9. Instructional Management
a. Demonstrate an understanding of research of learning and instructional strategies
b. Describe and apply research and best practice in integrating curriculum and resources to all learners
c. Demonstrate the ability to utilize data for instructional decision-making
d. Demonstrate the ability to design appropriate assessment strategies for measuring learner outcomes
e. Demonstrate the ability to implement alternative instructional designs, curriculum, behavior management and assessment accommodations and modifications
Reflection
School leaders need to be actively involved in student and teacher learning. An article put out by the National Education Association, titled Changing Role of School Leadership says, “The requirements of NCLB have not only put the spotlight on principals’ instructional leadership skills but also make the point evident: academic achievement and instructional leadership are clearly and definitely linked”. With that, we now know that one of the most important roles a principal has is to be the instructional leader or manager.
The National Association of Elementary School Principals agrees. They frame instructional leadership in terms of “leading learning communities”. They believe that “instructional leaders have six roles: making student and adult learning the priority; setting high expectations for performance; gearing content and instruction to standards; creating a culture of continuous learning for adults; using multiple sources of data to assess learning; and activating the community’s support for school success” (Lashway). It is evident that when the principal takes on the role of the instructional leader, teachers should be able to count on them for “resources of information on current trends and effective instructional practices. Instructional leaders are tuned-in to issues relating to curriculum, effective pedagogical strategies and assessment” (Phillips). If teachers become better teachers, then student achievement can begin to increase.
During my field experience I was given the opportunity to be an instructional leader in various ways. As a summer school coordinator intern, I was able to train all of the elementary school teachers on the new reading curriculum that we implemented. I have included the PowerPoint presentation that I used for this training as an artifact. This training came after we spent time researching and selecting the best curriculum for the elementary level. We looked at many different types of curriculum and data to support the curriculum before making a choice. Once a choice was made, all teachers were required to attend a training that I facilitated on the new curriculum. The training involved an overview of the curriculum, being able to explore the new curriculum, ask questions about it, and determine the best way it would be utilized in the classroom.
I was also able to help staff utilize data to determine student achievement. At a PLC meeting, I led a discussion on the different types of data that will be useful and meaningful to help assess where students are currently at and where improvement is needed. This discussion helped teachers to understand that there are various types of data that can be analyzed to help increase student achievement. The article we used is attached as an artifact. In later PLC meetings, we began to implement the use of data analysis.
As an instructional leader it is critical to focus on students learning the desired outcomes, and ensuring that teachers have the correct tools and are using best practice when it comes to instructional strategies. The field experience I had gave me a feel for how important instructional management is as a school leader. I know that teachers need to have an effective leader to rely on for information and best practices, as well as one that holds students to the highest expectations. I look forward to being an instructional leader in the future and helping teachers be the best teachers they can be.
Artifacts
Reading Curriculum
Summer School Curriculum Training.pdf (876,9 kB)
Data Worksheet Used with PLC groups
Data Wkst Used with PLC.pdf (571,7 kB)