of the school:

1. Collaborative, coherently designed professional development
2. Regular, collaborative planning with a common, professional language
3. Regular, growth-evoking, non-evaluative feedback from knowledgeable colleagues.
   

Commitment

Becoming a “Learning Centered School” requires a significant commitment on the part of the school faculty, leadership and the district office. This is not a mandatory program, and it is not district wide. It does, however, require a significant investment of district dollars, and the time, energy, and effort of school leaders, and teachers.

In "Learning Centered Schools", teachers commit to professional development. Teachers move away from “private practice” through dialogue and exploration of teaching and learning. Ideas are shared freely, open to revision and improvement. Teachers accept the responsibility for student learning and create conditions which support level two learning and enhance level three learning for all students. Teachers in learning centered schools have a high degree of efficacy: each one believes and acts on the belief that all children can learn and that the teacher causes learning to occur. Creating a learning centered school requires collegiality, collaboration, and the commitment on the part of faculty members to work together to improve instruction through the application of the eighteen principles of learning centered schools.

 In a Learning Centered School, the school leadership is committed to leading change…taking the long view, not adopting a quick fix program without lasting results. School leaders build time into the schedule for professional development. Principals support the facilitators of the program. They look for applications of learning in the classroom; they articulate and reinforce the eighteen principles of learning centered schools. They create an environment for risk taking as good teachers become great. School leaders nurture teacher efficacy as the primary strategy to improve instruction.

 Systemic support for sustaining and renewing Learning Centered Schools is provided at the District Level. District funds are encumbered. District policies and procedures are examined; barriers are removed and best teaching practice is supported.