Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) sent a team of six representatives to the British Council/CELSI International Leadership Conference in London during the summer of 2002.  In addition to the Maryland delegation, participants in this conference came from England, Russia, Egypt, Scotland, Germany, South Africa, Hong Kong, Sweden, Italy, Turkey, and Norway.  The major focus of this conference was to explore the links between school leadership and student learning.  Dialogues during the conference included topics on the impact that collaboration among schools, local areas, and higher education has on student learning; the definition of effective school leadership; and strategies for advancing leadership development.  The Maryland team focused on three major questions during the conference:

• What can we learn about leadership development from other countries that will help inform our work?
• What structures/policies/belief systems do other countries have in place that may strengthen our K-16 Partnership?
• What accountability measures do other countries have in place that may help Maryland as we move into the next decade of reform?

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) hosted a study visit of nine head teachers (the UK equivalent of principals) from Dudley, England in October 2002.  This visit was a collaborative effort with the British Council intended to provide a mutual professional growth experience for the host principals and the visiting head teachers.  The group was in Maryland for nine days, and highlights of the trip included:

• A videoconference at the World Bank and a trip to the U.S. Capitol
• A visit to the Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Sudbrook Magnet Middle School, and Wellwood Elementary School
• Placement for three days with Maryland principals in a collaborative working relationship
• A visit to a Professional Development School