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=Site-based Decision Making=

When schools get stuck leaders need to embrace it as a learning opportunity. In the article “The Road to School Improvement” (Elmore, 2007) it states that “most of the learning that schools do occurs during the periods of flat performance, not during periods when performance is visibly improving.” In order to survive the slumps is it important to expect these times to occur, maintain positive leadership, and use this time to develop a supportive work environment. My personal theory is that what we do today will affect where we are a year from now. Having this mental attitude will help an organization continue to diligently work at reaching their goals even though they are not seeing the visible results of their effort.

Consensus building is vital to the success of any organization.A leader must recognize that he cannot lead alone.One person marching alone does not make a parade unless others are willing to follow.As a principal or team leader I would seek to enlist the support of the faculty and staff in order to take advantage of their knowledge, expertise, and experience.There must be a deep level of trust and openness communicated and the interests of all stakeholders respected in order for everyone to reach the destination of improved student performance.

Our professional learning community is made up of small team of five and we regularly take advantage of a variety of learning opportunities. Our director recently used the method that McTighe referred to of assigning articles for staff to read and present to the team at the weekly staff meetings. This information was very helpful in gaining a better understanding our students' needs and barriers. Attending workshops offered on campus to students also assists in cross-training staff and enabling them to become more versatile in the knowledge and services that we individually provide to students. We analyze the work of the students by collecting data through periodic progress reports and then follow-up with student contacts to offer tutorial assistance. We are continually evaluating new methods and ideas for increasing student contacts and engaging them in the services that we provide. We also hold meetings with other departments which allows us to network together and make appropriate referrals as needed. Since our overall goal is retention though graduation, the more knowledgeable we are in helping students to find the resources they need, the more likely our students will be to meet their individual career goals.

I can't agree strongly enough about the importance of lifelong learning! I have never been more aware of the fact that so many people feel that once they have completed their education they have arrived or are through with learning. Reading books and articles is wonderful but nothing can take the place of learning in a collaborative setting whether in a classroom environment or in an online learning community. In my own life I compare it to reading the Bible on my own or being involved in a consistent, regular Bible study group. I learn so much more when I participate with a group and have that accountability factor and work collaboratively with others. That added bonus also moves my level of learning from the place of observation to interpretation to making application.


 * Reflections**

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