Principalship

Instructor- Chuck Rose
The course offered present views of leadership roles in our districts. Leaders, including Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Principals and Vice-Principals shared their journey and stories in becoming leaders. Human resources, budgeting, time-tabling and management were studied. Key Points from Course: 1. Top down leadership is not as effective as empowering others on staff to become leaders at what they are good at. 2. Effective leadership allows experts to lead. 3. Motivating others is a skill that effective leaders need to run and effective school.

The Principal Quality Standards document released by Alberta Education was disected and discussed. Evidence, of what is seen in the schools that meet the outcomes by the Principal was brainstormed by the groups. Group discussion pointed out the importance of relationships in schools. Policy can be black and white on paper, but personalities come into play with both staff and students.



The Principal Quality Standards provides 7 dimensions and descriptors as a guide and rubric of effective leadership. These standards are: The principal builds trust and fosters positive working relationships, on the basis of appropriate values and ethical foundations, within the school community -- students, teachers and other staff, parents, school council and others who have an interest in the school. **2. Leadership Dimension - Embodying Visionary Leadership** The principal collaboratively involves the school community in creating and sustaining shared school values, vision, mission and goals.
 * 1. Leadership Dimension - Fostering Effective Relationships**

The principal nurtures and sustains a school culture that values and supports learning.
 * 3. Leadership Dimension - Leading a Learning Community **

The principal ensures that all students have ongoing access to quality teaching and learning opportunities to meet the provincial goals of education.
 * 4. Leadership Dimension - Providing Instructional Leadership**

The principal promotes the development of leadership capacity within the school community –- students, teachers and other staff, parents, school council for the overall benefit of the school community and education system.
 * 5. Leadership Dimension - Developing and Facilitating Leadership**

The principal manages school operations and resources to ensure a safe and caring, and effective learning environment.
 * 6. Leadership Dimension - Managing School Operations and Resources**

The principal understands and responds appropriately to the political, social, economic, legal and cultural contexts impacting the school.
 * 7. Leadership Dimension - Understanding and Responding to the Larger Societal Context**