THE PRINCIPAL’S HANDBOOK (A TOOL FOR DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE SCHOOL CULTURE) Presented by: Cynthia Mathews, Time Change Coach 11th Annual National SAM Conference

AGENDA 1. Introduction – School Culture Defined 2. Leadership Style – Lead by Example 3. Preparation – Set the Tone 4. Administration’s Vision, Mission, and Goals 5. School Rules 6. Code of Conduct 7. Community of Learners 8. Conclusion/Summary

Introduction - Definition "School culture is the set of norms, values and beliefs, rituals and ceremonies, symbols and stories that make up the 'persona' of the school," says Dr. Kent D. Peterson, a professor in the Department of Educational Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Characteristics of a Successful Leadership Style Lead by Example: It is not enough to talk the talk, but you must walk the walk! Your actions are important and it helps you to build trust in your school community. Characteristics of a Successful Leadership Style 1. Visibility, to be present, participation 2. Show results 3. Describe the vision, show growth 4. Highlight subordinates strengths, encourage ideas 5. Delegate & accept results, listen 6. Establish your truths, fairness 7. Clarity, specificity, challenge, professional development

SETTING THE TONE 1. Organizational Mission - “An organizational mission statement – one that truly reflects the deep shared vision and values of everyone within that organization- creates a great unity and tremendous commitment. It creates in people’s hearts and minds a frame of reference, a set of criteria or guidelines, by which they will govern themselves.” By Steven Covey 2. U.S. Department of Education - Our mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. 3. NYS Dept. of Education - Our mission is to raise the knowledge, skill, and opportunity of all the people in New York. Our vision is to provide leadership for a system that yields the best educated people in the world. 4. District Mission – To ensure that every student will have the confidence, knowledge, thinking skills, character and hope to assume responsibility for her/his life and contribute to the lives of others. Slogan: “Putting children and families first to ensure high academic achievement for all.” 5. School Mission – This Early Childhood Center’s mission is to provide common core instruction for all students. The data driven curriculum will provide our students with the academic tools necessary for successful middle level education. Slogan: “Where Children Think, Dream, Believe and Achieve!”

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, p.168 Stephen R. Covey  PRINCIPLE-CENTERED ORGANIZING “Having seen the power of principle-centered organizing transform the lives of hundreds of people, I am persuaded it makes a difference-a quantum positive difference. And the more completely weekly goals are tied into a wider framework of correct principles and into a personal mission statement, the greater the increase in effectiveness will be.” The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, p.168 Stephen R. Covey

ADMINISTRATION’S VISION, MISSION AND GOALS “Race to the Top ” will be the philosophy used for our mission of reorganizing, restructuring and rethinking. Common Core is a directory of the types of objectives necessary to meet the high expectations of the New York for each category. We will maintain a “learning place.” The task of the leadership team will be to build a community through literacy. As a community of learners, we will pledge ourselves to excellence…

SCHOOL RULES 1. COME TO SCHOOL PREPARED TO WORK. 2. ENTER AND EXIT THE BUILDING AND CLASS QUIETLY. 3. BE POLITE AND SHOW RESPECT AT ALL TIMES. 4. KEEP TO THE RIGHT ON STAIRS AND IN THE HALLS. 5. KEEP CANDY, GUM AND ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS AT HOME.

CODE OF CONDUCT “Code of Conduct”: Teachers/Aides Do - Students listen and watch Students Do - Teachers/Aides watch, listen, and help We Do - All listen All watch All help

COMMUNITY FOR LEARNING “Simply stated, a school becomes a community for learning when it is: A purposeful place A communicative place, A just place, A disciplined place, A caring place, and A celebrative place. These key conditions, when embraced by everyone at the school and lived out each day, create the kind of community for learning that every Basic School should strive to be.” The Basic School, by Ernest L. Boyer

Summary 1. School Culture – Leaders must have a clear understanding of their school culture, both positive and toxic. 2. Identify your leadership style. Know your strengths and take charge. 3. Use your mission statement to set the tone. Be specific and know your proposed outcomes. 4.Choose to lead by specifying your vision, clarifying your mission and designating your goals. 5. Have clear precise rules and stick to them. 6. Establish a code of conduct, procedures, routines and expectations. 7. Visualize your end results.