The Principal’s Role - PowerPoint Presentation

The Principal’s Role in Developing Academic and Behavioral Expectations that Systematically Support School Culture PresentersJeromey M. Sheets, Ed.DPast President, OAESAPrincipal, Tallmadge Elementary SchoolLancaster (OH) City SchoolsPaul G. Young, Ph.D.Past President, OAESA & NAESPRetired CEONational AfterSchool Association

About the PresentersJeromey Sheets, Ed.D.15 year veteran principalHas led four schools Past President of OAESANAESP State RepresentativeLast school earned 8/8 on Ohio Report CardOne OAESA Hall of Fame SchoolPaul Young, Ph.D.19 year veteran principalHas led four schools Past President of OAESAPast President of NAESPLast school earned highest district scores in reading (Gr. 1, 4 & 6)Two OAESA Hall of Fame SchoolsRetired CEO, National AfterSchool Association

Presentation Goalsbuild positive school culturecreate a comprehensive behavior support systemestablish positive relationships with parentsenhance instructional leadershipReview and further develop strategies that…

What is School Culture?BeliefsValuesTraditionsBehavioral PatternsSafety PracticesClimateEnvironmentThe Way Things Are Done

What is School Culture?ASCD’s Lexicon of Learning defines school culture as:The sum of the values, cultures, safety practices, and organizational structures within a school that cause it to function and react in particular ways. Some schools are said to have a nurturing environment that recognizes children and treats them as individuals; others may have the feel of authoritarian structures where rules are strictly enforced and hierarchical control is strong. Teaching practices, diversity, and the relationships among administrators, teachers, parents, and students contribute to school climate. School climate refers mostly to the school's effects on students, whereas school culture refers more to the way teachers and other staff members work together.http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Lexicon-of-Learning/S.aspx

If culture is the personality of the organization, then climate represents that organization’s attitude. It is much easier to change an organization’s attitude (climate) than it is to change its personality (culture). Steve GruenertIndiana State University

Essentials of School CultureFocus on reflectionDemocratic governanceClear policies and expectations for behaviorStudent leadershipRespect and caringDiversity recognized and celebratedInter-grade & across-grade student groupingsPick Me Ups (formal time to start each day as a community)Rituals (e.g. new student orientation; International Night; alumni reunions; etc.)Students are comfortable talking with adults about academic and personal issuesHigh attendance, graduation, and college acceptance ratesLow dropout rateEmphasis on professional development/life-long learning for staff membersFun! See more at: http://www.bigpicture.org/2008/10/school-culture/#sthash.EOgM72bi.dpuf From Big Picture Learning - Dennis Littky, Providence, RI

Key Elements that Frame School CultureStructurePowerful work ethic Common behavioral and academic expectations for students and staffTrustStaff and parent empowerment

Establish StructureMissionVisionTransparencyExpectationsEstablish Decision Making PoliciesCommon KnowledgeStaff DevelopmentShared GoalsEvaluation

Mission and Vision StatementsA mission statement explains why your school existsThe “why” is the guiding purpose of all you doSuggestion A school’s mission is to teach (and promote learning)A vision statement must explain (in detail) what your learning community hopes to achieveSuggestion Break down your vision by the week, month, year, multiyearCommunicate it often

Teach and Establish a Work EthicDo what you say you will do when you said you would do it.We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle

Professional Work Ethic VirtuesAttitudeCommon SenseCompetenceGratitudeInitiativeIntegrityPerseveranceProfessionalismReliabilityRespect

Teach Common ExpectationsStudents (and staff) know exactly what is expected Students know what will happen if they cross over the lineStudents understand the meaning of consequencesEnergy, enthusiasm, and dedication are pervasiveTeachers supervise every inch of instructional spaceStudent-teacher interactions are fair, firm and consistentPride is observableFrom Newell, (2012) Classroom Management in the Music Room

PollWhat behavioral expectation is the most important for students and staff to understand at your school?1. Playground rules and expectations 2. Cafeteria rules and expectations3. Reason/s for office referrals

Guide to the Professional Management of StudentsYour Elementary SchoolSomewhere, USA 11111Purpose of this GuideClarification of the principal’s expectationsIntentional teaching of positive behaviors to students (and staff) Empowerment of professional staff Template for PowerPoint is available upon request

Areas of Student Supervision and ManagementMorning line-upHomeroom/announcementsClassroom instructionRestroom breaksLibrary/computer labHallway movements (to and from other areas)AssembliesCafeteriaResource classesLunchroomLunch recessIndoor recessOffice referralsDetentionsDismissal (walkers, bus room, etc.)

Keys to Successful Student ManagementAttain staff buy-in Structure the student dayTeach preventative management strategiesReinforce of pro-social behaviorRole-model of all desired behaviorsIntegrate a Code of Conduct into daily instruction

Teach How to Make a LinePractice makes perfectStand behind the next studentAll bodies, heads, and eyes face forwardKeep in personal spaceNo talkingSample School Structure/ExpectationsPowerPoint Slide

Teach Hallway MovementsNo student talking, only teacher voice for directionsKeep to the right in halls and on stairsDo not disrupt instruction in other classroomsKeep hands off student work on wallsConsider it a challenge to be the best managed class in the school while moving in linesSample School Structure/ExpectationsPowerPoint Slide

In an Effective School, There Are Five Major Reasons for Office ReferralsPersonal injuryCheatingIllegal or illicit behavior (stealing, drugs, etc.)Danger or threat to other students or adultsOvert refusal to follow a staff member’s direction

Rationale for School-Wide Student Management and Code of ConductSchools must be safe and productiveSchools must create a climate with a high expectancy of student successStudents must be motivated and engagedStaff must be guided to prevent problems and to view those that do occur as “opportunities for teaching”

Sample Code of ConductW ork for QualityE arn RespectS afety FirstT reat Others Kindly Modify to fit your needsSuggestion - Keep a code s imple and easy to recite

At Cedar Heights Elementary, I am expected to live ABOVE the LINE! H onesty O wnership R esponsibility N eatness E xpectations T olerance Line of Choice --------------------- B laming E xcuses D enial

Communicate and ConnectCongratulations!___________________________ is being recognized with this HORNET Award by _________________ for following Cedar Heights School Above the Line Expectations.At Cedar Heights we believe in: H onesty O wnership R esponsibility N eatness E xpectations T olerancePlease sign this form and send it back with your child so he/she may be included in a weekly drawing for a prize.______________________________Parent Signature

When a School Is Well Structured and Staff Effectively Manages Student Behavior… Office referrals are minimalRemovals from school are infrequentBehavior incidents are minor and routineSuccess rate for individual behavior plans is highStaff/parent/administrative satisfaction is high

The Principal Sets the Tone in Establishing School CultureBe visibleChoose a positive attitudeIdentify patterns of behavior (students and staff)Don’t procrastinate; address problemsEmpower staff to be the disciplinariansKeep the “Monkeys off Your Back”Gather good ideas from other schoolsLook professional

“The most powerful single influence enhancing achievement is feedback.”Oral feedback is more effective than writtenQuality feedback is needed, not more feedbackMuch of the feedback provided by the teacher to the student is not valued and not acted onThe most powerful feedback is provided from the student to the teacher and or to peers.Feedback is Essential in School Culture

Strategies for Instructional ChangeEstablish effective, evidence-based intervention processesEstablish systems to address all learners’ needsRemove labelsAssign teachers to strengthsFocus on Tier I dataEstablish professional learning communitiesReplace IAT with Kid TalksLead expanded learning opportunities in before and afterschool program

Build TrustPrincipals Must LEADLearn EvaluateAttitudeDecisionLEAD involves measuring, monitoring, maintaining, and maximizing the school’s instructional program.

PollWhat academic expectation is the most important for students and staff to understand at your school?1. Homework 2. Time-on-task with in-class work3. Differentiated instruction

Avoid the Villains of Decision MakingNarrow framing limiting options to considerConfirmation bias seeking information that bolsters beliefsShort-term emotions being swayed by emotions that fadeOverconfidence too much faith placed on predictions

Communicate with ParentsShare daily learning targetsCommunicate positives each dayInvolve parents in the RTI processEstablish trusting relationshipsIdentify and encourage parent leaders

At its best, student culture is the cornerstone of a learning environment where student intellect and character will both thrive. The key to building a great culture is consistency - Paul Bambrick-Santoyo Kappan, May 2014

PollOf the three options listed, what is the biggest culture killer at your school?1. Student unrest, lack of discipline/respect; bullying2. Trust - poor staff relations; isolated teachers3. Absentee - uninvolved parents

My “To Do” ListCite several take-aways, implications, or strategies that you have determined to further develop to enhance your school culture.1.2.3.

Meet Us In Nashville!!Share your vision of positive school culture with other principalsSaturday, July 12, 10:15-11:45 a.m.Canal C – Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

Recommended Reading

ResourcesBlanchard, K. Oncken, W., Burrows, H. (1989). The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey. New York: Blanchard Family Partnership and the William Oncken Corporation. Brafman, O. & Brafman, R. (2010). Click: The Magic of Instant Connections. New York: Random House.Chester, E. (2012). Reviving Work Ethic: A Leader’s Guide to Ending Entitlement and Restoring Pride in the Workforce. Austin, TX; Greenleaf Book Group Press.Espinoza, C., Ukleja, M., & Rusch, C. (2010). Managing the Millennials: Discover the Core Competencies for Managing Today’s Workforce. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.Hatte, J. (2009). Visible Learning. New York: Routledge. Heath, C. & Heath, D. (2013). Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work. New York: Crown Business/Random House.Hess, F. (2013). Cage-Busting Leadership. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press. Maxwell, J. (2002). Leadership 101. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.Newell, D. (2012). Classroom Management in the Music Room. San Diego: Neil A Kjos Music Company.Young, P., Sheets, J. & Knight, D. (2005). Mentoring Principals: Frameworks, Agendas, Tips, and Case Stories for Mentors and Mentees. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.Young, P. (2008). Promoting Positive Behaviors: An Elementary Principal’s Guide to Structuring the Learning Environment. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Web ResourcesA Resource and Promising Practices Guide for School Administrators & Faculty: Section I: School Climate and Culture; New York State Education DepartmentBambrick-Santoyo. (2014). Build a meaningful student culture from Day One. Kappan 95(8), 72-73.Gruenert, Steve. (2008). School Culture, School Climate: They Are Not the Same Thing. Principal, March/April 2008, National Association of Elementary School Principals.Habegger, Shelly (2008). The Principals Role in Successful Schools: Creating a Positive School Culture. Principal, September/October 2008, National Association of Elementary School Principals.Is Your School's Culture Toxic or Positive? Education WorldKuntz, Brad (2012) ASCD Community: Create a Positive School Culture. Volume 54, Number 9, (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development).MacNeil, A., Prater, D., Busch, S. (2009). The effects of school culture and climate on student achievement. Volume 12, No. 1, 73-84, International Journal Leadership in Education. Positive School Climate Tool Kit, Minneapolis Public Schools.School Climate: National School Climate Center. Sheets, J. & Young, P. (2013). Frame Your School’s Culture. Principal Navigator - OAESA, 9(1), p. 6-8. Sheninger, Eric (10-16-2013). The Secrets to Creating a Positive School Culture. A Principal’s Reflection (Blog). Zakrzewski, Vicki (2013). How to Create a Positive School Climate. Greater Good Science Center.

Presenter Contact InformationJeromey M. Sheets, Ed.D. 2625 Wheeling Rd NE Lancaster, OH 43130 740-503-0617 (C) 740-654-1820 (H) j_sheets@lancaster.k12.oh.uswww.lancaster.k12.oh.us Paul G. Young, Ph.D.485 Crestview DriveLancaster, OH 43130614-296-4246 (C)740-653-6553 (H) paulyoungohio@gmail.comwww.youngprinciples.com