Using Disciplined Dialogue and Evidence to Build a Strong Moral Purpose

Chapter 3 deals with a central part of the leadership framework or blueprint used as a guide for action during the PALL Project . We explain the term ‘disciplined dialogue’ to show how professional conversations stimulated by evidence about student learning in general, and reading in particular can be conducted, always with an eye firmly fixed on the moral purpose of the educator. That purpose is widely accepted as working continuously to improve the life chances for students through learning. In this particular case, the moral purpose was evident in a commitment to improving reading for all children. The driving questions employed in disciplined dialogue are illustrated through a simulated discussion of sample evidence gathered from principals and teachers using a well-tried tool. The chapter also shows that the sources of evidence go well beyond student reading assessment results, though these are clearly essential. Other necessary sources of evidence are derived from the dimensions of the Leadership for Learning Blueprint explained earlier in Chap. 1. The benefits which flow from the use of disciplined dialogue identified during the six PALL research studies are outlined.