Action Research Lesson Learned-Week 3 EDLD 5399

     In reflecting back on all the various projects I was able to complete three main recommendations came to mind.  The first recommendation I have is to continue to improve communication with stakeholders.  Our district is large and spread out in a variety of communities.  Fortunately, we have a position devoted to communication.  The Public Information Officer does a wonderful job of keeping websites up to date, and works well with the media, but this is always an area that needs attention.  Another recommendation I have is for the district to devote more attention to addressing cultural diversity.  Campus conduct their own recognitions, but I would like to see the district more involved with common recognitions.  The third recommendation I have is developing a consistent plan for extra-curricular activities at the elementary level. There are 10 different elementary campuses in the district, and all of us run different after-school programs.  I completely understand that each campus needs to have the autonomy to make selections based on student demographics and interest, but there are some activities that need to be emphasized so students are better prepared when they meet up at the four intermediate campuses, which do have a standardized program. 

     There were three main areas that I felt like I really helped make a difference and hope the district continues with the initiatives.    Target Success was one of my major internship projects that I was able to initiate and eventually was board approved.  Target Success is a screener and interview process that will provide an efficient and effective way for administrators to select strong candidates to interview for teaching positions and will then provide a consistent interview process.  Campus administrators will be able to work together to interview applicants and find a strong fit for open positions.  This particular program is new to Texas, but is much like Gallop or Ventures.  A second project I was a part of was the selection process for the district’s new PEIMS operating system.  After sitting through presentations, and completing rubrics, the committee selected the Skyward system.  This was another project I participated in from beginning to board approval.  I am now on the team to be a trainer for the district, and look forward to utilizing this new system next year.  Assisting to establish an ALDA (Administrator Leadership Development Academy) session for aspiring assistant principals was another project I hope the district continues to foster.  I started this project with an interview to current assistant principals new to the position.  I was able to gather feedback from these individuals and share the results with the Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Johnson.  Mr. Johnson then took the information and created three academy sessions tailored to share information related to the assistant principal position.  The participants were able to ask questions and were given information that would better prepare them for the tough job ahead. 

     I am so glad I had the opportunity to perform the tasks throughout this program.  Many of the activities have given me information that I am able to implement immediately as a campus administrator.  I look forward to one day utilizing the experiences to run my own district.

Job Entry Plan

First Day:

Goal(s): I will articulate a vision of learning that is to be shared and supported by cabinet members, and solicit input to gain additional knowledge of structures currently in place.

                                

Objective(s): 

1.    Communicate a vision that focuses on increased academic rigor.

2.     Gather information from current cabinet members that will assist in making sound decisions in the future.

Activities addressing goals and objectives

1.    Meet with secretary to discuss pressing issues and to gain insight for how the current system works.

2.    Meet with cabinet member: Chief of Finance, Chief of Instruction, Chief of Student Services, and Chief of School Operations to discuss the basic workings of the group. Conduct a plus/delta session to identify areas of strength and areas of needed improvement.

3.    Meet with other central office employees to share my vision and solicit input from each department.

Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives

*Personnel

*District Data: FIRST Report, AEIS Report, AYP Report, PBMAS Report, Budget

*Scheduled Sessions

*Comfortable meeting location

*Effective and efficient manner for recording responses

First Week:

Goal(s):

1.  Apply organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to comply with federal and state requirements and facilitate positive change in varied contexts.
2. Ensure educational success for all learners.

                                

Objective(s): 

1.     Use strategies for working with others, including the board of trustees, to promote collaborative decision making and problem solving, facilitate team building, and develop consensus.

2. Analyze district policies to improve student learning and district performance in compliance with state and federal requirements.

Activities addressing goals and objectives

1.    Meet with campus principals.

2.    Review district strategic plan and conduct a needs assessment

3.    Meet with school board

4.    Send public address to all employees

Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives

*Secretary needs to coordinate meetings

*Campus Data and Improvement Plans

*School Board Goals and Objectives

*Assistance from Public Information Officer

First Month:

Goal(s):

1. Shape district culture by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the educational community.
2. Apply principles of effective leadership and management in relation to district budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology application.

                                

Objective(s): 

1.   Establish and support a district culture that promotes learning, high expectations, and academic rigor for self, students, and staff.
2. Articulate the district's vision and priorities to the community and to the media.
3. Evaluate appropriate procedures to ensure efficient, effective district transportation services, food services, health services, and other services.

Activities addressing goals and objectives

1.    Meet with Directors of: Human Resources, Technology, Transportation, Staff Development, and Food Services.

2.    Visit each campus

3.    Public Address to stakeholders during the monthly board meeting

Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives

* Staffing Allocations and Student Projections

*Long Range Technology Plan

*Action Plans from Departments

*Schedule of Staff Development offerings

*Assistance from Public Information Officer

First Year:

Goal(s):

1.    Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders.

2. Facilitate the planning and implementation of strategic plans that enhance teaching and learning; ensure alignment among curriculum, curriculum resources, and assessment.
3. Apply principles of effective leadership and management in relation to district budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology application.
4. Manage the district's physical plant and support systems to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.
5. Advocate, promote, and sustain an instructional program and a district culture that are conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.

Objective(s): 

*Utilize assessment data to monitor and adjust district curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.

*Update and implement a technology plan that increases the utilization of technology with the classroom.

*Assess and support organizational health and climate to improve performance of all staff members.

*Develop a budget that meets the needs of students and meets legal requirements

*Evaluate and implement procedures to ensure the district will provide and maintain safe, secure and nurturing environments conducive to learning.

Activities addressing goals and objectives

*Meet with Chief of Curriculum and Instruction to analyze data and discuss changes to curriculum

*Survey staff in order to have a clear understanding for the types of staff development opportunities needed

*Meet with Chief of Finance to go over budget planning templates.  Meet with campus leaders to determine campus budget expectations.

*Conduct staff surveys, parent surveys, and student surveys in order to retrieve information regarding the perception of the district and determine organizational health and climate.

*Conduct a Needs Assessment and develop an updated District Improvement Plan with the input of all stakeholders.

*Update emergency operation plan if needed

*Address any concerns with facilities and any other area regarding student safety

Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives

*Surveys and a process for disaggregating the data

*Meetings with community members, business members, district staff, and parents.

*Needs Assessment templates

*Finance templates and time with the Chief of Finance

*Public Information Officer will need to help ensure appropriate communication

*Incident/accident data

*Emergency Operating Plans and current standards

Competency Review Reflection

Taking time to reflect on all the projects completed through this program has been extremely beneficial.  I can’t believe all of the things I have accomplished during this time.  Although all of my projects offered insight in some way, a few of my projects were more involving and therefore offered a richer experience.  The first project that comes to mind was primarily based on Competency 7 and assisting in the coordination of staff development for the entire district.  I was able to assist in this project from beginning to end, and learned a great deal about what areas must be addressed to ensure all participants receive the quality training expected.  I assisted in bringing in an interview process called Target Success, which was another project in Competency 7.    Being able to work firsthand with such projects certainly gave me a different view, and helped me better understand from the perspective of a superintendent.

Other key projects that really developed my abilities as a future superintendent were serving as a committee member in the selection of a new PEIMS operating system.  During this project I assisted in selecting and implementing Skyward.  My interview with the transportation department, maintenance department, food service department, human resources, public information, and the superintendent himself provided a wealth of information. 

Self-Assessment Reflection

It is definitely amazing to see how much growth I have made in such a short period of time.  In reflecting on all 10 Competency Areas I feel like I am at least competent in all areas.  Not to say there are not areas that I need more experience and need to improve, but I do feel like I have gained enough information throughout the courses of this program to at least know where to go to get more information. 

The following competencies are considered areas of strength, but as mentioned before, continue to need refining and growth.  Competency 1 was already an area I felt strong in due to my ethical nature and willingness to follow policies and procedures.  After discussion regarding ways that individuals can get themselves into hot water without really knowing it certainly made me analyze certain aspects of managing funds and resources differently.  I realize the higher the position the more there is a chance of scrutiny and must do as much as possible to remain transparent and honest with district resources.  Competency 2 is almost a strength, but is definitely an area of competency.  As a campus leader in a school that is not nearly as diverse as the overall district, I must continue to do more to recognize and honor diversity.  Competency 3 is a strength because this is certainly an area that I have been working to develop at the campus level.  I am also very lucky to have a superintendent to model after in this regard.  My current superintendent does a wonderful job of involving community members and keeping all stakeholders informed.  In working with my district supervisor, which is the Chief of Curriculum and Instruction, I gained much knowledge in the area of instructional planning as expected in Competency 6.   Competency 7 was certainly an area that I felt was improved based on the professional growth plan activity we were required to complete.  This activity gave me a systematic way to develop staff development.  The final area of strength is competency 10, which addresses state and federal requirements.  This continues to be an area of strength, and was greatly improved by all the opportunities to access board policy and various TEC and TAC requirements. 

Competency 5 and 9 are areas of competency.  I certainly feel the Superintendent Leadership class promoted growth in these areas, but I need to continue to develop my skills in regards to strategic planning and plant management. 

Competency 4 remains an area of needed improvement as does Competency 8.  Working with a Board of Trustees remains an area I feel I need to make sure I continue to explore.  I think much of this will depend on the dynamics of The Board I will be working with.  Controlling the budget on a district level is most certainly an area I need to continue to develop.  I know where to go for laws and assistance, but do not feel I have all the information I need to perform these responsibilities to the level that would be expected of a district leader. A specific strand I need to ensure I address is; access and work with local, state, and national political systems and organizations to elicit input on critical educational issues.

Leadership of the Educational Community, Domain 1, is an overall area of strength with the exception of the actual budget.  Instructional Leadership, Domain 2, and Domain 3 Administrative Leadership are both areas of competency. 

Leadership Goal Statement

I strongly believe a leader should not want to lead for the sake of obtaining power, but should feel powerful enough to lead.  I have grown into a more confident leader over the last six years as an elementary principal, and certainly gained wisdom in regards to the district level over the course of this program.  As I leader I hope to accomplish a collaborative work environment that will foster student success.  I often wonder why I am driven to be a leader, and why in the world would I go through everything it takes to be a school leader, but when I walk in the building everyday and see the students it all becomes clear.  The thought of improving the course for even just one child makes everything I do worth it.  I am one of eight educators on my mother’s side of the family, which three of us have been or currently are campus administrators.  I was raised in a family that values education, and of dominant women that possess the skills to lead a group of people.  I have a vision for what I want education to be, and hope to one day be able to carry that vision forward as a district leader. 

My internship provided a vast array of opportunities that gave me new insight, and also gave me the opportunity to show what I am capable of on a larger scale.  Two of my projects ended in School Board approval for new programs coming to the district.  I was also able to help coordinate a staff development opportunity that received overwhelming positive feedback.  The many interviews and research items provided views of education I originally never thought of.  I am definitely more prepared to be a district leader because of the internship projects I completed.

Career Position Statement

  I would like to initially pursue a principal position at the secondary level.  All of my experience is at the elementary level, and although I think this has greatly prepared me, I certainly realize there are a number of areas at the secondary level I need to experience firsthand.  My next position to pursue would then be a central administration position such as Curriculum and Instruction or School Operations.  I would like to be in charge of a large department that directly impacts student instruction or school operations to learn the inner workings of such a department.  I would then pursue a superintendent position.

 

I am very fortunate that I currently work in a district that I greatly enjoy, and for which my family has adopted as our family community.  With two young children involved it makes it extremely difficult for me to imagine jumping directly into a superintendent position right away.  When I had my final conference with Dr. Creel he brought to light a variety of factors that I needed to consider.  The impact on my family is definitely what I must consider at this time.  I intend to stay with my current district as long as I possibly can while still obtaining the positions for which I pursue.  I believe being in charge of a large department such as Curriculum and Instruction would give me the experience needed to be a better superintendent.  I also intend to continue my education and obtain my doctorate.  My ultimate goal is to become a college professor.

Vita Update

 

Melissa Block

4524 Bucking Bronc Drive, Benbrook, TX.76126

(W) (817) 297-5080; (H) (817) 443-0058; melissablock@sbcglobal.net

Education/Certification

M. Ed.                                                 Educational Administration,
                                                            Tarleton State University,

                                                            Stephenville, TX, 1997

BS                                                       Interdisciplinary Studies,
                                                            Tarleton State University,

                                                            Stephenville, TX, 2002

Superintendent Certificate              Texas (In progress)

Principal Certificate                         Texas

Teacher Certificate                          Elementary Reading (1-8), Texas

                                                           Elementary Math (1-8), Texas

                                                           Elementary Self Contained (1-8), Texas

ESL Education                                 ESL Supplemental (1-8), Texas

Administrative Experience

Principal, Bess Race Elementary School,

Crowley Independent School District,

Crowley, TX, 2006-present

§  Implemented CSCOPE curriculum and whole school approach to after-school tutorials in order to improve academic achievement. TEA Recognized Campus 2008-2011

§  Utilized the PDAS system to define and monitor high expectations for staff performance.

§  Analyzed data from a variety of sources to make decisions.

§  Received the Community Builder Award; Sunrise Daylight Lodge No. 1433, Crowley, TX, October 1, 2007.

Assistant Principal, Bess Race Elementary School,

Crowley Independent School District,

Crowley, TX, 2002-2006

·         Facilitated effective resolution of conflicts in a timely fashion with students, teachers, and parents.

·         Implemented and trained other administrators with the district’s textbook tracking system.

·         Established programs to recognize students and staff for their contributions toward achieving goals.

Teaching Experience

Fifth Grade Math and Science Teacher,

Meadowcreek Elementary School, Crowley, TX, 1997-2002

·         Facilitated the use and integration of technology to enrich the curriculum.

·         Implemented sound, research-based instructional strategies in which multiple opportunities to learn and be successful are available to all students.

·         Built relationships and collaborated with colleagues to improve student achievement.

Presentations

• Block, M. (2011, September). How to Teach Like a Champion. Presentation at Bess Race Elementary for Gifted and Talented Professional Development, Crowley, TX.
• Block, M. and Murphy, J. (2010, November-January). Genius Denied. Presentation at Bess Race Elementary for Gifted and Talented Professional Development, Crowley, TX.
• Block, M. (2010, August). Curriculum Development and Implementation based on CSCOPE for Professional Development at Bess Race Elementary, Crowley, TX.

Additonal Training/Professional Development

• Skyward Trainer of Trainer, Crowley, TX, 2012
• Target Success, Crowley, TX, 2012
• CSCOPE Conference, San Antonio, TX, 2011
• Differentiated Instruction: Strategies That Work, Crowley. TX, 2009
• Continuous Improvement, Crowley, TX, 2007
• Capturing Kids' Hearts, Crowley, TX, 2007
• DuPont Training, Crowley, TX, 2002
• New Jersey Writing Project, Crowley, TX, 1998

Professional Affiliations

Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2008-present

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, 2002-present

References

References will be included on the following page, if requested.