Unit 2 Unit 2 The Principal as

Instructional Leader and School Manager

The Principal as Instructional Leader and

School Manager

What to do in Unit 2What to do in Unit 2What to do in Unit 2What to do in Unit 2

Review the unit and course outcomes

Read the assigned readings.

Contribute to the weekly discussion.

Attend seminar.

Start your Educational Leadership Interview assignment (due at the end of Unit 3

Review the unit case study.

Review the unit and course outcomes

Read the assigned readings.

Contribute to the weekly discussion.

Attend seminar.

Start your Educational Leadership Interview assignment (due at the end of Unit 3

Review the unit case study.

This weeks’ gradeThis weeks’ gradeThis weeks’ gradeThis weeks’ grade

Discussion (graded)Discussion (graded)

DiscussionDiscussionDiscussionDiscussion

Review the Unit 2 scenario. You need to come up with a plan to implement the pilot project. Determine and list what you need to do yourself and what you can delegate to others. Prioritize the tasks you need to complete in the next 4 weeks.

Post your timeline, your list of who is responsible for what, and the task schedule for the next 4 weeks with priorities noted.

Respond to your classmates with suggestions for their plans. What could they do differently? What are the strengths of their plans?

Review the Unit 2 scenario. You need to come up with a plan to implement the pilot project. Determine and list what you need to do yourself and what you can delegate to others. Prioritize the tasks you need to complete in the next 4 weeks.

Post your timeline, your list of who is responsible for what, and the task schedule for the next 4 weeks with priorities noted.

Respond to your classmates with suggestions for their plans. What could they do differently? What are the strengths of their plans?

GoalsGoalsGoalsGoals

Remember that your goal for discussion assignments is three- fold:

1. to participate actively throughout the entire week

2. to contribute in a way that adds to the discussion and moves it forward in an original fashion

3. to use the course content to inform your posts and responses

Remember that your goal for discussion assignments is three- fold:

1. to participate actively throughout the entire week

2. to contribute in a way that adds to the discussion and moves it forward in an original fashion

3. to use the course content to inform your posts and responses

APAAPAAPAAPA

Keep in mind that when you post, you should always reference items you cite—be sure to use APA format for this. Also be sure to refer back to the rubric as often as you need to during the week. The class is all about sharing knowledge, so use discussions as a way of creating a community resource for yourself and your colleagues.

Keep in mind that when you post, you should always reference items you cite—be sure to use APA format for this. Also be sure to refer back to the rubric as often as you need to during the week. The class is all about sharing knowledge, so use discussions as a way of creating a community resource for yourself and your colleagues.

ReadingsReadingsReadingsReadings

The reading in this unit introduces you to some concepts regarding traditional management theory and also poses new approaches. As you read, reflect upon how you will incorporate management theory into your practice.

eTextbook or Textbook Reading for this Unit:

• Chapter 3: The Limits of Traditional Management Theory

• Chapter 4: A New Theory for the Principalship

Power Point:

• View this PowerPoint from Chapter 4 of the book. This PowerPoint explains a number of different scenarios a principal might face and examines each scenario from a traditional and alternative approach.

The reading in this unit introduces you to some concepts regarding traditional management theory and also poses new approaches. As you read, reflect upon how you will incorporate management theory into your practice.

eTextbook or Textbook Reading for this Unit:

• Chapter 3: The Limits of Traditional Management Theory

• Chapter 4: A New Theory for the Principalship

Power Point:

• View this PowerPoint from Chapter 4 of the book. This PowerPoint explains a number of different scenarios a principal might face and examines each scenario from a traditional and alternative approach.

Unit outcomesUnit outcomesUnit outcomesUnit outcomes

• Compare the role of instructional leader and school manager.• Evaluate the principles of a successful school leader’s practice.• Identify managerial and non-instructional tasks.

Course Outcomes practiced in this unit:

IX570-1: Describe leadership roles within the K- 12 educational context.

IX570-4: Compare the role of instructional leader versus manager.

• Compare the role of instructional leader and school manager.• Evaluate the principles of a successful school leader’s practice.• Identify managerial and non-instructional tasks.

Course Outcomes practiced in this unit:

IX570-1: Describe leadership roles within the K- 12 educational context.

IX570-4: Compare the role of instructional leader versus manager.

SummarySummarySummarySummary

During this unit you will examine the role of the principal in several areas: leadership, management, instruction and morale-building. A school leader must give equal weight and attention to each role. As we progress through the next units, you will discover the role of a principal in school culture and how a principal develops leadership skills over time.

During this unit you will examine the role of the principal in several areas: leadership, management, instruction and morale-building. A school leader must give equal weight and attention to each role. As we progress through the next units, you will discover the role of a principal in school culture and how a principal develops leadership skills over time.

Unit 3 OverviewUnit 3 OverviewUnit 3 OverviewUnit 3 Overview

Developing School Culture

This unit examines the norms that shape the culture of a school. School culture is a combination of events, routines, expectations and activities that exist in a school community and is a reflection of how the school operates. A school culture is a standard way of thinking and operating. The culture of a school gives a glimpse into what is of value, whether it be academic excellence, athletic achievements, the arts or other traditions that promote a specific identity for the school. Think about a school with which you are familiar. What is it known for? How would you define its culture?

This unit also gives you a chance to interview a practicing school leader. We have much to learn from those who work in the field. The leader’s answers will help you give shape to your own educational leadership philosophy.

Developing School Culture

This unit examines the norms that shape the culture of a school. School culture is a combination of events, routines, expectations and activities that exist in a school community and is a reflection of how the school operates. A school culture is a standard way of thinking and operating. The culture of a school gives a glimpse into what is of value, whether it be academic excellence, athletic achievements, the arts or other traditions that promote a specific identity for the school. Think about a school with which you are familiar. What is it known for? How would you define its culture?

This unit also gives you a chance to interview a practicing school leader. We have much to learn from those who work in the field. The leader’s answers will help you give shape to your own educational leadership philosophy.

Case StudyCase StudyCase StudyCase Study

View the Unit 3 Case Study Introduction (it may take a few minutes to download). You can also download a text version of the movie here.

View the Unit 3 Case Study Introduction (it may take a few minutes to download). You can also download a text version of the movie here.

DiscussionDiscussionDiscussionDiscussion

The Case of the New Principal

Review the case study presented in this unit. Now imagine that it is time for your first faculty/staff meeting and address the following on the discussion board:

•Select three priority issues you need to address in this meeting.•For each of those issues, what is the primary message you want staff to get from you?•What type of culture do you hope to create within this school?•Write the introductory speech (approximately 300 words) you will deliver at this meeting.

When you respond to your classmates, take the position of a faculty member. How would you respond to the priority issues given? How would you respond to the introductory speech you just heard?

The Case of the New Principal

Review the case study presented in this unit. Now imagine that it is time for your first faculty/staff meeting and address the following on the discussion board:

•Select three priority issues you need to address in this meeting.•For each of those issues, what is the primary message you want staff to get from you?•What type of culture do you hope to create within this school?•Write the introductory speech (approximately 300 words) you will deliver at this meeting.

When you respond to your classmates, take the position of a faculty member. How would you respond to the priority issues given? How would you respond to the introductory speech you just heard?

What to do...What to do...What to do...What to do...

You will actually write the speech and post it in your discussion area. We will then respond to each others’ speeches.

You will actually write the speech and post it in your discussion area. We will then respond to each others’ speeches.

Remember that your goal for discussion assignments is three- fold: Remember that your goal for discussion assignments is three- fold:

1. to participate actively throughout the entire week2. to contribute in a way that adds to the discussion and moves it

forward in an original fashion3. to use the course content to inform your posts and responses

1. to participate actively throughout the entire week2. to contribute in a way that adds to the discussion and moves it

forward in an original fashion3. to use the course content to inform your posts and responses

APAAPAAPAAPA

Keep in mind that when you post, you should always reference items you cite—be sure to use APA format for this. Also be sure to refer back to the rubric as often as you need to during the week. The class is all about sharing knowledge, so use discussions as a way of creating a community resource for yourself and your colleagues.

Keep in mind that when you post, you should always reference items you cite—be sure to use APA format for this. Also be sure to refer back to the rubric as often as you need to during the week. The class is all about sharing knowledge, so use discussions as a way of creating a community resource for yourself and your colleagues.

Unit Outcomes Unit Outcomes

• Describe the components of successful school culture• Synthesize the aspects of successful principalship in promoting school

culture.• Analyze steps that lead to effective school leadership.• Reflect upon what constitutes effective school leadership.

• Describe the components of successful school culture• Synthesize the aspects of successful principalship in promoting school

culture.• Analyze steps that lead to effective school leadership.• Reflect upon what constitutes effective school leadership.

What to do in this unit:What to do in this unit:What to do in this unit:What to do in this unit:

• Review the unit and course outcomes.• Read the assigned readings.• Contribute to the weekly discussion.• Submit your Educational Leadership Interview assignment.• Review the unit case study.

• Review the unit and course outcomes.• Read the assigned readings.• Contribute to the weekly discussion.• Submit your Educational Leadership Interview assignment.• Review the unit case study.

ResourceResourceResourceResource

Aspiring school leaders can learn much from Houston's Successful YES Prep Schools. In this video, YES Prep leaders explain what they do in their school and how other leaders can implement similar success in their schools.

http://www.edutopia.org/files/existing/webinars/ yes.html

After viewing the video, jot down answers to the following questions.

•What do you think is the most beneficial strategy YES Prep leaders implemented?•What strategies do you feel most affected the school culture?•As a principal, was there a strategy that you plan to use? Why?

Aspiring school leaders can learn much from Houston's Successful YES Prep Schools. In this video, YES Prep leaders explain what they do in their school and how other leaders can implement similar success in their schools.

http://www.edutopia.org/files/existing/webinars/ yes.html

After viewing the video, jot down answers to the following questions.

•What do you think is the most beneficial strategy YES Prep leaders implemented?•What strategies do you feel most affected the school culture?•As a principal, was there a strategy that you plan to use? Why?

Readings for this unitReadings for this unitReadings for this unitReadings for this unit

Developing a Successful School CulturePay close attention to Appendix 6.2, as it will give you important information on school culture.

Appendix 6.1 presents a case study of a principal and how she shaped the culture at her school. Think about the following questions as you read about Frances Hedges:

•What challenges did she face at her school?

•What do you think was the most important aspect of Hedges’ philosophy regarding school culture?

•Which of Hedges’ tactics would you most like to use at your school?

eTextbook or Textbook Reading for this Unit:

•Chapter 6: The Forces of Leadership and the Culture of Schools

Developing a Successful School CulturePay close attention to Appendix 6.2, as it will give you important information on school culture.

Appendix 6.1 presents a case study of a principal and how she shaped the culture at her school. Think about the following questions as you read about Frances Hedges:

•What challenges did she face at her school?

•What do you think was the most important aspect of Hedges’ philosophy regarding school culture?

•Which of Hedges’ tactics would you most like to use at your school?

eTextbook or Textbook Reading for this Unit:

•Chapter 6: The Forces of Leadership and the Culture of Schools

ProjectProjectProjectProject

Educational Leadership InterviewThis assignment consists of three parts: an interview, a reflection, and the completion of value statements.

Part I: Interview a principal/assistant principal or other type of educational leader. Select 10 of the following questions to ask the principal/assistant principal.

Begin your paper with a short paragraph that names the person you are interviewing, his/her background/educational experience, type of school he/she works in (rural/suburban/urban, elementary/middle/high school), and describe the community.

Then, type the questions and answers in a Q & A format. At the end of the paper, provide the contact information of your interviewee.

1.Who or what inspired you to become a principal?

2.How do you use data? How you do define data-driven decision- making? How do you effectively monitor outcomes from the school improvement plan? How do you monitor learning outcomes using data?•How do you involve teacher leaders in your building? How do you recruit and retain highly qualified teachers?•What strategies do you use to build leadership in your building? How do you go about trying to involve all stakeholders? How do you build relationships with parents? Teachers? Community members?•Describe the process used to identify and engage staff in professional learning.•What has been your most difficult challenge as a principal and what did you do to survive?•What are some of the challenges you face on a regular basis? How do you handle them?

Educational Leadership InterviewThis assignment consists of three parts: an interview, a reflection, and the completion of value statements.

Part I: Interview a principal/assistant principal or other type of educational leader. Select 10 of the following questions to ask the principal/assistant principal.

Begin your paper with a short paragraph that names the person you are interviewing, his/her background/educational experience, type of school he/she works in (rural/suburban/urban, elementary/middle/high school), and describe the community.

Then, type the questions and answers in a Q & A format. At the end of the paper, provide the contact information of your interviewee.

1.Who or what inspired you to become a principal?

2.How do you use data? How you do define data-driven decision- making? How do you effectively monitor outcomes from the school improvement plan? How do you monitor learning outcomes using data?•How do you involve teacher leaders in your building? How do you recruit and retain highly qualified teachers?•What strategies do you use to build leadership in your building? How do you go about trying to involve all stakeholders? How do you build relationships with parents? Teachers? Community members?•Describe the process used to identify and engage staff in professional learning.•What has been your most difficult challenge as a principal and what did you do to survive?•What are some of the challenges you face on a regular basis? How do you handle them?

Continued.....Continued.....Continued.....Continued.....

1. How do you stay informed on current topics and research related to principalship? Are there journals you read and/or organizations you have joined?

2. If your teachers had to describe your leadership style with one word, what would it be and why that word?

3. What role do you play in developing and managing the school budget? Do you have an estimate of how much of your time is spent on budgetary matters?

4. How do you stay energized and focused on the work?

5. What five tips would you give to a new principal related to staying energized and focused on the goals and vision of the school?

6. What advice do you have for a new or aspiring principal that you wished that you would have known before you began your career?

7. What do you want students to learn or take away from your leadership, teachers and the school experience? What has been the most exciting experience that you were a part of as a principal?

1. How do you stay informed on current topics and research related to principalship? Are there journals you read and/or organizations you have joined?

2. If your teachers had to describe your leadership style with one word, what would it be and why that word?

3. What role do you play in developing and managing the school budget? Do you have an estimate of how much of your time is spent on budgetary matters?

4. How do you stay energized and focused on the work?

5. What five tips would you give to a new principal related to staying energized and focused on the goals and vision of the school?

6. What advice do you have for a new or aspiring principal that you wished that you would have known before you began your career?

7. What do you want students to learn or take away from your leadership, teachers and the school experience? What has been the most exciting experience that you were a part of as a principal?

Part II: Part II:

Reflect on the answers. What does this tell you about school leadership? How will these answers help you in your role as a school leader? Reflect on the answers. What does this tell you about school leadership? How will these answers help you in your role as a school leader?

Part III: Part III:

The interview and your readings have given you ideas on how to become an effective school leader. As such, complete the following value statement 6 different ways:

As a school leader, I will….Following each statement, include a citation for the source of the statement. Did the idea come from your interview? Did it come from a reading you have completed so far for the course? Be sure to cite using APA formatting (6th edition).

The interview and your readings have given you ideas on how to become an effective school leader. As such, complete the following value statement 6 different ways:

As a school leader, I will….Following each statement, include a citation for the source of the statement. Did the idea come from your interview? Did it come from a reading you have completed so far for the course? Be sure to cite using APA formatting (6th edition).

SummarySummarySummarySummary

School culture can be hard to define; rather, as you will learn in this unit, it is something that you walk into a school and just “feel.” You will learn about strategies school leaders use to develop a positive school culture. Strategies provide us with ways to make an impact, but it takes a positive leader to produce results. The interview you will conduct with a school leader will give you insight into the many roles an educational leader plays. In the upcoming units, you will explore the characteristics and skills needed to become a positive force in the school.

School culture can be hard to define; rather, as you will learn in this unit, it is something that you walk into a school and just “feel.” You will learn about strategies school leaders use to develop a positive school culture. Strategies provide us with ways to make an impact, but it takes a positive leader to produce results. The interview you will conduct with a school leader will give you insight into the many roles an educational leader plays. In the upcoming units, you will explore the characteristics and skills needed to become a positive force in the school.

Questions? Comments?Questions? Comments?Questions? Comments?Questions? Comments?

Do you need any clarifications? Remember if you have a question later you can always contact me via phone or email.

Do you need any clarifications? Remember if you have a question later you can always contact me via phone or email.

Contact InformationContact InformationContact InformationContact Information

Cell phone: 501-428-7596

Email: JMcComb@Kaplan.edu

Cell phone: 501-428-7596

Email: JMcComb@Kaplan.edu