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School Vision Reflection

Graduate (Lg.)

Describe: There are two artifacts in this reflection piece that relates to leading school vision. These two artifacts are the Vision Project and Elements of A Vision. The Vision Project was a group project, and the task was to identify a schools vision, review with commendations and recommendations. There were not many difficulties working in this group project, shared decision making was used and distributed leadership was the way we went about completing this task. On the other hand the second assignment Elements of A Vision, was an individual assignment, so I cannot reflect on any of the group dynamics that would have impacted the completion of this assignment. However, there were no limitations in completing this project.

Analyze: These two artifacts relate to one ELCC standards with five sub- categories.

         a. 1.1 Develop a Vision, - after analyzing data from the school report card and teacher surveys the group came to the conclusion that the vision should be revised around literacy, more engagement in the arts and science, and teacher collaboration with parents and community members.  With all that in mind the shared vision of P.S 119 is for our students to be proficient in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking.  Students will engage in the arts and sciences on a regular basis. All Students will have an individualized learning plan tailored to their specific learning requirements. Teachers will collaborate with parents and community members to provide students with a well-rounded meaningful education. This connects to the Elements of a Vision, because it comprised of developing a vision for a new school and reflects two elements of a schools vision: Development and Evaluation of System for Instructional Culture and Delivery and Assessment of Instruction. The development of this vision for a new school is centered on the quote, "A vision held solely by one person, no matter how powerful that vision, it invisible to others. For the realities of a vision to occur there needs to be widespread acceptance", (Peter Senge)

b. 1.2 Articulate a Vision- I believe this standard was clearly addressed in both assignments. After the areas of needs were identified, communicating the changes was done through a planned retreat, professional communities, common planning time, parent teacher conferences and open school night. I am more inclined to think of it in different layers. For example, professional development and community are part of the school but should be aligned to all needs of teachers. Moreover, the input from parents and community based organizations within the different systems shows that the administrators want to have all stakeholders involved. Also, if a teacher needs support this should be provided such as mentoring or just an avenue to express ones opinion freely.  In addition,systems should be set up to handle grievances.

         c. 1.3 Implement a Vision- There is two ways to think of this; Systems and Policies. It is envisioned that the new vision will be implemented through new programs, such as professional development, common planning time, an advisory program and multicultural week so that parents can also be involved in their children's learning. Moreover, there is hope that resources will be set aside to target the specific areas of needs that have been identified.

         d. 1.4 Steward a Vision- It is imperative that principals have a clear vision for their schools.  However there must create a learning community that will support the changes that are needed. It is evident that through open discussions in a setting  where all stakeholders are treated without bias or preference by promoting a culture of integrity and professionalism in which they can express needs and opinions openly. Moreover, administrators convey interest in what others have to say by acknowledging their perspectives and ideas.  In addition to that, the artifacts discusses how individuals can be encouraged to work with professionalism and behaviors or actions which are at odds with the school's mission and vision.  Finally, the artifacts discuss the need that any action taken should be consistent with the schools mission and vision.

         e. 1.5 Promote Community Involvement in the Vision- Community involvement is essential for the vision to be implemented. Involving such helps with the implementation of some of the programs but most importantly a shared vision by all stakeholders is necessary for success.

Appraise: These two artifacts do not stray far from my beliefs on teaching, learning and the role of administrators. My beliefs on teaching and learning is that every child is an individual and it is our responsibility to equip him/her  with the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to live successfully in the world. This is done mainly through the adherence to the curriculum which teachers implement in schools. What is known is that children and young people are always learning. As a teacher and prospective leader my philosophy on teaching and learning is that we should have a deeper and clearer understanding of our goals and expectations for our students and ourselves. We must want for our students the best education possible. It is therefore important that the entire school community work together, with common goals to broaden understanding, support each other and thus produce efficient citizens in our society. The role of the administration therefore is to design governing committees that will be given a different jurisdiction over certain areas of the school where the goals would be to have continuous reflection and planning and changing of policies.

Transform: Expectations + Vision= Achievement. I have realized that to have a clear vision, there needs to be core values and beliefs that are shared by all. In addition, it should be obtainable and if there is need for it be revisited this should be done. It is also important that as a future leader time should be spent engaging all stakeholders,providing resources for teachers, spending time with teams of teachers to set learning targets for every student, data is analyzed and most important all stakeholders are involved.

 

 

Author: Georgieann Ramsudh
Last modified: 5/6/2014 6:20 PM (EDT)