Practicum Leadership Case Study 1 by Hector Salas

Practicum Leadership
Case Study 6 by Hector Salas

ISLLC Standard 6:

A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural context.

Name of Case Study: "All things Considered?"

Questions the Case Answers:

What must be considered before developing activities that benefit students and their families?
How can the school administrator operate within the larger context of the community?

The Situation:

Mr. G the school's new administrator was on the campaign trail to make changes around the campus as quickly as possible but carefully so that everyone would feel comfortable with the changes. As soon as new policies were developed and announced faculty began to wonder "where did that come from?" After a couple more changes, even the parents could be heard asking teachers what the administration was up to? It wasn't long before, Mr. G realized that something was not working, in fact a lot of things were not working. His approach needed changing before making changes, he said in one of our faculty meetings.

After couple of months of no changes, Mr. G began to demonstrate the ability to analyze complex school issues that were not necessary in textbooks. From the economy to community norms and values and how they relate to the role of the school. But with the help of his staff and involvement Mr. G was ready to tackle some areas he needed to respond to. Parents wanted answers, and many gave indications of withdrawing their child from the school if improvements were not demonstrated.

Mr. G understood the factors that were causing this disconnect with parents. Working with his staff, and surveying parents, he identified that communication was the first item that had to be fixed and fixed fast. Within less then 2 months a new website with more content then before was in place. This helped to increase the ability to communicate with members of the school community concerning trends, issues, and changes at the school. Activities and policies that benefits students and their families were also developed. Policies and programs that promoted equitable learning opportunity and success for all students was also developed.

After about 6 months, Mr. G was in a nice grove and appear to be able to operate with the larger context of the community and beyond without running into walls. Students and parents were more satisfied with the response that Mr. G presented.

Answer to the Questions:

What must be considered before developing activities that benefit students and their families?

An understanding of the larger political, social, economic, legal and culture context is necessary before developing activities that would benefit student and families.

2. How can the school administrator operate within the larger context of the community

The school administrator must be able to analyze the complex causes and effects. Involving the stakeholders helps in advocating for adoption of improved policies and rules.

Evaluation:

From my perspective the leadership style demonstrated in this case study by the Mr. G is Proficient. An understanding of the larger political, social, economic, legal and culture context is necessary before developing activities that would benefit student and families. Mr. G, the school administrator is on the way of becoming an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural context.