Practicum Leadership Case Study 1 by Hector Salas

Practicum Leadership
Case Study 4 by Hector Salas

ISLLC Standard 4:

A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.

Name of Case Study: "How May I Help You?"

Questions the Case Answers:

In what ways have the school administrator collaborated with families and other community members?
How has the school administrator responded to community interests and use of school resources?

The Situation:

Mr. Big, the school's new administrator was promoting our school as the "New" Eagles High School. Our mascot changed that year and all the marketing material now with pride carried the eagle instead of the old mascot -the devils. The administrator didn't think our kids should be looked at as being devils, not the football team, not anyone! His vision was that our success as a school and the success of our students depends on the message we sending to the community, and that includes our image. Before 2003, the extent of collaboration with families and the community was almost nonexistent. With our new image "Eagles" it was time to soar, quit hiding, and be involved with the community. Mr. Big had lots of ideas to promote the success of our students.

Mr. Big, first created and staffed the position - Family and Community Relationships. Families, students and selected community members were surveyed regarding how they see themselves being involved at the school and us in the community. A comprehensive program was developed and outreach was our goal and banner. Mr. Big and the director of Family and Community Relationships did spent time in the community, interacting with individuals and various organization, other schools in the district and meeting with parents to share his vision..

Class scheduled needed little adjustment to accommodate extra curriculum activities, such as allowing students to serve in the community. The first year, 2004, numerous students volunteered, sponsors - teacher and parents - also volunteered to serve in the community in places such as the local hospital, Good News at Noon, as reading mentors at nearby elementary schools, and retirement homes. Parents of our students were also provided the opportunity to be involved at the school. Several served on the advisory board, others prepared decorations during special events and there were plenty of events all year long.

The community also started to be involved at our school in ways I never seen before. For example, the chamber of commerce, Jaycees, more guest speakers at character development, and tail gate parties at the big games! Drama club consisted of our school and two other school which were too small to have their own theater. Our honor guards were asked to perform at special events around town. The following year students from our school received recognition as number 1 for the hundreds of hours of volunteered work as a group from one school. Some students also received recognition.

Answer to the Questions:

In what ways have the school administrator collaborated with families and other community members?

The school administrator involved stakeholders in the decision-making process regarding having parents and more of the community involved at our school (e.g., guest speakers at character education, drama clubs from several schools, service organizations, etc). Mr. Big and the newly appointed director of Family & Community Relationships interacted with individuals and various organization, and other schools in the district and with parents to share his vision.

2. How has the school administrator responded to community interests and use of school resources?

By surveying first the parents, students, and key community leaders, and service organizations, Mr. Big knew how to best establish the relationship that he did to best respond to community interests. Use of the school resources was carefully though out and described in the comprehensive plan for Family & Community Relationships.

Evaluation:

From my perspective the leadership style demonstrated in this case study by the Mr. Big was Accomplished. Each year since Mr. Big presented his vision related to aligning our school with the community and providing parents the opportunity to be involved and key community leaders to serve in our school, the school's improvement efforts have been welcomed and a sense of success in teaching and student learning is evident. We have seen students mature, open up, and talk positively about their experience serving in the community. Having parents and more of the community involved at our school (e.g., guest speakers at character education, drama clubs from several schools, service organizations, etc) supports student achievement and our school goals. Mr. Big, the school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.