Building Leadership Capacity Across 5000 Schools Principal and Vice-Principal Performance Appraisal

Maintaining Momentum & Courageous Conversations Hosted by: Frances Jacques Tim Kearns Mary Anne O’Leary February 16, 2011

Maintaining Momentum & Courageous Conversations Agenda: Overview Role of the Appraiser – principal, superintendent Courageous Conversations/Ongoing Momentum Additional Questions

Developing...capabilities for talking together professionally is no panacea, but it may represent one of the single most significant investments that schools can make for student learning. The Adaptive School: A Sourcebook for Developing Collaborative Groups, 2009 by Robert Garmston and Bruce Wellman

Maintaining Momentum & Courageous Conversations The Role of the Appraiser

What is a Courageous Conversation ? Challenging current practices Fostering improvement and growth through conversations Listening to/acting on feedback Providing feedback that will lead to improvement in student achievement and well being Focus on improving student achievement and positive school climate

Guiding Values “Open-to-Learning” Conversations Increase the validity of information Increase respect Increase commitment Be open- rather than defensive

Why is it important to have Courageous Conversations? Supports professional growth focused on the five Core Leadership Capacities which are reflected in the Ontario Leadership Frameworks Promotes reflection, learning and planning that are closely aligned with the needs and goals of the individual educator Provides a model and framework that foster inquiry, improvement and growth Focuses on professional dialogue in the context of mentoring, performance appraisal and other professional learning processes

Ontario Leadership Framework Domains Setting Directions Building Relationships & Developing People Developing the Organization Leading the Instructional Program Securing Accountability

Setting Directions Practice: Ensures the vision is clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon by all - Allow adequate time to develop Performance Plan - Ensure SMART goals are clear - Agree on appropriate timelines - Ensure both roles are clearly defined Have a question? Please use the chat function on your screen.

Leading the Instructional Program Practice: Ensures a consistent & continuous school-wide focus on student achievement & well being, using system and school data to monitor progress - Align performance goals with school, board and ministry priorities - Gather and use appropriate data - Build in timely processes to monitor progress and provide evidence of success

Strategies for Successful Conversations Active Listening – “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” ( Covey) Stay aware of non-verbal communication Provide accurate feedback Be assertive and positive Manage emotions – yours and theirs Have a plan – follow your plan Offer support

A Plan for Courageous Conversations Before Clarify Issues Gather and Confirm Data Consider Timing Examine any Mitigating Factors Anticipate responses Consider Possible Supports During Listen for Meaning Allow for Emotion Remain focused on improving student achievement Be open to two-way learning Offer support After Summarize new Plan Renew commitment to success Follow-up as appropriate Maintain relationships

PPA Conversation…a demonstration Have a question? Please use the chat function on your screen.

Successful Conversations Establish a positive relationship Build trust Establish a climate of reciprocal learning Ensure feedback is accurate, based on facts (Ladder of Inference, Ideas into Action)

Courageous Conversations help to Maintain Momentum Process is collaborative Relational trust is evident Feedback is authentic Support is ongoing Accomplishments are acknowledged & celebrated

Courageous Conversations Successful PPA Increased Leadership Capacity Improved Student Achievement

Your Questions Please use the chat function on your screen to send any questions you may have.

Our work, our relationships, and our lives succeed or fail one conversation at a time. (Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations, 2004)

If you have further questions or would like more information on PPA, please contact: Pamela McGugan Education Officer Leadership Development Branch Ministry of Education

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