Standard Five: Managerial Leadership
Principals/assistant principals 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 principal/ assistant principal must be responsible for the monitoring of the school budget and the inclusion of all teachers in the budget decision so as to meet the 21st century needs of every classroom. Effectively and efficiently managing the complexity of everyday life is critical for staff to be able to focus its energy on improvement.
Element Va. School Resources and Budget: The principal/assistant principal establishes budget processes and systems which are focused on, and result in, improved student achievement.
Action: I created a Budget Presentation for my Organizational Management: Resource Support & Sustainability class. For this presentation, we were given a hypothetical school and a set amount of money and were asked to make recommendation as to how to best spend the funds in order to improve the school. I considered the disaggregated academic performance data, teacher working conditions survey, and the school improvement goals, as well as the district's strategic plan in making my decisions. Below is the presentation.
Budget Presentation
Action: Based on benchmark data and long term substitutes in our math department, the admin team decided it was best to purchase a math remediation/enrichment program for our students. I participated in the decision making process regarding which Math program to purchase. I contacted Study Island and Carnegie Math to get quotes. We ultimately decided to go with iReady.
Quote from Math Program
Element Vb. Conflict Management and Resolution: The principal/assistant principal effectively and efficiently manages the complexity of human interactions so that the focus of the school can be on improved student achievement.
Action: I believe the best way to deal with conflict is to give people a safe place to express their concerns before they escalate to a problem. I started a Cougar Conversation box for teachers to place their suggestions, and when necessary I take these concerns to the appropriate party. I make sure teachers complete plus/deltas at the ends of staff meetings. I send out Temperature Check Surveys regularly, and I distributed the 2018 Teacher Working Condition Survey. See Standard III
Cougar Conversations Box
Action: Occasionally, it has become necessary for me to address conflict that is arising because procedures are not being followed by all teachers which caused difficulty for other teachers. I have chosen to address this by sending out reminders of the procedures to the whole school. Then I can address the few teachers who are still causing conflict individually. Below is an email of a reminder about our bathroom schedule.
Conflict Resolution Email
Action: On a few occasions, I have needed to have a crucial conversation with a teacher. Each time, I have left the conversation glad that I chose to address the concern and positive that the conversation was in the best interest of the teacher and the students. Below is documentation of a crucial conversation with a teacher.
Crucial Conversation
Element Vc. Systematic Communication: The principal/assistant principal designs and utilizes various forms of formal and informal communication so that the focus of the school can be on improved student achievement.
Action: I send out an electronic daily newsletter with upcoming events, so that teachers know what's going on each day.
Daily Newsletter
Action: I keep the school's Google Calendar up to date.
Google Calendar
Action: I send out Blackboard Connect emails and phone calls to parents to keep them informed of upcoming events.
Parent Calls
Action: I use social media to share information with our parents and our community.
Social Media Posts
Element Vd. School Expectations for Students and Staff: The principal/assistant principal develops and enforces expectations, structures, rules and procedures for students and staff.
Action: At the beginning of the year, I created a Kahoot Game to help the teachers review the Faculty Handbook.
Kahoot Game for Handbook Review
Action: I established a Field Trip Protocol for teachers to follow and shared it with the Leadership Team.
Field Trip Protocol
Action: I am an active member of the PBIS Team. At our meetings, we analyze referral data by students, teachers, grade levels, locations, and behaviors. We plan ways to reinforce positive behavior such as positive referrals and celebrations. I have also attended a district PBIS Coaches Meeting.