Nature and function of leadership

Sample Solution

     

Scenario 12: I Am Your New Principal

Summary

In scenario 12 of Practicing the Art of Leadership by Reginald Leon Green, you are the new principal of a large, urban high school. The school has a history of low student achievement and high teacher turnover. Your goal is to improve the school's performance and create a more positive and supportive environment for students and staff.

Full Answer Section

      Major Considerations Policy Changes

• Discipline policy: The school's current discipline policy is very punitive and has led to a high number of suspensions and expulsions. This has created a climate of fear and distrust among students. You may consider implementing a more restorative discipline policy that focuses on building relationships and teaching students problem-solving skills.
• Curriculum: The school's current curriculum is not engaging or relevant to the needs of many students. You may consider working with teachers to develop a more rigorous and relevant curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
• Assessment: The school's current assessment system is focused on high-stakes standardized tests. This has led to a focus on rote memorization and test-taking skills. You may consider implementing a more comprehensive assessment system that measures student learning in a variety of ways.

Organizational Mission The school's current organizational mission is to "prepare students for college and careers." This mission is narrow and does not fully reflect the needs of all students. You may consider revising the mission to be more inclusive and to focus on developing the whole child. Strategic Priorities Improving Student Achievement

• Develop a rigorous and relevant curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
• Implement a comprehensive assessment system that measures student learning in a variety of ways.
• Provide professional development for teachers on effective teaching practices.

Retaining Teachers

• Create a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Provide teachers with opportunities for professional development.
• Offer competitive salaries and benefits.

Enhancing Leadership

• Develop a leadership team that is representative of the school community.
• Provide leadership training for all staff members.
• Create a culture of shared leadership and decision-making.

Evaluating Specific Issues Policy Change: Discipline Policy The school's current discipline policy is very punitive and has led to a high number of suspensions and expulsions. This has created a climate of fear and distrust among students. Implementing a more restorative discipline policy that focuses on building relationships and teaching students problem-solving skills could help to improve the school climate and reduce the number of disciplinary incidents. Organizational Mission The school's current organizational mission is to "prepare students for college and careers." This mission is narrow and does not fully reflect the needs of all students. Revising the mission to be more inclusive and to focus on developing the whole child could help to ensure that all students are prepared for success in life. Short-Term and Long-Term Goals Short-Term Goals

• Develop a plan to implement a more restorative discipline policy.
• Work with teachers to develop a more rigorous and relevant curriculum.
• Provide professional development for teachers on effective teaching practices.

Long-Term Goals

• Reduce the number of suspensions and expulsions by 50% within two years.
• Increase the percentage of students who graduate from high school and enroll in college or a career-training program to 90% within five years.
• Improve the school's climate and create a more positive and supportive learning environment for all students and staff.

Strategic Priorities Improving Student Achievement

• Develop and implement a rigorous and relevant curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
• Implement a comprehensive assessment system that measures student learning in a variety of ways.
• Provide professional development for teachers on effective teaching practices.

Retaining Teachers

• Create a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Provide teachers with opportunities for professional development.
• Offer competitive salaries and benefits.

Enhancing Leadership

• Develop a leadership team that is representative of the school community.
• Provide leadership training for all staff members.
• Create a culture of shared leadership and decision-making.

Conclusion By implementing the policy changes, organizational mission, and strategic priorities described above, the new principal can begin to improve student achievement, retain teachers, and enhance leadership at the school.