A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural context.
Case Study: A Learning Community
Key Questions
How can a school involve more parents and community members?
How can a school achieve greater gains with select subgroups?
The Situation
This educator’s school has a minimum level of parental participation. The school also has very few community members involved in the school. A change must be made in order to move the school forward. Although state test scores are good, the percentage gains have been minimal with select subgroups over the past few years. The administrator would like to see an increase in parental and community involvement as well as large gains in test scores with select subgroups.
Answers to Questions
How can a school involve more parents and community members?
The administrator at this educator’s school has developed a theme which invites all parents to “get on board” with their child’s education. The theme also invites community leaders, board of education members, district level employees, students and teachers to become more involved in bettering the educational experience for all stakeholders. “Together We Achieve More” is the theme which has been implemented. All stakeholders of the school are invited to become part of the “rowing team” to promote success within the school. The administrator purchased boat oars for each classroom and for the hallways. After hearing the goals for the school year, stakeholders are asked if they are willing to commit to doing their part in keeping the boat moving towards success. If they agree, they sign their name to one of the oars which are displayed throughout the school. The stakeholders seem to have a sense of pride when they walk through and see their names and know that their opinions are valued and that their children matter. Community members are encouraged to become a Partner in Education with the school to assist with the mentoring program as well. The school theme, “Together We Achieve More” has helped our school and local community become united and more focused on what is most important, the students and their success. All stakeholders associated with the school seem proud to be associated with the school.
How can a school achieve greater gains with select subgroups?
It is an expectation of the schools administrator for all staff members to develop relationships with students. Relationships are most important when trying to improve the learning environment. In an effort to improve scores and help enhance student/teacher relationships, the administrator implemented a 30 minute “tutoring time” during the school day. This time is separate from regular classroom instruction. The lessons are tailored to meet the needs of each individual student. Teachers review standards-based benchmark data to determine the areas of need for each student. By target individual student needs, the administrator hopes to see larger gains on the state administered CRCT. When students are passing the CRCT, it means that grade-level standards are being met. When the process continues for students throughout their educational careers, successful community members are produced.
Evaluation
When evaluating the first question of involving more parents and community members in the school, the principal earned a proficient score. Most of the stakeholders are on board and ready to do whatever it takes to make sure that all students achieve success. However, I cannot say that the school has 100% participation as of this date. However, the theme will continue and I predict that an accomplished score is in store for the school in the near future.
The second question concerning raising the scores of select subgroup members, has earned a proficient score as well. While several subgroups did earn great gains in the double digits in some areas of the curriculum, there is still a special education subgroup which needs improvement. The implementation of “tutoring time” should help this subgroup.
