I believe excellence in education
starts with knowledge and willingness on the part of the student, teacher and
administrator to integrate technology, appreciate diversity, use assessment data, use current research to guide learning and model learning and understand the systems that impact education.
As an administrator, I will utilize technology for management and student learning. This reaches beyond the district requirements of using a specific system to input attendance or complete wireless testing. It is vital for all members of a leadership team to be able to have access to information about teachers being absent, trips or events that are planned, and discipline issues within the school. Using online means such as a google calendar and documents that all may view and some may edit is a useful tool. Establishing an intra-school communication tool that is electronic is the best way to ensure that all the stakeholders are receiving the same information.
Evaluating an understanding diversity is an essential element of being an administrator. The ultimate aspect of diversity to understand is the diversity of learners within the school, grade levels and classroom; this not only applies to students but also to school staff. An administrator needs to know the best way to support learning in all areas of the school. In addition, the more obvious aspect of diversity that an administrator can influence is the presence of materials and events that embrace different cultures Are diverse cultures represent in what is being taught through books, materials, and curriculum? Does the school host or encourage cultural events?
It is also the duty of an administrator to use assessment data to inform practice. Obtaining the assessment data is a requirement in virtually every district. What the school leaders do with the data lies solely on the shoulders of the school. An effective administrator will review the data with grade levels or departments to see where students are and make a plan of how to get students where they need to be. The best example I have seen to date is a reading level data wall.
Using research to inform practice as well as guiding practice is the mark of an effective administrator. When a school leader sites experience and research as the reason for implementing a change, it has the tendency to be better received. As the Common Core State Curriculum is being implemented, it is even more vital for administrators to look to and provide articles, books and other readings for the whole staff.
Effective administrators model and use varied strategies to lead the school. Teaching needs to remove itself from the "one room school house" thinking and embrace learning from other teachers! Teachers need to see models of effective instruction--not just be told about it. A successful way to do achieve this is intra-visits; teachers are able to see how other teachers within the same school provide instruction. Team meetings are most prevalent in middle and high schools, but elementary educators need meet so there is more cohesion with aspects of the curriculum.
Understanding and articulating important facets of educational policy and the systems that impact education are essential for school leaders. A school is not an isolated environment; many external factors such as the community, state and federal policies contribute to a schools demise or success.
An outstanding educational leader is knowledgeable and willing to synthesize all of the aforementioned to better serve the school in which he/she works.
It is also the duty of an administrator to use assessment data to inform practice. Obtaining the assessment data is a requirement in virtually every district. What the school leaders do with the data lies solely on the shoulders of the school. An effective administrator will review the data with grade levels or departments to see where students are and make a plan of how to get students where they need to be. The best example I have seen to date is a reading level data wall.
Using research to inform practice as well as guiding practice is the mark of an effective administrator. When a school leader sites experience and research as the reason for implementing a change, it has the tendency to be better received. As the Common Core State Curriculum is being implemented, it is even more vital for administrators to look to and provide articles, books and other readings for the whole staff.
Effective administrators model and use varied strategies to lead the school. Teaching needs to remove itself from the "one room school house" thinking and embrace learning from other teachers! Teachers need to see models of effective instruction--not just be told about it. A successful way to do achieve this is intra-visits; teachers are able to see how other teachers within the same school provide instruction. Team meetings are most prevalent in middle and high schools, but elementary educators need meet so there is more cohesion with aspects of the curriculum.
Understanding and articulating important facets of educational policy and the systems that impact education are essential for school leaders. A school is not an isolated environment; many external factors such as the community, state and federal policies contribute to a schools demise or success.
An outstanding educational leader is knowledgeable and willing to synthesize all of the aforementioned to better serve the school in which he/she works.
