The idea of conversations around performance reviews, and even more challenging improvement plans, is daunting. Even though the goal is to improve the employee's performance, difficult conversations don't automatically stimulate an environment and culture of continual growth. Establishing and systematizing professional dialogue in the workplace…

Research has begun to show that certain schoolwide characteristics--such as student-centered learning environments, leadership, and safety--can be important for improving student outcomes. In keeping with these insights, school improvement efforts around the country are becoming less narrowly focused on the performance of individual students and…