Continuing the Journey to World Class: Creativity, Vision, Leadership

Administrative Retreat 2014

Leadership Focus

July 15, 2014

21 Research-based Responsibilities of Effective Principals

AffirmationChange AgentContingent RewardsCommunicationCultureDisciplineFlexibilityFocusIdeals/BeliefsInputIntellectual Stimulation

Involvement in Curriculum, Instruction, & AssessmentKnowledge of Curriculum, Instruction, & AssessmentMonitoring/EvaluatingOptimizerOrderOutreachRelationshipsResourcesSituational AwarenessVisibility

Affirmation

Extent to which the leader recognizes and celebrates school accomplishmentsBalanced and honest accounting of school success and failures“You simply cannot ignore performance issues and expect your superstars to stick around very long.”Applies to both teachers and students

Change AgentLeader’s disposition to challenge the status quoDefining feature of Total Quality Management (TQM)Leader’s willingness to temporarily upset a school’s equilibriumEmpowers staff to make decisions and experimentWork through issues in ways that energize rather than deplete commitment

Contingent RewardsExtent to which the leader recognizes and rewards individual accomplishmentsDefining feature of transactional leadershipProactive in recognizing the varying abilities of staff membersA reminder of what is importantShould vary according to the different performances the organization wants to encourage

Communication

Extent to which leader establishes strong lines of communication with and between teachers and studentsCritical feature for people working toward a common purposeGlue that holds all other responsibilities togetherAccessible to all staff

CultureExtent to which leader fosters shared beliefs and a sense of community and an cooperation among staffPrimary tool with which a leader fosters changePositively influences teachers, who, in turn, positively influence studentsConsists of influencing thoughts and actions of other persons and establishing policies that enable others to be effective

DisciplineProtecting teachers from issues and influences that detract from instructional time or focusConsists of creating structures and procedures around the technical core of teachingMoving non-instructional issues out of the way to prevent distraction in school and classroomMore than student behavior

Flexibility

Extent to which leaders adapt their leadership behavior to the needs of situation and are comfortable with dissentMental agilityProtect and encourage voices of participants who offer differing points of viewProvides a deeper feel for change process by accumulating insights and wisdom

FocusExtent to which leader establishes clear goals and keeps those goals in the forefront of attentionKey to improvement by engaging in sustained and continuous progress toward a performance goalResisting too many innovations adopted uncritically, superficially, and fragmentedEnables energy to be expended on key initiativesProvides purpose and direction

Ideals/BeliefsWell-articulate ideals/beliefs are core of effective leadershipCome from policies or standards of practiceSubtle but powerful force to effect changeWay that principals shape school conditions and teaching practicesMust be consistent with behaviors“Guard your integrity like it’s your most precious possession.”

InputExtent to which leader involves teachers in design and implementation of important decisions and policiesSchool effectiveness is proportional to extent teachers participate in all aspects of school functioningSeeks whole staff consensus for prioritiesNo arbitrary or secret decisionsNot democratic – having a say is not same as having a vote

Intellectual StimulationExtent to which leader ensures faculty and staff are aware of most current theories and practices and makes them regular discussion topicsEngaging in meaningful dialogue on research and theoryClosely linked to change process – deep changes require deep learningA part of everyday life in schoolIncludes knowledge building, sharing, creation, and management

Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Involvement

Extent to which leader is directly involved in design and implementation of curriculum, instruction, and assessment at the classroom levelCritical component of instructional leadershipKnowledge of subject and pedagogy as important as for teachersOne of most highly valued characteristics by teachers

Knowledge of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Extent to which leader is aware of best practicesFocused on acquisition and cultivation of knowledgeNecessary to provide guidance to teachersMeet regularly with peers to stay abreast of advances“Leadership is the guidance and direction of instructional improvement.”

Monitoring/EvaluatingExtent to which leader monitors effectiveness of school practices in terms of impact on student achievementDeliberate and a function of designActive in monitoring curriculum and instruction in classroomsConstant evaluation is present in the most effective schools“The most powerful single modification that enhances achievement is feedback.”

Optimizer

Extent to which the leader inspires others and is the driving force when implementing innovationOptimism is critical characteristic of effective schoolsLeader sets positive emotional tone for schoolAbility to bolster change with positive outlook and energy

OrderExtent to which leader establishes a set of standard operating principles and routinesCreated by structure – provide a pathway for energyEffective structures inhibit certain events and facilitate othersClear boundaries for both students and staff“Daily routines can hinder or help teacher learning, and send important signals about the organization’s priorities.”

Outreach

Extent to which the leader is an advocate and a spokesperson for school to all stakeholdersWillingness and ability to communicate to internal and external partiesEffective partnerships beyond school wallsSchools are not an island – operate in a complex context

Relationships

Extent to which leader demonstrates awareness of personal lives of teachers and staffCentral to effective execution of other responsibilitiesRely heavily on face-to-face interactionsHelp staff and administration stay aligned and focused during times of uncertainty

ResourcesExtent to which leader provides teachers with materials and professional development necessary successful execution of dutiesAre to a complex organization what food is for the bodyNecessary to analyze, plan, and take action regarding opportunities and threatsHeavy investment in targeted professional learning are critical

Situational AwarenessKnowledge of details and undercurrents regarding school functions and use of the information to address current and potential problemsAbility to identify clues and hintsAnticipatory leadership“Deep change requires knowing what is happening, distancing the ego from daily events, and honestly appraising the state of the organization.”

Visibility

Extent to which leader has contact and interacts with teachers, students, and parentsAssociated with strong instructional leadershipIn classrooms every dayCommunicates interest and engagementProvides opportunities for interaction on substantive issues