Leading with a Focus
National SAM Innovation Project
700+ schools, 76 districts 20 states Iowa: SAM licensure Independent evaluations prove it works Adds 27 days of instructional leadership time in the first year Fee for Service Structure designed to create school/district capacity, sustainability
Findings SAM works. There is a change in principal practice. The SAM process works with a high degree of fidelity. “The SAM process changes behaviors or outcomes consistent with its theory of action, including changes in instructional time use.” All models of SAM work. The change is significant. The change increases each year the team is active. The SAM Project is the first time we can demonstrate a change of leader practice, increasing time spent on instructional leadership, in the history of educational leader preparation and development.” -Dr. Joe Murphy, Vanderbilt
Leadership Matters Really? National SAM Innovation Project
Change of leader time leads to: National SAM Innovation Project Improved teacher & principal practice Increased student engagement Increased parent engagement Student Achievement
National SAM Innovation Project
Leadership with a Focus Being a principal in Fairbanks is just like being a principal in Lafayette. National SAM Innovation Project
Leadership with a Focus First Big Mistake National SAM Innovation Project
Leadership with a Focus Second Big Mistake National SAM Innovation Project
Leadership with a Focus National SAM Innovation Project
SAM Communications Protocol National SAM Innovation Project Validate: “I’m sorry. I know my principal will be very concerned. Look at the TimeTrack calendar, when is the principal free? “I can schedule time with the principal at 3:00 PM.” Look at the First Responder Sheet, who should try to deal with this first? “The principal would not want you to wait. Mrs. Stevens can help you right now.” Say what you can do, not what you can’t. “I can save the appointment for you for 3:00 PM but the principal will want you helped right now. I can get Mrs. Stevens to help you now.” Don’t argue. Don’t Argue. Don’t Argue. Instead, keep saying what you can do. Say again: “Here’s what I can do.” Validate again. Make the problem seem easy to solve. “We can fix this.”
National SAM Innovation Project
Where’s Gary? When Peyton’s playing…
Observing Practice Does not Improve Practice without Feedback. Atlanta Principal: Mr. 60% National SAM Innovation Project
Feedback SAMs ask leaders every day about follow-up, feedback. Leaders and SAMs use data charts to keep track of feedback including frequency and success. National SAM Innovation Project
Improvement by Design August September October November December January February March April May National SAM Innovation Project
For more information: Mark Shellinger, National SAM Project Director Readiness Session: This Afternoon