STANDARD TWO:
Instructional Leadership
A. Focus on Learning and Teaching, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment: The school executive leads the discussion about standards for curriculum, instruction and assessment based on research and best practices in order to establish and achieve high expectations for students.
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Making Meaning of EvaluationsOne way school leaders engage in meaningful discussions with teachers resulting in improved instruction is through the NCEES evaluation process. The process of evaluation supports teachers as they continue to grow in their craft. As a teacher, I was always intimidated when I was evaluated because I felt as I was being judged. Through my residency, I have learned that the evaluation does not need to be or feel that way. Instead, it is a great way for Administrators to see their teachers in action and have a conversation about what they observed while providing meaningful feedback and evidence for praise or concern. I created an observation tool that allows me to look deeper into a teacher's practice. Following the observation, I share with the teacher the completed tool including my wonderings in the hopes that they will arrive at our post-conference prepared to have a conversation about instruction. By engaging in these deeper conversations, I have learned so much more about the teachers’ intentions and thought process and how it is connected to their student achievement.
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Learning Through PracticeCompleting formal observations was one responsibility I was terrified of taking on. Thankfully, before embarking on this activity in an official capacity, I was assigned a mock evaluation to be conducted with a participating teacher. We had to complete the process and record our observation meeting, then reflect on what we learned. My key takeaways from this assignment that have helped me as a growing leader are: 1) As an observer, you will never see the complete picture 2) The NCEES tool is not easy to use while in an observation 3) Having a plan for a conference is a time saver. From this assignment, I learned that my process for the evaluation of teachers requires much more intention and a system for completion. I also learned that the Post Conference can have a positive impact on a teacher's instructional practice. As an instructional leader, perspective is important and in talking to teachers, especially great teachers, knowing when and how to make suggestions is critical to preserving the relationship.
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B. Focus on Instructional Time: The school executive creates processes and schedules which protect teachers from disruptions of instructional or preparation time.
PLC SchedulesNew to RES this year, was the resolution that teachers have two PLCs a week instead of one long PLC as they have had in the past. The idea behind the two PLCs is that one would be designated for data and Admin while the second designated for planning. The teachers, through the SIT representatives, voted to try this format for this school year. Grade levels were asked to choose their days for each PLC and I created the schedule. As the year progressed and changes needed to be made, the schedule was updated.
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Preparing for Remote LearningWith the recent development and change with COVID-19, schools were unsure of closure. In preparation for the potential closing and possible transition to remote learning, I recognized that many of our teachers were not prepared for the online change. The Thursday before the Saturday the Governor closed schools, our Admin team took action. I created a document that could help teachers navigate the different online platforms including detailed descriptions of each platform. I also included a variety of teaching tools that may help them continue with the collaborative spirit of face to face learning and some additional online resources that have activities and information already organized for students. This document was attached to a larger document that was presented to the teachers in an emergency PLC held on that Friday. The Admin team was able to meet with every teacher and explain the document in case our situation changed over the weekend. As it turns out, those PLC meetings were visionary, because as it turned out, that was our last day in the physical building of our school.
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