Wow! How lucky am I to be working with an Administrative Team that focuses on action research? Being new to my campus, as well as my principal, I did not know what to expect from our leader. Not realizing, she was coming, with the same worries. How was the staff going to respond to her, what is the best way for the student's and staff to buy-in to her philosophy...
After sitting down and speaking with her, I determined that she did action research to help settle her into place and find the best strategies for reaching out to everyone on the campus. Realizing, that technology is communication in today's world, she was going to show how our input and expectations is vital to the success of our campus. Our "Head Learner," was challenging all student's and staff to share with her what the positives and negatives were of the campus and if necessary, how could they be changed by using technology and the internet. She set up a NING, which is a form of blogging. The community loved our principles idea of how to gather information that is worth while, but not taking up learning time in the classroom. Students grew a form of respect for her, knowing that she WANT'S to learn and gain more knowledge to help them be successful. Now, if she needs information or has to implement new procedures, there is immediate buy-in from all!
It sounds like your principal is surely on the right track! It is so true that a campus will take on the attitude/ways of their leader. Your campus is a great example of when the positive improves everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteLaTonya,
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing! Our was told that our campus was one of those that all staff walked around with their head down, scared to make eye contact with the other staff members and the kids ran the school before this year. But now with the new leadership (we have additional new members as well as our principal), things are so different! MOST of us speak to each other even if we do not know who they are or what they teach, school pride is represented and the students are looking at the leaders as role models - all because of one little NING!! Amazing how technology can play a huge role in buy in!