Well, here it is, the final blog...YIPPEE!!! It is exciting to be done!! Congrats to everyone in all the cohorts for their hard work, long hours and dedication it took to complete this program!!!
In regards to the interview simulation, I felt that we a valuable experience. I would have loved to have had that simulation prior to my first interview :) I appreciated the principals and superintendents taking time out of busy schedule to do this exercise with all of us. I was interviewed by Mark Sutton, the superintendent of Selma Unified. Mr. Sutton used our time as more of a coaching session, elaborating on some of the main categories which their questions cover - ranging from curriculum and instruction to budgets and leadership.
It was nice see everybody for our cohorts one last time - the next time we are all together will be graduation :)
Again, CONGRATULATIONS to everyone and enjoy your winter break...with no homework!!!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Blog - Capstone and Prof. Growth Plan
Well, I posted my assignments for both my Prof. Growth Plan and Capstone and find that I feel like I am behind and have a lot of work to do. haha These assignments made me realize just how much work I still have to reach the educational goals we have for our school site. On one side, I was able to discuss some of the good things we are working on and some of the achievements we have reached, but then when I look to the future, I realize we still have a lot of work ahead of us and some tough situations (budget challenges) in which to maneuver within. I think the upcoming "trigger" on Dec. 15 has the potential to really impact our future practices in education.
I liked working from the template for the Prof. Growth plan...it was an effective format in which to outline the plan without getting bogged down with narrative "fluff". It was a very effective tool I plan to incorporate in my site plans.
I liked working from the template for the Prof. Growth plan...it was an effective format in which to outline the plan without getting bogged down with narrative "fluff". It was a very effective tool I plan to incorporate in my site plans.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Budget Blog
Well, this assignment was a challenge for me because some of the information relating to the assignment and the information presented by Dr. Bradley does not apply to my school site. As a dependent charter school, we do not received categorical funds. Therefore, some of the budget funding questions don't apply to my school site. The funds I do receive are pulled for the charter school funds which are received from state funding sources such as the state lottery. When the funds are put into my site budget, I have a greater flexibility in how I can spend those funds as compared to the funds received say for title 1, 2 or 3. But, I also receive less funds as a result.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Post # 10 Face-to-Face Nov. 4th & 5th
It is always nice when we have an opportunity to talk with peers from other school sites and districts. I enjoyed hearing from the various district representatives regarding HR matters. I was able to appreciate the commonality of all three districts as well as the differences - especially the differences pertaining to the collective bargaining units. One "must" that was conveyed by all of the guests was the need for documentation - this is something that does take a little extra time but saves a lot of trouble in the long-run.
The remainder of the evening was a great opportunity to interact with classmates and converse with people I may not have spoken to otherwise. I did like the "groups of three" activity and I can see how this could be used with staff, students and even with some of our parent groups.
The information regarding school budgets was great - there was so much valuable information. I appreciated the depth in which Dr. Bradley explained many of the nuances of school budgets and how the state funding does/will impact us all. It does sound like we still have some tough times ahead of all of us in education.
The remainder of the evening was a great opportunity to interact with classmates and converse with people I may not have spoken to otherwise. I did like the "groups of three" activity and I can see how this could be used with staff, students and even with some of our parent groups.
The information regarding school budgets was great - there was so much valuable information. I appreciated the depth in which Dr. Bradley explained many of the nuances of school budgets and how the state funding does/will impact us all. It does sound like we still have some tough times ahead of all of us in education.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Chapter 7 Putting it all together
This was one of the best books I have read in the program. It was so helpful! It was easy to read and connect to and provided lots of insight and great suggestions. It was very good at illustrating how each of the elements are linked and how things can go astray if even one of the pieces are not working. I think this book should be a "must read" for all brand new administrators.
I really liked the last chapter, it was a touching and simple was to tie to all together. We should all be so lucky as to have the career Jeff had and the make a difference in so many people's lives. I like how they allowed us to take the "journey" with him as he remembered all the good times only to then begin to worry about the mistakes he made along the way. This was a great way to say, that even the "great ones" make mistakes. The reception and all the people he encountered throughout his career came forward to honor him. That was very powerful and I have to say I got a tear or two in my eye :)
I give this book a "two thumbs up" :)
I really liked the last chapter, it was a touching and simple was to tie to all together. We should all be so lucky as to have the career Jeff had and the make a difference in so many people's lives. I like how they allowed us to take the "journey" with him as he remembered all the good times only to then begin to worry about the mistakes he made along the way. This was a great way to say, that even the "great ones" make mistakes. The reception and all the people he encountered throughout his career came forward to honor him. That was very powerful and I have to say I got a tear or two in my eye :)
I give this book a "two thumbs up" :)
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Blog #8 - Face-To-Face Class Meeting Oct. 24
I did appreciate the information presented by Roberta Rowe and Dr. Kevin Torosian. Much of the information they presented included situations I have dealt with as an administrator. The area of ed code and the required documentation is so important- it was nice to be able to ask clarifying questions to ensure we are in compliance. It is always helpful to hear about updates to various laws and practices to ensure we are all in compliance and operating within those policies and laws. I also liked the hand-outs provided by both of the speakers, they are great resources to use in the future.
The effective meeting management information presented by Dr. Hauser was very informative and offered practices I can implement immediately at my school site. I really appreciate the tools presented and shared that would allow me to make our meetings much more effective and relevant to everyone. We are always talking about working smarter not harder and this is a perfect example of how to do exactly that. It was also beneficial to talk with other educators (from other districts) and get various perspectives on meetings and practices used in their districts.
On the negative side, I would recommend we find a way to have classes during the week - many of us use the weekends to get our homework done and we get behind when we are in class all day Saturday.
The effective meeting management information presented by Dr. Hauser was very informative and offered practices I can implement immediately at my school site. I really appreciate the tools presented and shared that would allow me to make our meetings much more effective and relevant to everyone. We are always talking about working smarter not harder and this is a perfect example of how to do exactly that. It was also beneficial to talk with other educators (from other districts) and get various perspectives on meetings and practices used in their districts.
On the negative side, I would recommend we find a way to have classes during the week - many of us use the weekends to get our homework done and we get behind when we are in class all day Saturday.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Leadership Connector - Trust
I know I state this every post, but I really like this book. I think it is a great book and very helpful for up and coming administrators, but really, these principles can be applied to any field, job, and even our own personal lives!
I like the point the author makes about how it takes time to build trust and yet in some cases it can be destroyed in seconds! That's the tough part, but this point also reinforces the importance of being conscious about how we interact with our staff, students and parents. In the section on perceived betrayal there are some suggestions to avoid betrayal and perceived betrayal and they are: Never talk negatively about anyone, think before you open your mouth, listen more than you speak, be positive rather than negative, stay away from negative people, their problems, messes and ugliness. I think those are GREAT points in which to be guided by, especially when thinking about the statement above that it takes time to build trust and seconds to destroy.
As if it is not hard/bad enough to lose someone's trust but then to know that the likelihood of ever regaining that trust is "unlikely". This adds a whole new level to the importance and focus we must place on trust if we want to be an effective leader. As I take this information and apply it to my own role as a leader, I know the area I need to consciously think about is the "perceived betrayal"...the point of getting busy and unconsciously doing something that someone perceives as a betrayal... that is where I need to slow down and consciously be aware of what my actions and words are conveying. This was a great chapter which provided tools and suggestions to improve my leadership skills and overall relationships!
I like the point the author makes about how it takes time to build trust and yet in some cases it can be destroyed in seconds! That's the tough part, but this point also reinforces the importance of being conscious about how we interact with our staff, students and parents. In the section on perceived betrayal there are some suggestions to avoid betrayal and perceived betrayal and they are: Never talk negatively about anyone, think before you open your mouth, listen more than you speak, be positive rather than negative, stay away from negative people, their problems, messes and ugliness. I think those are GREAT points in which to be guided by, especially when thinking about the statement above that it takes time to build trust and seconds to destroy.
As if it is not hard/bad enough to lose someone's trust but then to know that the likelihood of ever regaining that trust is "unlikely". This adds a whole new level to the importance and focus we must place on trust if we want to be an effective leader. As I take this information and apply it to my own role as a leader, I know the area I need to consciously think about is the "perceived betrayal"...the point of getting busy and unconsciously doing something that someone perceives as a betrayal... that is where I need to slow down and consciously be aware of what my actions and words are conveying. This was a great chapter which provided tools and suggestions to improve my leadership skills and overall relationships!
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