Competency Reflections Kym Norsworthy November 14, 2011 1

Competency 001: The principle 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. As a principle, my key role is to make sure the campus culture is clearly defined in my actions as well as my attitude. I need to make sure that not only my community is aware if the positive learning happening in the school, but that my school community is on board cohesively with my campus vision. Without a strong principle to set the tone of the campus culture, the vision of learning can not be received and accepted throughout the campus community. 2

Competency 002: The principle 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. A strong principle has strong communications skills in order to meet the needs of the school community. They must be willing and open to receive new ideas and discuss the possibility of betterments for the school in a manner that reaches all persons involved. The principle must also be flexible in the learning styles of the students and the teaching styles of the teacher. This is crucial to helping students reach their full potential; if principles are motivated to take a small risk in the success of their students academic future. 3

Competency 003: The principle knows how to act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical and legal manner. As a principle grows, so will the fires and they must know how to effectively and ethically put them out. A principle must always act in truthfulness as accurately as possible and impartially to any other circumstance. They must understand the legalities of each situation independently and make a fair judgment that will create a precedent for future occurrences. 4

Competency 004: The principle 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. As a principle it is my responsibility to create the best possible learning environment for the students and the best possible teaching environment for the teachers. In doing so, I must make sure that any new learning plans are lined up with the district and state curriculum; because of the new E.O.C. and STAAR testing, I need to make sure that my students are successful on these new test by using various assessment tools lined up with both curriculum and testing. I must make sure my teachers are aware of more varied styles of teaching the curriculum in order to master these requests with matching assessments. 5

Competency 005: The principle knows how to advocate, nurture, and sustain an instructional program and a campus culture that are conducive to student learning and staff professional development. When it comes to learning, continued growth is inescapable. A principle who understands this concept also understands that the campus culture must reflect this same inevitable growth by allowing the campus culture to reflect positive change. Students must demonstrate success on varied assessments and teachers must be allowed to learn about varied assessments and teaching strategies that will ensure students success. This exhibits the principles strength in supporting a school culture of continued learning. 6

Competency 006: The principle 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. In order to provide the best possible feedback for teachers and staff, a solid and comprehensive system of measurement and development must be set in place to allow for a more conducive, professional learning environment. A principle needs to ensure fellow administrators and employees demonstrate the desired performance levels for all employees. They must also be aware of any and all legal requirements needed to conduct such evaluations in a manner aligned to local, state, and national guidelines. 7

Competency 007: The principle knows how to apply organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to ensure an effective learning environment. Another complimenting trait for a strong principle, is the ability to ensure an effective learning environment via structural, comprehensive problem-solving skills. They need to be abreast of various, possible interactions occurrences with matching, various possible outcomes. A good principle is able to think logically on a whim and not disrupt the learning environment. 8

Competency 008: The principle knows how to apply principles of effective leadership and management in relation to campus budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology use. Sometimes being a principle is much like running a business. In order for the school to run smoothly within academics, certain non-academics needs must be attended to. A principle must make sure that all budgeting and financial management is accurately met and accounted for and that all resources on campus are used accordingly. In order to ensure a solid academic environment, the fundamental needs of the campus and it’s students must be up-to-date and used appropriately according to the curriculum and state curriculum guidelines. 9

Competency 009: The principle 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. As great leaders acquire certain leadership traits and qualities, principles must possess the common knowledge of when and how to exercise these qualities. They must be aware of their campus in every aspect in order to provide a safe environment conducive to learning. They must also stay in constant communication with all support systems within the school to ensure the highest standard of security for the students, teachers and complete community of the school. 10