EOCS 7450 Pamela Barnett
Practicum in Leadership Case Study #2
ISLLC Standard #2:
A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
Name of Case Study:
From K-8 to 6-8
Questions the Case Study Answers:
The Situation:
Our middle school (GMS) was formed in the fall of 2000 from a K-8 facility. Controversy surrounded this change with the community divided over the decision to remodel the old high school building instead of building a new structure that would serve as a countywide middle school. The assistant principal of the K-8, Mr. Cruise, became the principal of the 6-8 middle school (GMS).
Answers to Questions:
Question #1: Mr. Cruise immediately begins preparing his staff for the change process by involving them in and informing them of the plans and direction of GMS. Mr. Cruise involves all stakeholders in developing a school vision and goals. He examines data to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of his students and staff to effectively plan for the transition. Training is provided to the staff on the middle school concept and the development, needs and interests of adolescents. Mr. Cruise arranges for his staff to visit and observe a successful true middle school. His staff is encouraged to share ideas and concerns. He practices effective 2-way communication with all stakeholders.
Mr. Cruise ensures that the curriculum design and implementation is based on current research and principles of effective instruction. He brings in experts, such as Paul George, to evaluate GMS and its programs and make recommendations for improvement. He organizes study groups to discuss current research, issues, concerns and barriers to the success of GMS. Stakeholders meet to discuss the move to the middle school. They are surveyed to collect information on their concerns, beliefs and attitudes. Mr. Cruise provides information and the rationale for the organization and programs of GMS. Teachers are trained to effectively implement differentiated instruction, inclusion and team teaching. Grade level and content level teams meet regularly with Mr. Cruise to discuss concerns, strengths, weaknesses and solutions.
Question #2:
Prior to the beginning of the school year at GMS, Mr. Cruise holds a community open house to allow stakeholders to tour the facility. Information is provided on the middle school concept, the school schedule and the various programs offered at GMS. Mr. Cruise organizes a volunteer program that encourages and provides opportunities for community members and parents to work within the school.
After school programs and extra-curricular programs are developed to provide students with more opportunities for success. Student surveys are administered to develop and evaluate programs that meet the needs and interest of our students. The student council is utilized to provide feedback, suggestions and an avenue for students to express their concerns. Mr. Cruise initiates recognition programs for students and staff that publicly recognize the efforts and success of GMS. Mentoring takes place regularly with all faculty, staff and various community members serving as mentors.
Mr. Cruise ensures the schedule provides for daily team planning time for teachers. Training in the middle school concept is provided for teams. Technology and related training is provided and utilized to meet the needs of all learners. Mr. Cruise encourages teachers to regularly attend conferences and workshops to "network" with other professionals and to share and collect resources and strategies to make GMS the best it can possibly be.
Mr. Cruise keeps the lights on at GMS long after 3:00 to permit the community and parents to utilize the facility. The gym is available for programs that involve youth in healthy habits and physical activities. The media center and computer labs are available for parents and students to work together on projects and homework assignments. Community organizations can hold parenting and English language classes for parents and community members in the school building. Club sponsors hold meetings after school to keep kids supervised and provide activities that keep students off the street and from being home alone.
Mr. Cruise continues to include all stakeholders in the process of improving GMS. He encourages input and strives to meet the needs of all students by utilizing the resources of the community, the faculty and staff and parents.