Week 1 Discussion - Working to Improve Teaching and Learning

As a principal, how will you address your superintendent's concerns as stated in this exercise? I would address the superintendents' concerns by ensuring I blended my observation methods. I do believe in having a mix of observation/coaching methods. Digging further into understanding our data is what seems to be most important in understanding our failing scores. I would also ask that the superintendent help me to locate a principal mentor who could "show me the ropes" in educational leadership using observable methods.  I would also need to get into observing teachers myself to know what is happening in every classroom within my school. 

How will you work with the teachers in your building next year to improve teaching and learning? I would start by ensuring teacher leaders understand their roles as far as diving into data is concerned. One way of doing this (and I may be biased) is by using All in Learning technologies. This sets teachers up for the five-step process of not only analyzing their data but preparing upcoming activities surrounding data shortcomings. Many times scores tend to fail due to the lack of understanding remediation practices. Once we get this process flowing, scores are destined to increase. 

Additional Comments

As a leader, it is important not to bring teachers down due to scores. Yes, leaders should continue to celebrate those who are performing tremendously and making improvements. However, for those who are not, a leader must be strategic in helping them understand where improvements should be made. This is why teacher mentors are so important. However, if I am asking teachers to have someone in their field to guide them, I am expected to do the same. This would be where having a new principal mentor for myself would come into play. We all need someone who can guide us to success. 

Reference

(2018). SuperVision and Instructional Leadership, 10th Edition. [BryteWave]. Retrieved from https://shelf.brytewave.com/#/books/undefined/