Leadership and Organization

Leadership and Organization

The way in which a school organizes learning for students, fosters leadership, and engages its members has a profound effect on teaching and learning. The professional culture of the school must be characterized by thoughtful, reflective, and constructive discourse about decision-making and practices which supports student learning and well-being.

1.   The school board and superintendent shall ensure that the principal has sufficient autonomy and decision-making authority to lead the school in achieving the mission and expectations for student learning.

2.   The principal shall provide leadership in the school community by creating and maintaining a shared vision, direction, and focus for student learning.

3.   Teachers as well as administrators other than the principal shall provide leadership essential to the improvement of the school.

4.   The organization of the school and its educational programs shall promote the school’s mission and expectations for student learning.

5.   Student grouping patterns shall reflect the diversity of the student body, foster heterogeneity, reflect current research and best practices, and support the achievement of the school’s mission and expectations for student learning.

6.   The schedule shall be driven by the school’s mission and expectations for student learning and shall support the effective implementation of the curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

7.   Meaningful roles in the decision-making process shall be accorded to students, parents, and all members of the school staff to promote an atmosphere of participation, responsibility, and ownership.

8.   Each teacher shall have a student load that enables the teacher to meet the learning needs of individual students.

9.   There shall be a formal, ongoing program through which each student has an adult member of the school community in addition to the school guidance counselor who personalizes each student’s educational experience, knows the student well, and assists the student in achieving the school-wide expectations for student learning.

10.   The professional staff shall collaborate within and across departments in support of learning for all students.

11.   All school staff shall be involved in promoting the well-being and learning of students.

12.   Student success shall be regularly acknowledged, celebrated, and displayed.

13.   The climate of the school shall be safe, positive, respectful, and supportive, resulting in a sense of pride and ownership.

14.   The school board shall support the implementation of the school’s mission and expectations for student learning.