Reflections from EdLeader21

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the EdLeader21 Conference in Dallas, Texas. Whenever, an educator attends a conference--at least one that's halfway decent--it's tempting to go back to school the next day and try to implement anything and everything. Of course, this leads to failure. Fortunately, Ken Kay and the EdLeaders seem to understand that as they challenged us to grab low-hanging fruits and to plant seeds.

As a new assistant principal, I've already made some small tweaks, but I'm still seeking to understand my new school, so I surely won't be very aggressive when I return to school on Monday.

Low-hanging fruit
I oversee our school's SBIT (School-based Intervention Team, part of our RTI process) and want to ensure we do a better job of understanding the needs of students referred to this team. So, I've developed a quick survey that students can complete online or on paper to better understand their needs. This will help us personalize learning experiences and increase student learning.

Harder to reach fruit

Our PLC's are at different places for a variety of reasons, so these goals will be differentiated. 

• Use PLC's to answer, To what extent does our teaching emphasize the 4 C's (Communication, Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking)? What percentage of our assessments require the 4 C's? 
• Challenge PLC's to ensure we make the shift from acquisition of knowledge to a deeper understanding and application of skills and knowledge?

At the EdLeader21 Conference Tony Wagner stated, "Isolation is the killer of innovation." From the teacher side, we must provide time and resources for our PLCs to innovate. Additionally, our teachers are doing some great things within their classrooms, but too often they're doing things in isolation. I'd love to see our teachers publicize these great things and open their classrooms to their peers. In addition, I hope teachers will open their classrooms to their peers, so that we can continue to learn from each other. 

Examine how we can turn professional learning opportunities into a collaborative and creative process by providing teachers with choices but ensuring it is student-driven and research-based. I'm exploring use of badges and a monthly challenge. 

Planting seeds

Explore ways to develop project-based learning to ensure our students receive a coherent, viable and guaranteed curriculum that engages them in the 4 C's. 

Give students more control over their learning so students are engaged in their learning rather than merely complying with school, district and state requirements?

Challenge PLCs to develop means of increasing student choice and examine how we assess our students with a move towards project-based learning, portfolios, and culminating assessments. 

Explore ways that we can expand our internship and individual research programs 

I challenge myself to constantly evaluate How students experience learning at Monticello High School? Is the teaching and learning aligned with our standards and the 4 C's? 

Conclusion 

Of course, none of this will be possible without the dedication and hard work of our committed and forward-thinking faculty and staff. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by educators who understand we can't continue to use test scores as the major means of assessment, whether they be state end of course tests or classroom tests, and we will not be able to refocus ourselves unless we focus on the 4 C's because they are what really matter.


While state standards and their corresponding tests represent hurdles, as educators if we follow the 4 C's (Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking) we will Embrace Students, Inspire Learning and Innovate Opportunities. 

My Goals for 2014-2015

The start of each school year marks the opportunity for me to  set goals for the upcoming school year. Unlike my New Year's resolutions, I tend to do a better job of working towards these. Of course, sharing my goals with anyone who comes across my blog and those I work with definitely ups the ante and increases accountability. So here are my goals for the 2014-2015 school year. 
 
Every day I will help make a colleague better. 

• I will perform at least 750 observations and provide teachers with timely feedback
• I will schedule a weekly visit with each teacher on the comprehensive cycle to provide feedback and to discuss 
• Each Cougar Communication will have an instructional element, and I'll make more use of visuals, images, videos, etc.
• In person feedback will be provided whenever a negative is witnessed during an observation 
• I will work with each teacher to develop their own professional learning plans 

I will work with struggling students to improve their academic performance 

• Meet with parents, students, counselors and teachers on a regular basis for those students who are most at risk 
• Require teachers to monitor students' academic progress and communicate that progress to me 
• Expand the use of RTI procedures  

I will hand write at least 3 thank you/job well done notes each week 

I will create relationships based on respect, trust and mutual understanding. I will support and engage those with whom I work and always act with the utmost integrity. I will listen and learn. 

• I will attend all departmental meetings 
• I will meet weekly with department chairs 
• I will be visible before and after school 

I will communicate and engage parents, students and the community on school issues. 

• I will blog on Cougar Chat at least once per week 
• Our Remind account will have at least 600 people sign-up
• Kettle Run News (Twitter) will finish the year with at least 800 followers
• Principal Forums will be streamed live
• I will work with faculty to ensure that BlackBoard Learn is implemented and used as described 
• On 75% of Friday, I will complete my Friday Five 
• I will explore use of other social media sites to enhance our digital footprint

I will work with Professional Development/School Improvement Team to improve instruction and learning.

• I will work with our School Improvement Team to provide relevant, meaningful, purposeful and engaging professional development opportunities for ALL faculty 
• Our  professional development will be teacher-driven, student-centered, and choice-based.
• Professional development opportunities will be offered online 
• I will lead at least 3 professional development sessions including one on Standards-Based Grading and one on Restorative Justice. 

We will expand our use of Restorative Practices 

Every day I will make myself a better leader by reading, learning from my Twitter PLN, asking questions and LISTENING.  After all it's all about RELATIONSHIPS. 


 

My Ten Goals for 2012-2013

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My Ten Goals for 2012-2013

Every day I will help make a colleague better.
Specific Goal	On my year-end teacher evaluation survey  90% of teachers will respond favorably to Have I helped make you a better teacher.
Steps for Achievement	I will create a daily journal and record at least one interaction that helped me achieve that goal. I will follow-up with teachers.

Every day I will make myself a better leader.
Specific Goal	I will document in my journal what I did that day to make myself a better leader.
Steps for Achievement	I will actively participate in online conversations. I will listen. I will engage in meaningful discussions with faculty, staff, parents, administration, etc. I will read. I will listen to podcasts, webinars, etc.

I will create relationships based on respect, trust and mutual understanding. I will support and engage those with whom I work and always act with the utmost integrity. I will listen and learn.
Specific Goal	In my  year-end evaluation, I will earn 100% superb marks in response to Treats people fairly, equitably and with dignity and respect and communicates effectively and openly with teachers and staff.

I will communicate with and engage parents and the community.
Specific Goal	By the end of the year, we will have over 200 twitter followers. On the parent survey, over 80% of parents will strongly agree or agree with KRHS keeps me informed about my child’s academic progress and I am satisfied with the level of communication at KRHS.
Steps for Achievement	I will work with teachers and staff to increase community engagement by increasing and improving our online presence I will oversee parent trainings on Angel and other technologies I will ensure that teachers are regularly communicating and corresponding with parents

Through scheduling, communication and influence, teacher collaboration will improve.
Specific Goal	Collaboration will lead to improvement on SOL scores, especially for students identified with learning disabilities.
Steps for Achievement	I will work with the administrative team and faculty /staff to improve teacher collaboration through scheduling options. I will actively participate in teacher collaboration and the PLC process. The focus will be on student growth and achievement.

I will work with struggling students to improve their academic performance.
Specific Goal	80% of these students’ GPAs will improve.
Steps for Achievement	Meet with parents and students. Involve teachers, counselors, and the students in developing goals and strategies to improve their academic performance. Schedule meetings with students and teachers, when necessary, to monitor their academic progress.

Teachers will be held responsible for their professional conduct.
Specific Goal	Teachers will arrive on time and fulfill their duties and other obligations.
Steps for Achievement	I will recognize teachers who fulfill and exceed their professional responsibilities using individual and group praise. I will not engage in conversations about excuses. I will make instructions very clear so both the poor performer and the I know the difference between acceptable and non-acceptable. I will gather data and keep records.

I will use data to foster conversations, improve daily instruction and learning and improve Kettle Run.
Specific Goal
Steps for Achievement	I will create a data wall in my office. I will conduct periodic surveys, collect data through observations, and compile teacher and student data. Data will be the starting point on conversations about learning and student growth. I will meet with teachers in focus areas to establish specific goals in relation to SOL scores, grades, and AP scores.

I will be a lead learner and instructional leader in my school.
Specific Goal	Increased use of formative assessment, differentiation and feedback (using data collected from observation and walk-throughs). 95% of teacher will state that I provide superb/good direction for improving instruction in my year-end evaluation survey
Steps for Achievement	I will use Cougar Communications to inform teachers of best practices. I will lead opt-outs on instructional practice. I will constantly communicate instructional strategies and expectations to faculty.

I will keep students and learning as the focus of every decision.