A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.
Case Study: A Year for Change
Key Questions:
How does the school administrator ensure that all stakeholders of the school are dedicated to school improvement efforts?
Can a new administrative team continue to promote success of all students?
The Situation:
In this educator’s school setting, there is a new administrative team in place. The principal and instructional coach are both new to the positions and although the assistant principal has four years of experience as an assistant principal, this is the first year at this school setting. In previous years, the school has been led by an effective administrative team. It will be a challenge for the new team to continue the successful leadership. However, the new team is up for the challenge.
The assessment data from previous years demonstrates progress by students in academic areas. The focus has been on promoting academic success for all students. The new administrative team will work to shift the focus from all students to individual students.
The new administration is continuing the shared governance process by faculty members through the school’s Leadership Team. The new administration has implemented Professional Learning Communities as a way to increase collaboration among teachers as well.
In addition to the Leadership Team, the school has a School Council made up of community members, parents and teachers. The administrative team uses the School Council as a way to promote the vision and mission of the school which is individual student success.
Answer to the Questions:
How does the school administrator ensure that all stakeholders of the school are dedicated to school improvement efforts?
The school’s administrators will continue to use the Leadership Team as one way to make certain grade-level teams are focused on the same goals. Professional Learning Communities also provide opportunities for collaboration among faculty members. Professional Learning Communities promote the improvement of teaching and learning for the school community as a whole. The School Council provides an opportunity for the administrative team to reach out to the community and share the vision of the school.
Can a new administrative team continue to promote success of all students?
The new administrative team plans to continue the practices which are in place from the previous administration. However, the direction is shifting from the success of all students to that of individual students. This administration believes that every student can learn and experience success. It is up to the teachers and administrators to discover creative and motivating instructional practices which meet the diverse needs of students.
Evaluation:
The leadership style demonstrated in this case is in the developing stage. The administration has a vision which has been established through the Leadership Team, Professional Learning Communities and the School Council. The student assessment data (Benchmark Tests) which are analyzed by the learning communities on a weekly basis shows progress in all grade levels. This student progress helps to ensure that grade-level teams are focused on the success of individual students. If the progress continues, the administration will be on the way to a higher proficiency rating.
