1. School Leadership Teams in Magnet Schools Strategies for Building Capacity for Effective Teacher and Principal Success

2. Creating Successful Magnet School Programs In successful magnet schools, leadership is not the role solely of the principal; leadership functions are clearly expected from other staff. “I try to empower teachers, to get good people dedicated to students and our philosophy, and just let them go.” Magnet principal, Hamilton County, TN “If you throw an idea at them they run with it.” School administrator, Montclair Public Schools, NJ

3. Creating Successful Magnet School Programs “There is growing recognition … that if principals … are to be effective instructional leaders, other leadership … responsibilities traditionally expected of them must be shared. This is especially true for magnet school principals who … must ensure that their school’s theme-focused curriculum aligns with state academic standards, must market the school to parents and the community, and must generate supportive partnerships.”

4. Magnet School Leadership Responsibilities Providing effective instructional leadership Ensuring that the school’s theme-focused curriculum aligns with state academic standards Marketing the school to parents and the community Generating supportive partnerships Others?

5. Leadership Considerations in MSAP Grant Selection Criteria Plan of Operation The effectiveness of the plan for utilizing resources and personnel to achieve the objectives of the project, including how well the applicant utilizes key personnel to complete tasks and achieve the objectives of the project

6. Leadership Considerations in MSAP Grant Selection Criteria Quality of Personnel Other key personnel [in addition to the project director] are qualified to manage the project Teachers who will provide instruction in participating magnet schools are qualified to implement the special curriculum of the magnet schools

7. Leadership Considerations in MSAP Grant Selection Criteria Project Design Address the educational needs of the students who will be enrolled in the magnet schools; Carry out a high quality educational program that will substantially strengthen students’ knowledge and skills Encourage greater parental decisionmaking and involvement

8. School Leadership Teams Quality Personnel The principal must empower key people to join him as change agents in magnet schools. The chosen principal must be capable of initiating and sustaining change over time through collaboration. Empowering principals are aware of progress and make necessary changes along the way.

9. School Leadership Teams Choice of Principal In Race to the Top, some options for turn around schools include replacing the principal and having a structured redesign. One option discusses keeping the same principal but completely changing the instructional program for the school. Look carefully at the principal to see if he/she is an empowering leader and capable of implementing change.

10. School Leadership Teams “The brick walls are there to see how badly you want it.” Empowering principals clarify/define the vision. Empowering principals are keepers of the vision. Key leadership needs to understand the vision. Good leaders never give up -no excuses

11. School Leadership Teams “No job is beneath you.” Empowering leaders understand all components of the magnet program. Empowering leaders form a magnet team of 7 to 9 people. Strong teams work to implement all components with fidelity. Strong teams get constant feedback and involvement from the staff.

12. School Leadership Teams “Tell the Truth” Empowering leaders explain what will happen each year of the MSAP grant. Effective teams develop a detailed three year implementation plan. Empowering leaders keep the focus on what is good for children. Good leadership helps identify any areas of conflict and works through them.

13. School Leadership Teams “ Show Gratitude” Ensure that key leaders feel appreciated. Ensure that teachers and students feel appreciated. Celebrate successes. Encourage progress by tracking outcomes on the three year implementation plan.

14. School Leadership Teams “Your dreams for your school will come to you.” When doing the right thing for children the universe will conspire to help you. The three year implementation plan will make your dream a reality. The school will own the problems and the successes.

15. School Leadership Teams Questions??? Dr. Kim Morrison kmorrison@wsfcs.k12.nc.us Mr. Steven Brockhouse