The document discusses the experiences and learning of a principal candidate related to the nine principal competencies. For competency 1, the candidate saw the principal try to evolve a shared vision for the school that included more flexibility in student evaluations and enriched problem-based learning. For competency 2, the candidate helped organize a field trip for girls to learn about engineering careers. The principal was also observed effectively managing conflicts. For competency 3, the candidate witnessed the principal advocate for a student in the RTI process.
The document discusses the experiences and learning of a principal candidate related to the nine principal competencies. For competency 1, the candidate saw the principal try to evolve a shared vision for the school that included more flexibility in student evaluations and enriched problem-based learning. For competency 2, the candidate helped organize a field trip for girls to learn about engineering careers. The principal was also observed effectively managing conflicts. For competency 3, the candidate witnessed the principal advocate for a student in the RTI process.
The document discusses the experiences and learning of a principal candidate related to the nine principal competencies. For competency 1, the candidate saw the principal try to evolve a shared vision for the school that included more flexibility in student evaluations and enriched problem-based learning. For competency 2, the candidate helped organize a field trip for girls to learn about engineering careers. The principal was also observed effectively managing conflicts. For competency 3, the candidate witnessed the principal advocate for a student in the RTI process.
Competency 1: 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. For this competency, I had the unique opportunity to see my principal trying to move our school in a new direction; after taking a leadership course, she thinks that our staff is ready to assume new risks and is trying to write a proposal that potentially would allow our school to have more freedom in terms of students evaluations, enriched curriculum with lessons focused on problem- based learning, and character development. I took an on-line course about character education and I have learned that in order to achieve this goal, the school must share a common vision and buy in of all stakeholders. It is still too early to know if this project will come to fruition, but the process has been a great learning experience. I understand now that in order to evolve a shared vision, recognizing human talents and finding the correct placement (either grade level or position) is a critical component for students success. Competency 2: 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. For this competency I was able to reach out to the community by getting grants and donations in order to support the school goal of college awareness. With the money we were able to take 40 girls to Austin where they learned about Engineering careers. I have also seen my principal managing conflict in various ways. I believe thats one of hers leadership strengths as she has a great rapport with parents, district, community and of course her staff. Being a principal is a juggling act, I see the importance of never assume words and/or actions and always take the time to communicate. Competency 3: The principal knows how to act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical and legal manner. For this competency I got to see determination meeting action; we had an RTI case which was being painfully slow causing stress and frustration to the teachers, the diagnostician, Special Ed teacher, and Assistant principal. The AP voiced her concerned and explained with facts and evidence why waiting wasnt the best for that particular student and that the district needed to make a change. This was a good example of a school leader being a great advocate for teachers and students.
Competency 4: 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. Given the nature of my role (interdisciplinary coach) this competency is my strongest one. I think that knowing how to implement curricula is a critical asset to have as a leader of learning. School administrators need to recognize good instruction and good planning when they see it and how to help teachers and teams to continuously grow in their practice. My experience in this competency was the creation and implementation of the reading intervention plan for 5 th
grade needed for the Student Success Initiative (SSI) for the students not meeting the passing standard on the STAAR test. Data was an important component to differentiate instruction and make small groups according to students needs. The second administration of STAAR will be in mid May and I feel confident that more students will pass the test. Competency 5: 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. My school is an early adopter campus for a district initiative that seeks to flip the conventional classroom by making the students the owners of their own learning. This was a great experience and also a hard one, as it required for teachers to get out of their comfort zone and look for opportunities of intentional and specific changes. I also implemented the Seed to Plate program to promote better eating habits and help our students to make better choices at home and school. Competency 6: 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. This year I took several coaching trainings and the tools I got have allowed me to work with teachers not only on areas of need, but also how generate more bright spots. I have learned that we all have a different approach when it comes to completing projects and the importance of understanding how to work with different collaboration styles. Competency 7: The principal knows how to apply organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to ensure an effective learning environment. For this competency I had to coordinate several events: science/math night, special presentations, field trips and Saturday camps, and help with testing. I learned the importance of delegation, communication and never to assume anything. For science night, each team had the freedom to choose an activity to present and I was in charge of providing materials and working area. I also had to coordinate vendors, payments and schedules. An evaluation of this event was the great turnout we had. Competency 8: 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. As a member of the CIT, I have been part of the budget planning and deciding how to allocate funds according to our campus needs. Also as a recipient of several grants I have been learning how to manage activity funds. Even though this money is not coming form the school budget, there are a set of strict guidelines. Competency 9: 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. For this competency I have had the experience of managing the science lab and all the safety involved around it; I need to make sure to keep an up-to-date inventory of all the substances in the lab, I also have potentially hazardous materials locked away. The cabinets have labels for easy identification of contents. For the Seed to Plate materials (cooking and gardening class) I also keep the sharp objects locked away. I also work with administration applying the crisis management plan currently in place.