EDLD 5399 Week 3 Part 2

Our district has been working over the past 10 years to align the district curriculum to the state standards. Four years ago, the district leadership added the rigor and relevance framework to the district. This year, with the introduction of the more rigorous STAAR and higher accountability standards, the district collaborated with Lead4ward to increase the rigor of our curriculum and instruction. This year we have given teachers more time to plan collaboratively, to deconstruct the TEKS, and to write rigorous lessons and assessments. I served as a member of the CoreWork diagnostic team, the District Educational Improvement Council, and the Campus Academic Advisory Committee. Through these, we have moved our district forward, but there is still much room to grow.

EDLD 5399 Week 3 Part 1

Concerns – Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research, and list at least three concerns that you have identified from these experiences – a concern may be any matter that engages your attention or interest.

1. Lack of sufficient rigor in curriculum and instruction to meet the new state standards
2. Lack of clearly defined/implemented district policies and procedures for 504 accommodations
3. Lack of ongoing support for new teachers and struggling teachers

Affirmations - Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research, and affirm or identify at least 3 actions that must be sustained and supported to achieve the District/Campus improvement initiatives.

1. Served as a member of the CoreWork diagnostic team to assess C&I
2. Served as a member of the District Educational Improvement Council
3. Served as a member of the Campus Academic Advisory Committee

Recommendations - Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research and describe at least 3 recommendations you would make regarding the District/Campus Improvement plans or action research plans.

1. Increase time for teachers to plan collaboratively.
2. More professional development for teachers, counselors, and administrators.
3. Better evaluation of programs – monitor and adjust as necessary.

Evaluate - Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research and identify at least 3 strategies for evaluating the improvement plans or recommendations.

1. Served as a member of the CoreWork diagnostic team to assess C&I
2. Served as a member of the District Educational Improvement Council
3. Served as a member of the Campus Academic Advisory Committee

EDLD 5399 Week 2 Part 2

First day:

Goal(s)

To move into and get settled into my office.

To meet and greet all employees who come by to visit.

Objective(s)

Be friendly and approachable.

Activities addressing goals and objectives

Move stuff into office.

Smile.

Visit with staff.

Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives

Boxes.

First week:

Goal(s)

Revise and edit the faculty handbook.

Objective(s)

Revise and edit the faculty handbook.

Activities addressing goals and objectives

Revise and edit the faculty handbook.

Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives

Faculty handbook.

Computer.

Staff input.

First month:

Goal(s)

Plan welcome and staff development activities for the beginning of the school year.

Objective(s)

Plan welcome and staff development activities for the beginning of the school year.

Activities addressing goals and objectives

Plan welcome and staff development activities for the beginning of the school year.

Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives

Staff input.

Assistant principal help.

Computer.

Music.

Food.

Games.

First year:

Goal(s)

Achieve advanced academic performance on STAAR.

Build morale.

Build a culture of caring about each other and the students.

Objective(s)

Achieve advanced academic performance on STAAR.

Build morale.

Build a culture of caring about each other and the students.

Activities addressing goals and objectives

Achieve advanced academic performance on STAAR.

Build morale.

Build a culture of caring about each other and the students.

Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives

Staff input.

Assistant principal help.

Collaborative planning.

Fun surprises for staff.

EDLD 5399 - Week 2 Part 1

These are the activities I engaged in for competency 1:

Obtain a copy of the job description and evaluation instrument used for the principal position. Analyze the correlation between the requirements listed in the job description and the performance standards of the evaluation.

Review the officially adopted curriculum in one area. Note the philosophical base that underlies the curriculum. Cite any recommendations for inclusion  of other philosophies that would better serve the needs of all students.

Meet with a group of school staff members (e.g. secretaries, clerks, etc.) to discuss their perspectives of ethical/unethical behaviors employed by certified personnel in the district. Seek recommendations for policy changes, additional training, and/or consequences to ensure increased ethical practices by certified personnel.

Develop the following interpersonal skills throughout the school year:

-          Acknowledges the accomplishments of others

-          Seeks to know and understand others

When leading meetings:

-          Encourages others to participate

-          Encourages consideration of varying perspectives

Review the board policy manual. Interview  the assistant superintendent to discuss the compilation and updating process of the manual and the role of the board in the process.

These are the activities I engaged in for competency 2:

Analyze the school’s vision/mission statement as it relates to the school’s master schedule. Determine if the vision statement is reflected in the reality of the master schedule.

Review the strategic plan for the district. Note the personnel involved in the plan’s development, implementation, and evaluation. Investigate support and concerns from the various parties involved.

Review board policy and administrative regulations regarding data collection, assessment, and evaluation. Evaluate the degree to which the policy and/or administrative regulations are being implemented. Write a reflective statement about ways in which the leader would seek to improve compliance in this area. The intern will prepare a policy/administrative regulation proposal for board consideration.

Choose a current issue in the district (504 testing accommodations). Use steps for issue resolution with a small group of concerned parties. Reach consensus for a plan to resolve the issue and/or critique on areas where the resolution failed.

With permission of the superintendent, observe a district cabinet or district administrative team meeting where the leader plans to use collaborative decision making. Observe the leader’s behaviors in outlining goals/problem definition, seeking information, providing information, clarifying/elaborating, challenging viewpoints, diagnosing progress, and summarizing.

 These are the activities I engaged in for competency 3:

Review board policy and administrative regulations regarding how communications will be managed in the district. Assess the level of compliance with policy/regulations, and write a reflective statement describing how communications might be improved.

Interview one or more persons involved in district public relations. The interview will include strategies for effective communication to and from the community and the issue of community politics.

Examine the current policy and procedures for parent involvement in the district. A brief summary of the district’s initiatives in parent involvement will be included in the notebook.

Examine and evaluate the school library with regard to resources that address the heritage and values of culturally diverse populations.

Compile a list of social agencies that are available to help and support the students, faculty, and administration.

These are the activities I engaged in for competency 4:

Obtain a copy of the job description and evaluation instrument used for the principal position. Analyze the correlation between the requirements listed in the job description and the performance standards of the evaluation.

Review the officially adopted curriculum in one area. Note the philosophical base that underlies the curriculum. Cite any recommendations for inclusion  of other philosophies that would better serve the needs of all students.

Meet with a group of school staff members (e.g. secretaries, clerks, etc.) to discuss their perspectives of ethical/unethical behaviors employed by certified personnel in the district. Seek recommendations for policy changes, additional training, and/or consequences to ensure increased ethical practices by certified personnel.

Develop the following interpersonal skills throughout the school year:

-          Acknowledges the accomplishments of others

-          Seeks to know and understand others

When leading meetings:

-          Encourages others to participate

-          Encourages consideration of varying perspectives

Review the board policy manual. Interview  the assistant superintendent to discuss the compilation and updating process of the manual and the role of the board in the process.

These are the activities I engaged in for competency 5:

Interview persons involved in the implementation of district curriculum. Describe the implementation process, and note successes and concerns/problems with its implementation.

Participate in the process of student class scheduling.

Observe one  instructional assistant (academic coach). Note duties, time, and expertise in academic assistance to the students.

Work collaboratively with one teacher in the planning and supervising of a cocurricular activity.

Attend one special education meeting involving initial placement or annual review.

These are the activities I engaged in for competency 6:

Meet with a group of similar subject-area or grade-level teachers and review the current curriculum and lesson plans. Compile the amount of traditional, behavioral, cognitive, and experiential learning objectives used. Solicit methods for utilizing more cognitive and experiential objectives in the curriculum and lesson plans.

Interview persons responsible for assessing technology software. Describe the process used. Evaluate the process used, and discuss concerns and any recommendations for improvement.

Form and lead a team of teachers to study and develop a plan for improving test scores. The area chosen should be an area of identified as a weakness in school achievement. The plan should be feasible but may require additional funds and/or a broader base of support for its implementation.

Examine the district discipline policy and provide an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.

Compile a list of current issues that affect teaching and learning. Use research literature and perspectives from administrators, teachers, students, and parents in compiling the list. Assess the degree of importance and urgency for each issue.

These are the activities I engaged in for competency 7:

Collaborate with an experienced staff developer in one staff development activity.

Interview the person responsible for district personnel. Major requirements and issues to be discussed will include the planning, recruitment, selection, induction, compensation, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.

These are the activities I engaged in for competency 8:

Interview persons responsible for assessing technology software. Describe the process used. Evaluate the process used, and discuss concerns and any recommendations for improvement.

Review the job descriptions and evaluation forms for the key office personnel in the district (e.g. secretary, administrative assistant, attendance officer). Compare these to the actual work demands.

Meet with the district attendance officer. Discuss the rules, procedures, and ramifications of attendance on law, finance, and general district operations. Assist in developing a truancy intervention plan.

Interview the administrator responsible for the district finance/budget office. The interview will focus on administrative responsibility, guidelines, training, and any other major needs or concerns.

Contact several persons experienced in the superintendent position, and compile a list of professional associations, service organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies that provide expertise and service to the position.

Compile a list of books, publications, training manuals, and district or state publications used or recommended for the superintendent.

These are the activities I engaged in for competency 9:

Meet with the director of maintenance to review job responsibilities and schedules of staff. Observe one custodian or maintenance person for a period of time.

Interview the director of transportation to discuss current issues and needs for transportation. The discussion will include costs, maintenance, personnel issues, training and safety, and student problems.

Interview the district director of food and nutrition services to discuss the current requirements, concerns, and issues of the program.

These are the activities I engaged in for competency 10:

Review board policy regarding innovations and change in the district. Select two or three readings from respected journals, and discuss the content with faculty and administration. Assess the degree to which change theory is used to facilitate innovation and changes in district programs and operations.

Participate in a career or educational program session with a counselor and a student.

Choose a current issue in the district. Find two persons on either side of the issue. Meet with the persons, and devise a resolution.

EDLD 5399 Week 1 Part 1

My strengths lie in data, i.e. numbers. I have a very analytical mind. I noted in Domain II, Competency 5 that student assessment, technology integration, and accountability systems are my strengths. In Domain II, Competency 6 I noted that understanding how various organizational factors (staffing patterns, class scheduling formats, school organizational structures, and student discipline practices) affect teaching and learning. In Domain III, Competency 8 using technology and information systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of school district operations is my strength. I am the associate principal at a large junior high. My primary responsibilities are curriculum/instruction, assessment (testing coordinator), and master scheduling. These are my strengths. I am also the technology expert on campus, simply because that is one of my personal strengths. Staff members from my campus and around the district seek my assistance on technology issues.

I am competent in the areas of ethics/integrity, curriculum, instruction, assessment, accountability, and personnel development/supervision/evaluation. I marked myself competent in all of Domain I, Competency 1 (act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner in order to promote the success of all students); Domain II, Competency 5 (knows how to facilitate the planning and implementation of strategic plans that enhance teaching and learning; ensure alignment among curriculum, curriculum resources, and assessment; use the current accountability system; and promote the use of varied assessments to measure student performance) with the exception of those I noted as strengths above; Domain II, Competency 6 (knows how to advocate, promote, and sustain an instructional program and a district culture that are conducive to student learning and staff professional growth) with the exception of the strength noted above and two weaknesses noted below; and Domain II, Competency 7 (knows how to implement a staff evaluation and development system and select appropriate models for supervision and staff development to improve the performance of all staff members) with the exception of one weakness noted below.

I marked myself as mostly competent in Domain III, Competency 8 (knows how to apply principles of effective leadership and management in relation to district budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology application); and Domain III, Competency 10 (knows how to apply organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to comply with federal and state requirements and facilitate positive change in varied contexts) with the exception of working with others (especially the board of trustees) and encouraging and facilitating positive change.

My weaknesses mainly center around the fact that I have not had the opportunity to work at the district level. I have no experience in dealing with the board of trustees, all staff members, strategic planning, budgeting, physical plant, maintenance, etc. I also have had little experience in dealing with the community as a whole. I marked myself as in need of improvement in those areas of Domain I, Competencies 2, 3, and 4; and Domain III, Competencies 8, 9, and 10. I also marked myself in need of improvement on student support services (II, 6), special needs (II, 6), and effective presenting (II, 7).