Strategic Leadership:

·       Being Strategic in Improving Classroom Instruction

·       Planning for Continuous Improvement

The Principally Speaking Network (PSN) is designed to build a sustainable network of professional support among principals. Principals meet to enhance leadership skills and to network and learn from each other, focusing on improving performance of teachers, resulting in improved academic achievement for students.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES FOR STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP:

Objective 1:  To improve teacher performance

Objective 2: To examine what effective school leaders do differently

Objective 3: To build a sustainable network of support and collaboration among school principals.

Who:    K-12 administrators in Huntsville City, Madison City, Madison County, Athens City, Limestone County, Scottsboro City, Jackson County, Attalla City, Gadsden City, Etwoah County, DeKalb County, Ft. P{ayne City

Location: Corporate HQ Building, Dynetics, 1002 Explorer Blvd., Huntsville, AL 36806

Meeting Dates: * dates TBD and scheduled by county for participants outside Madison County

Meeting Times:  * denotes expanded meeting sessions

8:00- on site sign in and social time

8:30 a.m.-12:00- p.m.: PSN program

12:00-12:45- working lunch

12:45-3:30- PSN program and Action Plan development

Content Focus:   Human Resources Development

(PLU application pending, Jan. 1, 2012)

The principal’s role in increasing rigor and improving classroom instruction
Establishing teaching and learning as the focal point for the school

Creating opportunities for teachers that strengthen their effectiveness
Using praise and motivation to encourage staff

Issues in educational leadership of a national and international scope
Strategies for looking at and using data
Problem solving- a critical friends protocol
Engaging the school community in developing and maintaining a shared vision
Creating and articulating a vision of high expectations

Utilizing community resources

PPSN Program Narrative:

Principally Speaking Network (PSN) sessions begin January 19, 2102 with Dr. Todd Whitaker.

Participants will:

Read Dealing With Difficult Teachers prior to the January 19 session.

Participate in twice monthly probing prompts related to each chapter of the book.

Collaborate with peers to develop an Action Plan to focus leadership efforts on two specified staff members.

Set individual goals for improving the performance of teachers that is measurable and real

·          Use the McKinsey Report (2007) to examine best practices world-wide in high performing schools and school systems

·         Participate in a web based discussion, collaborating on instructional leadership issues

·         Maintain a personal reflection log to document personal growth using

·         Participate  in small group discussions focusing on leadership issues relevant to individual situations

·         Utilize National School Reform Protocols and current professional literature in strengthening  instructional leadership effectiveness

Outcome Measures:

1.            Effective application of self-assessment and use of personal reflection log

2.            Demonstrated ability to motivate and staff members

3.            Demonstrated understanding of what effective teachers do differently and how praise can be used effectively

4.            Application of research to improve teacher effectiveness

5.            Demonstrated ability to utilize community resources in school improvement that results in increased student learning

Planning Partners:  Huntsville City Schools, Madison County Schools, Madison City Schools, Scottsboro City Schools, Jackson County Schools, Athens City Schools, Limestone City Schools, Etowah County Schools, Gadsden City Schools, Ft. Payne Schools, DeKalb Schools.

Facilitator: Bill Kennedy, Public Education Foundation, Chattanooga