Professional Education Unit - Standards for School Leaders

Knowledge

The administrator has knowledge and understanding of:

* learning goals in a pluralistic society
* the principles of developing and implementing strategic plans
* systems theory
* information sources, data collection, and data analysis strategies
* effective communication
* effective consensus-building and negotiation skills

Dispositions

The administrator believes in, values, and is committed to:

* the educability of all
* a school vision of high standards of learning
* continuous school improvement
* the inclusion of all members of the school community
* ensuring that students have the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become successful adults
* a willingness to continuously examine oneís own assumptions, beliefs, and practices
* doing the work required for high levels of personal and organization performance

Performances

The administrator facilitates processes and engages
in activities ensuring that:

* the vision and mission of the school are effectively communicated to staff, parents, students, and community members
* the vision and mission are communicated through the use of symbols, ceremonies, stories, and similar activities
* the core beliefs of the school vision are modeled for all stakeholders
* the vision is developed with and among stakeholders
* the contributions of school community members to the realization of the vision are recognized and celebrated
* progress toward the vision and mission is communicated to all stakeholders
* the school community is involved in school improvement efforts
* the vision shapes the educational programs, plans, and actions
* an implementation plan is developed in which objectives and strategies to achieve the vision and goals are clearly articulated
* assessment data related to student learning are used to develop the school vision and goals
* relevant demographic data pertaining to students and their families are used in developing the school mission and goals
* barriers to achieving the vision are identified, clarified, and addressed
* needed resources are sought and obtained to support the implementation of the school mission and goals
* existing resources are used in support of the school vision and goals
* the vision, mission, and implementation plans are regularly monitored, evaluated, and revised

Knowledge

The administrator has knowledge and understanding of:

* student growth and development
* applied learning theories
* applied motivational theories
* curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and refinement
* principles of effective instruction
* measurement, evaluation, and assessment strategies
* diversity and its meaning for educational programs
* adult learning and professional development models
* the change process for systems, organizations, and individuals
* the role of technology in promoting student learning and professional growth
* school cultures

Dispositions

The administrator believes in, values, and is committed to:

* student learning as the fundamental purpose of schooling
* the proposition that all students can learn
* the variety of ways in which students can learn
* life long learning for self and others
* professional development as an integral part of school improvement
* the benefits that diversity brings to the school community
* a safe and supportive learning environment
* preparing students to be contributing members of society

Performances

The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities ensuring that:

* all individuals are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect
* professional development promotes a focus on student learning consistent with the school vision and goals
* students and staff feel valued and important
* the responsibilities and contributions of each individual are acknowledged
* barriers to student learning are identified, clarified, and addressed
* diversity is considered in developing learning experiences
* life long learning is encouraged and modeled
* there is a culture of high expectations for self, student, and staff performance
* technologies are used in teaching and learning
* student and staff accomplishments are recognized and celebrated
* multiple opportunities to learn are available to all students
* the school is organized and aligned for success
* curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular programs are designed, implemented, evaluated, and refined
* curriculum decisions are based on research, expertise of teachers, and the recommendations of learned societies
* the school culture and climate are assessed on a regular basis
* a variety of sources of information is used to make decisions
* student learning is assessed using a variety of techniques
* multiple sources of information regarding performance are used by staff and students
* a variety of supervisory and evaluation models is employed
* pupil personnel programs are developed to meet the needs of students and their families

Knowledge

The administrator has knowledge and understanding of:

* theories and models of organizations and the principles of organizational development
* operational procedures at the school and district level
* principles and issues relating to school safety and security
* human resources management and development
* principles and issues relating to fiscal operations of school management
* principles and issues relating to school facilities and use of space
* legal issues impacting school operations
* current technologies that support management functions

Dispositions

The administrator believes in, values, and is committed to:

* making management decisions to enhance learning and teaching
* taking risks to improve schools
* trusting people and their judgments
* accepting responsibility
* high-quality standards, expectations, and performances
* involving stakeholders in management processes
* a safe environment

Performances

The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities ensuring that:

* knowledge of learning, teaching, and student development is used to inform management decisions
* operational procedures are designed and managed to maximize opportunities for successful learning
* emerging trends are recognized, studied, and applied as appropriate
* operational plans and procedures to achieve the vision and goals of the school are in place
* collective bargaining and other contractual agreements related to the school are effectively managed
* the school plant, equipment, and support systems operate safely, efficiently, and effectively
* time is managed to maximize attainment of organizational goals
* potential problems and opportunities are identified
* problems are confronted and resolved in a timely manner
* financial, human, and material resources are aligned to the goals of schools
* the school acts entrepreneurally to support continuous improvement
* organizational systems are regularly monitored and modified as needed
* stakeholders are involved in decisions affecting schools
* responsibility is shared to maximize ownership and accountability
* effective problem-framing and problem-solving skills are used
* effective conflict resolution skills are used
* effective group-process and consensus-building skills are used
* effective communication skills are used
* a safe, clean, and aesthetically pleasing school environment is created and maintained
* human resource functions support the attainment of school goals
* confidentiality and privacy of school records are maintained

Knowledge

The administrator has knowledge and understanding of:

* emerging issues and trends that potentially impact the school community
* the conditions and dynamics of the diverse school community
* community resources
* community relations and marketing strategies and processes
* successful models of school, family, business, community, government and higher education partnerships

Dispositions

The administrator believes in, values, and is committed to:

* schools operating as an integral part of the larger community
* collaboration and communication with families
* involvement of families and other stakeholders in school decision-making processes
* the proposition that diversity enriches the school
* families as partners in the education of their children
* the proposition that families have the best interests of their children in mind
* resources of the family and community needing to be brought to bear on the education of students
* an informed public

Performances

The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities ensuring that:

* high visibility, active involvement, and communication with the larger community is a priority
* relationships with community leaders are identified and nurtured
* information about family and community concerns, expectations, and needs is used regularly
* there is outreach to different business, religious, political, and service agencies and organizations
* credence is given to individuals and groups whose values and opinions may conflict
* the school and community serve one another as resources
* available community resources are secured to help the school solve problems and achieve goals
* partnerships are established with area businesses, institutions of higher education, and community groups
to strengthen programs and support school goals
* community youth family services are integrated with school programs
* community stakeholders are treated equitably
* diversity is recognized and valued
* effective media relations are developed and maintained
* a comprehensive program of community relations is established
* public resources and funds are used appropriately and wisely
* community collaboration is modeled for staff
* opportunities for staff to develop collaborative skills are provided

Knowledge

The administrator has knowledge and understanding of:

* the purpose of education and the role of leadership in modern society
* various ethical frameworks and perspectives on ethics
* the values of the diverse school community
* professional codes of ethics
* the philosophy and history of education

Dispositions

The administrator believes in, values, and is committed to:

* the ideal of the common good
* the principles in the Bill of Rights
* the right of every student to a free, quality education
* bringing ethical principles to the decision-making process
* subordinating oneís own interest to the good of the school community
* accepting the consequences for upholding oneís principles and actions
* using the influence of oneís office constructively and productively in the service of all students and their families
* development of a caring school community

Performances

The administrator:

* examines personal and professional values
* demonstrates a personal and professional code of ethics
* demonstrates values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of performance
* serves as a role model
* accepts responsibility for school operations
* considers the impact of oneís administrative practices on others
* uses the influence of the office to enhance the educational program rather than for personal gain
* treats people fairly, equitably, and with dignity and respect
* protects the rights and confidentiality of students and staff
* demonstrates appreciation for and sensitivity to the diversity in the school community
* recognizes and respects the legitimate authority of others
* examines and considers the prevailing values of the diverse school community
* expects that others in the school community will demonstrate integrity and exercise ethical behavior
* opens the school to public scrutiny
* fulfills legal and contractual obligations
* applies laws and procedures fairly, wisely, and considerately

Knowledge

The administrator has knowledge and understanding of:

* principles of representative governance that undergird the system of American schools
* the role of public education in developing and renewing a democratic society and an economically productive nation
* the law as related to education and schooling
* the political, social, cultural and economic systems and processes that impact schools
* models and strategies of change and conflict resolution as applied to the larger political, social, cultural and economic
contexts of schooling
* global issues and forces affecting teaching and learning
* the dynamics of policy development and advocacy under our democratic political system
* the importance of diversity and equity in a democratic society

Dispositions

The administrator believes in, values, and is committed to:

* education as a key to opportunity and social mobility
* recognizing a variety of ideas, values, and cultures
* importance of a continuing dialogue with other decision makers affecting education
* actively participating in the political and policy-making context in the service of education
* using legal systems to protect student rights and improve student opportunities

Performances

The administrator facilitates processes and engages in activities ensuring that:

* the environment in which schools operate is influenced on behalf of students and their families
* communication occurs among the school community concerning trends, issues, and potential changes in the
environment in which schools operate
* there is ongoing dialogue with representatives of diverse community groups
* the school community works within the framework of policies, laws, and regulations enacted by local, state,
and federal authorities
* public policy is shaped to provide quality education for students
* lines of communication are developed with decision makers outside the school community