supporting lass, inc. high schools a professional learning community (plc) lakeshore alliance for...
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Supporting LASS, Inc. High SchoolsA Professional Learning Community (PLC)
Lakeshore Alliance for Student Success, Inc.
Ed Schoenfelt, Executive Director
56 S. Washington Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Friday, March 27, 2009 9:00 a.m. cst
* LEADERSHIP
* INTERVIEWING SKILLS
Cohort Method
To create a professional learning
community, focus on learning
rather than teaching, work
collaboratively, and hold yourself
accountable for results.
LeadershipIndiana Schools Could Face Budget Cuts
Fewer teachers. Larger classes. The elimination of special programs. "It'll be a
great victory if we don't have to cut education, like a bunch of other states are
doing.“ "Flat-lining education is truly a cut.“ -- Headline and quotes from state
government leaders, Indianapolis Star, Nov. 23, 2008
"I have met children from the most challenging backgrounds, but if you give them a good teacher and create the right environment with high expectations, those children can & do succeed, " Dr. Beverly L. Hall.
Serves as the superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools January 2009
“President Obama has clearly delivered a message of real reform in our public education system that should resonate loudly across partisan lines. “His vision for an education system that is second to none is consistent with our vision for Hoosier education. His belief in stringent testing and accountability systems and high-level standards reflects the beliefs that have made Indiana a national leader in these areas. His commitment to teacher quality through initiatives such as differentiated pay is a commitment that I admire. “What cannot be lost in President Obama’s message today is his call to states to lift caps on the number of allowable charter schools, at the same time as the Indiana General Assembly contemplates putting such a cap in place. His support of charter schools and alternative methods of education that meet the needs of individual students hits at the heart of our plan to make Indiana education the best in the country. “I look forward to partnering with President Obama and Secretary Arne Duncan on these issues.” March 2009 Dr. Tony Bennett
What is your Leadership Style?Command
– tell teachers what they are to do . . .
Submissive
– allow teachers to teach their subject area . . .
Cooperative
– build capacity as a leader to assist each student . . .
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Leadership is knowing how to chart a course, to give others direction by having a vision of what can be.
Philosophy – you own this – can’t please everybody
Vision – obligated to bring out the best in teachers, teach them to leave their comfort zone – ask a lot of your teachers
What limits your style?
Lack of support, knowledge, or experience
New to the role, observed others, study to improve
Funding
Focus is too broad:
ISTEP, DI, SPED, Associations relationships, Literacy rates, Graduation
rates, Operational issues, no support for education innovation
How to build leadership capacity?
Guide / build the Agenda
Build Trust in relationships
Constant Communication
CIC as a tool
The meeting agenda
How to guide / build / drive the agenda?
Who has input?
Who are the stakeholders?
What are the needs of the students?
What standards do we set?
Do you write a (SIP) plan and forget to follow ?
C E L E B R A T I O N of success and failures
TrustHow is trust lost?Who can you trust?Why do you need trust in the community?Follow the Golden Rule (Guiding Principles)Trust can go in both directions (up the chain and down)
Six ways to build TRUST over timea. Speak their languageb. Manage your reputationc. Make dependence a factord. Make unilateral concessions e. Explain your demands f. Maximizing joint gain
Communication CYCLE
It is a 2 way street
Messages are sent, decoded and are not always 100%
correct
#1 reason systems succeed
Always remember it is a communication cycle that never
stops . . . it is a constant
C I CContinuous Improvement Committee
Members can include:Teachers, Support Staffs, Central office, Assistant Principals, Deans, Student & Parent Leaders
Chaired by Principal of the building
Meets 3 - 4 times per year
Use S O D A to resolve conflicts and build consensus
All your school improvement plans use this committee
*Handout shared leadership
INTERVIEWING SKILLS
AASA article
Telephone follow up FORM
VU tools provided to their teachers
Questions / Directions
Next Meetings
Friday, April 24, 2009 starting at 9:00 a.m. cst in LASS office
Topic Leadership & Advisor Advisee (mentoring) program
Friday, May 29, 2009 starting at 9:00 a.m. cst in LASS office
Topic Leadership & Freshman Academy and Rigorous Senior yr.
Ed Schoenfelt Dana Adams
References
Barth, R. (1991).Restructuring schools: Some questions for teachers & principals.Phi Delta Kappan, 73(2), 123-129.
Marzano, R. (2003). What works in Schools: Translating research into action,Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Copyright 2004 Richard DuFour
Bennis, Warren, and Burt Nanus. 1985. Leaders: The strategies for taking charge. New York:Harper Collins
American Association of School Administrators
International Center for Leadership in Education
National Association of Secondary School Principals