The Value of Professional Development

In the book Development of  Professional Expertise a lot of  focus is on the military and how the military can get better at what it does.  Schools are obviously a lot different to military organisations, but one thing that schools can learn is highlighted in the following extract :

'An SAS (British Special Air Services) officer remarked ... on the problem that afflicts many third world armies, of concentrating on acquiring expensive technology rather than applying basic training and skills.  On his own travels abroad, he said, he found again and again that his hosts disbelieved all that he told them about the achievements of the SAS being based on intensive, ceaseless and meticulous training and preparation: they all secretly believe that there is some pill you can take if only you will tell them what it is.'

When you read the quote substitute:

• SAS (British Special Air Services) officer for  successful school leader 
• Third world armies for under-performing schools
• SAS for high performing schools

'A successful school leader remarked ... on the problem that afflicts many under-performing schools, of concentrating on acquiring expensive technology rather than applying basic training and skills.  On his own travels abroad, he said, he found again and again that his hosts disbelieved all that he told them about the achievements of high performing schools being based on intensive, ceaseless and meticulous training and preparation: they all secretly believe that there is some pill you can take if only you will tell them what it is.'