STANDARD FIVE: Managerial Leadership
School executives will ensure that the school has processes and systems in place for budgeting, staffing, problem solving, communicating expectations and scheduling that result in organizing the work routines in the building. The school executive must be responsible for the monitoring of the school budget and the inclusion of all teachers in the budget decisions so as to meet the 21st century needs of every classroom. Effectively and efficiently managing the complexity of every day life is critical for staff to be able to focus its energy on improvement.
5A: School Resources and Budget
School Resources and budget: The principal establishes budget processes and systems which are focused on, and result in, improved student achievement.
During our class on school budget, my classmates and I spent school money to increase student performance keeping in mind the needs of the school. We had to be sure we were spending money from the correct pool depending on what we wanted. This assignment allowed me to experience the same decisions that school leaders make when determining how to spend money.
|
In December, I was tasked with putting coordinating our Baby Bengal Buddy Breakfast. In addition to sending out invitations and keeping track of the number of attendees, I worked in tandem with our school secretary to buy what we needed for this. I was provided a budget and had to work within these parameters. Through this, I see how an administrator can budget for what they feel is important. In this case, it was celebrating students and the adults who work with them. If I feel strongly about something, I can find the money to support it.
|
5B: Conflict Management and Resolution
The principal effectively and efficiently manages the complexity of human interactions so that the focus of the school can be on improved student achievement.
During one of my first meetings with the first grade PLT, there was a heated discussion. It was regarding how closely they would follow the pacing guide from the year before or go rogue and do what they want to as a PLT. It really stemmed from a misunderstanding and while they did resolve it without me, I was able to see the dynamic of the group. This was helpful when being a part of their interactions throughout the year. As an administrator, it is important to know your teachers well. Not just personally, but how they interact with others. In the future, I may need to make staffing changes and rearrange teams. If this is something I have to do, I need to know how it will change the dynamics of the team.
|
5C: Systematic Communication
The principal designs and utilizes various forms of formal and informal communication so that the focus of the school can be on improved student achievement.
At the beginning of the year, I was asked to create the welcome letter that would go out to our families. I was so excited about this opportunity and worked diligently to ensure that the wording I used was appropriate and had the Willow touch. I went through a couple of revisions and am pleased with the final product. It may seem like a small task, but an administrator will want to be sure that any communication home sends the right message.
|
5D: School Expectations for Students and Staff
The principal develops and enforces expectations, structures, rules and procedures for students and staff.
We have a kindergarten student who struggles with behaviors. While we are in the process of having her evaluated and gaining a better understanding of where these behaviors are coming from, we continuously work to reteach behaviors, provide appropriate consequences and rewards, and track behavior data. I scheduled a meeting with her parents and teacher. The purpose was to ensure everyone was on the same page and our expectations and consequences are consistent at home and at school. The meeting was very productive. We gained a lot of knowledge, came to a shared understanding, and agreed on appropriate next steps. As an administrator, it is important to recognize that what might be missing from a student's success is a conversation between school and home. Keeping an open communication with all the adults in a student's life is key to their success.
|