STANDARD THREE
Cultural Leadership
Principals will understand and act on the understanding of the important role a school’s culture plays in contributing to the exemplary performance of the school. Principals must support and value the traditions, artifacts, symbols and positive values and norms of the school and community that result in a sense of identity and pride upon which to build a positive future. A principal must be able to “re-culture” the school if needed to align with school’s goals of improving student and adult learning and to infuse the work of the adults and students with passion, meaning and purpose. Cultural leadership implies understanding the school and the people in it each day, how they came to their current state, and how to connect with their traditions in order to move them forward to support the school’s efforts to achieve individual and collective goals.
Principals will understand and act on the understanding of the important role a school’s culture plays in contributing to the exemplary performance of the school. Principals must support and value the traditions, artifacts, symbols and positive values and norms of the school and community that result in a sense of identity and pride upon which to build a positive future. A principal must be able to “re-culture” the school if needed to align with school’s goals of improving student and adult learning and to infuse the work of the adults and students with passion, meaning and purpose. Cultural leadership implies understanding the school and the people in it each day, how they came to their current state, and how to connect with their traditions in order to move them forward to support the school’s efforts to achieve individual and collective goals.
Element 3a. Focus on Collaborative Work Environment:
The principal understands and acts on the understanding of the positive role that a collaborative work environment can play in the school’s culture.
The principal understands and acts on the understanding of the positive role that a collaborative work environment can play in the school’s culture.
During my Principal Residency, I had the opportunity to work on a Problem of Practice focusing on the ACT Prep sessions provided to all juniors. Students were grouped based on their pre ACT performance. The plan is color-coded to easily identify which group will be attending prep sessions over the course of three days. The guide for the colors are as followed: red indicates students who performed below mastery, yellow indicates students near mastery, green represents mastery, and blue represents students who scored above mastery. I collaborated with our testing coordinator, administrative team, and teachers to get prep locations and appropriate meeting times for each group. I created hall passes for all students which contained the date, period, and location for their test prep. I was responsible for ensuring teachers were in there newly assigned locations, students went to their assigned prep locations, and that the instructors knew the procedures for the day. Throughout this process, I learned the importance of planning, collaborating, communicating with a team to be purposeful when making decisions that will impact the entire school community.
After the completion of the ACT exam, juniors completed a survey indicating how well the sessions prepared them for their exam. I collaborated with administration, teachers, students, and testing coordinator to design the ACT Prep survey. This survey collected valuable data that helped make the decision regarding the company used for the ACT Prep Sessions for the upcoming school year.
Element 3b. School Culture and Identity:
The principal develops and uses shared vision, values and goals to define the identity and culture of the school.
The principal develops and uses shared vision, values and goals to define the identity and culture of the school.
I was given the responsibility of organizing a visit in which the NCSU Cohort could learn more about Riverside’s unique school culture by meeting with staff and visiting a variety of classrooms. I was intentional about designing a visit that thoroughly highlighted the mission and vision of the school. The cohort was able to see the school-wide focus of literacy incorporated into every subject in the building. The implementation of SMART lunch is unique to Riverside's ability to implement change and maximize students achievement. I realized how important it is to develop and sustain a positive school culture in a large comprehensive high school.
Element 3c. Acknowledges Failures; Celebrates Accomplishments and Rewards:
The principal acknowledges failures and celebrates accomplishments of the school in order to define the identity, culture and performance of the school.
The principal acknowledges failures and celebrates accomplishments of the school in order to define the identity, culture and performance of the school.
Riverside believes in celebrating the accomplishments of our students and staff. During my residency, we celebrated the schools’ proficiency score from the 2018-2019 school year. The Assistant Principals, administrative assistant, and I were responsible for setting up and facilitating the celebration and vendors to celebrate the time and dedication of our teachers to ensure student academic success. The teachers received ice cream during lunch while the band played and the cheerleaders cheered celebrating their hard work and dedication to our students’ success.
We also make sure to celebrate the achievements of our students. At the end of each semester students who earned the honor roll were given a certificate to celebrate their accomplishments. Students were also invited to attend the honor roll celebration, which I collaborated with one of the Assistant Principals to coordinate. We decorated the cafeteria and provided students breakfast items, certificates, and a gift card donated by various community organizations to celebrate their performance. These opportunities for celebrating our students and staff highlighted the importance of showing your appreciation for all stakeholders in the school no matter their role. As a leader, it is essential to celebrate the success and accomplishment of students to show them you notice and appreciate their hard work. |
Element 3d. Efficacy and Empowerment:
The principal develops a sense of efficacy and empowerment among staff which influences the school’s identity, culture and performance.
The principal develops a sense of efficacy and empowerment among staff which influences the school’s identity, culture and performance.
During my residency, I contributed to the celebration of staff members who continue to go above and beyond for the success of our students throughout the school year. During our weekly administrative meetings, I collaborated with the leadership team to identify exemplar staff members who make learning meaningful to our diverse population of students. As a team, we decided on a staff crew member of the week. The selected staff member had a shout section in our weekly staff bulletin. Students expressed excitement when one of their favorite teachers was selected to receive a shoutout.
The concept of FISH is used to create a positive work environment. Its central four ideas are: choose your attitude; play; make someone's day; and be there. The FISH list is used to identify 10 staff members who have displayed one of the four concepts behind this philosophy. During our weekly leadership meetings, I was responsible for selecting a staff member who found innovative ways to engage with our students. At the beginning of each month, during our monthly staff meeting during which the selected FISH members would be recognized for their performance.
I learned how empowerment within a school can increase motivation and desire to perform. I believe both of these acknowledgment systems contribute to building a culture around celebrating excellence in the building. The teachers have been very appreciative of these awards.
The concept of FISH is used to create a positive work environment. Its central four ideas are: choose your attitude; play; make someone's day; and be there. The FISH list is used to identify 10 staff members who have displayed one of the four concepts behind this philosophy. During our weekly leadership meetings, I was responsible for selecting a staff member who found innovative ways to engage with our students. At the beginning of each month, during our monthly staff meeting during which the selected FISH members would be recognized for their performance.
I learned how empowerment within a school can increase motivation and desire to perform. I believe both of these acknowledgment systems contribute to building a culture around celebrating excellence in the building. The teachers have been very appreciative of these awards.