1. Terry Allen Therese Farrell
IN SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
Irish Primary Principals’ Network
Killarney
29th - 30th January 2009
Terry Allen Therese Farrell
Introduction and welcome:
Aims of session:
To explore and examine some key issues in ISM and
to encourage reflective analysis and discussion of current practice in participants’ schools
To look at strategies for effective ISM

2. PESSIMISM PRAGMATISM SCEPTICISM REALISM OPTIMISM SCHISM

3. In School Management
ISM is the management of central tasks of the school.
It includes:
Instructional leadership
Curriculum development
Staff management
Academic and pastoral work within the school
Instructional leadership
Curriculum development
Staff management
Academic and pastoral work within the school

4. KEY INFLUENCES ON ISM 1. The role of the Principal 2. School culture
The leadership style of the Principal very much influences the effectiveness of ISM. If the focus is on teamwork, delegation, working relationships with our colleagues which involve trust and willingness on the part of the P to distribute leadership among the staff, these key ingredients lead to effective ISM

5. ISM Collaborative Cultures Effective Delegation
Associated Accountability
“Light is the task when many share the Toil “ - Homer
Possible group discussions here?

6. CIRCULAR 07/03
“In the main, the list of duties cover curriculum, academic, administrative and pastoral matters”.

7. CIRCULAR 07/03
CONSULTATION CONSENSUS – BOM & STAFF PROTRACTED CONSULTATION FINAL SAY - BOM

8. In School Management Appointments Interviews Appeals Reviews
Follow procedure!

9. GOOD PRACTICE
A clear list of duties – who exactly is doing what. Display and circulate
Annual/Bi annual review of duties
Duties to focus on the layers of leadership – teamwork, flexibility, accountability, responsibility and leadership

10. GOOD PRACTICE
Duties “weighted” and “proportionate” to post and level of allowance attached.
Job description – work to be undertaken when and where possible outside class time.
Regular and varied types of meetings.
Groups: Identify good practice within your own schools. ( 10 mins). Take feedback.

11. GOOD PRACTICE Encouraging the informal school leaders….
Consider their experience
Canvass and acknowledge, support, advice, involvement
Tap in to curricular knowledge and extra curricular talents
Communicate widely
“I can live for two months on a good compliment” Mark Twain
Broaden the scope.

12. TEAMWORK – A SENSE OF CONNECTION AND BELONGING
If teamwork is to be beneficial……….. It must provide clear benefits for all those involved.
Law and Glover 2002
Teamwork has to be managed if it is to be effective.
Bell 1993
This is not about abdication.

13. TEAMWORK – WALK THE TALK
The essence of teamwork is defined by leaders who are able team players and who are themselves models of respect, helpfulness and co-operation. Such leaders draw others into active, enthusiastic commitment to the collective effort…. They spend time forging and cementing close relationships beyond mere work obligations. Goleman 2002
Here is the role of the principal.

14. The most important part of the job is, and will always be,
The people!
The most important part of the job is, and will always be,

15. Sss… LIFE AND DEATH OF A TEAM
Starting
Sorting
Stabilising
Striving
Succeeding
Stopping

16. THE FIVE DYSFUNCTIONS OF A TEAM
Inattention to results
Avoidance of accountability
Lack of commitment
Fear of conflict
Absence of trust
Patrick Lencioni 2002
“The stronger the breeze, the stronger the trees”.
(Anon)
“You don’t get harmony when everyone sings the same note”.
Doug Floyd
Manage people by holding people accountable. ndividual reflective exercise. Take each one of the five dysfunctions. Where is your school on each? Rate yourself on a scale of one to five.

17. FINAL THOUGHTS
“Getting good players is easy. Getting ‘em to play together is the hard part”
Casey Stengel. New York Yankees
“It is amazing how much you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit”.
Harry Truman
No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it”
H.E. Lucock