Angela Crowley

April 25, 2014

Competency Reflections
Competency 001: The principal knows how to shape campus culture by facilitating
the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of
learning that is shared and supported by the school community.
During the internship I have attended several faculty meetings, SDMC
meetings, and administrative meetings that have worked to shape and
develop campus culture.
I learned that having a shared vision is paramount in school success.
Everyone, teachers, students, staff, administrators, and other stakeholders
need to be focused and working toward the same goal in order to achieve
success. It is up to administrators to monitor and guide campus culture on a
regular basis in the desired direction. It is not something that can be set up
in the beginning and then left alone.
Goals: Actively listen to stakeholders in order to develop an inclusive goal
and vision. Monitor and maintain campus culture regularly.
Competency 002: The principal knows how to communicate and collaborate with all
members of the school community, respond to diverse interests and needs, and
mobilize resources to promote student success.
I attended several SDMC, parent, and administrative meetings. The SDMC
meetings include parents and community members. The parent meetings are
designed to communicate with parents.
I learned that it is important to involve and communicate with all
stakeholders including community members. Things that happen at the
school have an effect on the community and vice versa. In addition, by
communicating with community members, administrators may be able to
gain information on how to serve students in a more meaningful and
differentiated way.
Goals: Actively communicate with community members and be open to
feedback from them. Regularly assess the needs of the school in order to use
resources in a way that works toward the campus vision while serving all
students.
Competency 003: The principal knows how to act with integrity, fairness, and in an
ethical and legal manner.
Attended legal workshops and other professional development seminars.
Observe the behaviors of campus personnel, analyze their actions, and reflect
upon my own if I were in the same situation.
It is important to set a good example of integrity and fairness and act in an
ethical and legal manner. The principals actions act as a standard for the
campus. If the principal is acting in an unfair manner, those behaviors will
trickle down through the school and eventually effect student success.
Goals: Act with integrity in all things. Surround myself with people who also
have a strong sense of integrity and fairness.
Competency 004: The principal knows how to facilitate the design and
implementation of curricula and strategic plans that enhance teaching and
learning; ensure alignment of curriculum, instruction, resources, and assessment;
and promote the use of varied assessments to measure student performance.
I have attended several PLC meetings and planned with teachers. I have
worked closely with my dean of instruction when it comes to curriculum
planning and assessment. I have been a support person for the campus in
curriculum, instruction, resources, and assessment.
In order to students to be successful it is important to start with an end goal
and develop a strategic plan for meeting that goal. Curriculum, instruction,
resources, and assessment must all be in alignment in order to effective work
toward and achieve the goal of student success.
Be aware of the curriculum for students and the needs of students. Ensure
that the curriculum is appropriate and that instruction, resources and
assessments are aligned.
Competency 005: The principal knows how to advocate, nurture, and sustain an
instructional program and a campus culture that are conducive to student learning
and staff professional growth.
I attended several PLC meetings and professional development seminars
regarding the campus culture and instructional programs. In particular
there was a hug focus on technology in the classroom because our school
participated in a program this year where every student received a laptop.
Encouraging the staff to develop professionally results in a higher level of
creativity and flexibility in the classroom. As a result, students benefit from
increased differentiation.
Continually monitor campus culture and teacher development. Be aware of
student needs and any changes that occur in terms of needs and diversity.
Competency 006: The principal knows how to implement a staff evaluation and
development system to improve the performance of all staff members, select and
implement appropriate models for supervision and staff development, and apply the
legal requirements for personnel management.
I have gotten experience supporting and appraising teachers. This year I
have be able to support teachers instructionally, with data analysis, and
assessments. I have also observed the behavior of other administrators and
reflected on how I would handle situations if I were put in that role.
It is important to remember that faculty and staff are people too. A person
wont be able to improve if the tools and supports are not available.
Appraisal is not about praising one person and trying to get another person
out. It is about helping people develop and become better; identifying
strengths and areas of improvement and looking at ways to increase
effectiveness.
Provide support to people when they are struggling. Look for creative
solutions. Appreciate and develop people. Challenge people to go to the next
level.
Competency 007: The principal knows how to apply organizational, decision-
making, and problem-solving skills to ensure an effective learning environment.
I have attended several SDMC and admin meetings. I have also worked
closely with the dean of instruction on areas concerning instruction and
assessment.
It is important to understand the needs of a campus. Collaborating with
other stakeholders for information and possible solutions is vital. Systems
can always be improved. The idea of doing something because thats always
the way its been done is dangerous. Campuses and students are alive and
constantly growing and changing.
Be aware! Collaborate! Never give up!
Competency 008: The principal knows how to apply principles of effective leadership
and management in relation to campus budgeting, personnel, resource utilization,
financial management, and technology use.
I have attended several SDMC and administrative meetings where
budgeting, personnel, etc. have been discussed. I have also spoken, at length,
to our business manager about budgeting processes and procedures.
As Stephen Covey points out, start with the end in mind. Budgets should
not be played around with. The campus needs to set goals and plan the
budget with the goals in mind. In addition, management of personnel can be
complicated and a delicate situation when changes need to be made during
the school year.
Collaborate to set campus goals and campus budgets. Always use funds
appropriately. Develop a system of checks and balances.
Competency 009: The principal knows how to apply principles of leadership and
management to the campus physical plant and support systems to ensure a safe and
effective learning environment.
I have attended several SDMC and administrative meetings where safety and
support systems were addressed. I have met with our campus safety person
and attended trainings based on campus safety and legal issues.
Safety is paramount! It is important to develop safety plans for all
situations. This year we have several students in wheelchairs and needed to
develop evacuation plans specifically for them. In addition, it is important to
be preemptive and keep the campus as safe and clean as possible to as to
avoid any potential hazards.
Create safety and crisis management plans and make sure that everyone is
aware of them. Practice safety procedures when necessary.