Mississippi Standards
for School Leaders
STANDARD 1
Maximizes student learning by working with
staff to translate knowledge of learning theory and human development and
relevant school data into successful curricular programs, instructional
practices, and assessment strategies.
KNOWLEDGE
-
understands theories of learning
-
understands the developmental stages of children
and adolescents
-
understands curriculum theory and its relevance
to the organization of curricular programs
-
understands the principles of effective instruction
and models of teaching
-
understands the national standards of appropriate
professional organizations (e.g., mathematics teachers, history teachers)
-
understands qualitative and quantitative strategies
for monitoring student performance
-
understands the principles of adult learning
-
understands the dimensions of effective professional
development
-
understands relevant models of supervision
-
understands the sources of and how to access relevant
data at the school and classroom levels
-
understands behavioral management strategies and
conditions necessary to create constructive, non-punitive learning
environments
DISPOSITION
-
is committed to excellence
-
is committed to high expectations of self and
others
-
feels a strong personal affinity toward and commitment
to issues of learning and teaching · believes that decisions should
be made in the best interest of children
-
believes that all children want to succeed, can
learn, and will demonstrate high levels of performance
-
honors the role of the teacher
-
is dedicated to the belief in life-long learning
for self, students, and teachers
-
is committed to collegial relationships among
teachers
-
is committed to parental involvement in student
learning
PERFORMANCE
-
sets, communicates, and monitors high expectations
for faculty and staff
-
nurtures the development of a shared school vision
and mission
-
demonstrates a knowledge of learning theory
-
demonstrates sensitivity toward developmental
levels
-
learns how students are doing
-
promotes the active involvement of all students
-
encourages risk-taking and is receptive to change
-
promotes divergent thinking
-
promotes an attitude of inquiry
-
encourages teachers to maintain their own visions
-
actively participates in professional development
as a learner and as a teacher
-
models life-long learning
-
organizes and conducts staff development
-
acts as a resource for teachers
-
provides teachers with research that helps shape
and improve
-
acknowledges and rewards continuous development
of teachers
-
implements effective assessment procedures
-
identifies and uses data relevant to the school
-
conveys appropriate data in a useful fashion and
timely manner
-
explains and uses student assessment data to develop
the school plan and to help staff shape the instructional and
curricular program
-
encourages the use of varied approaches to assessment
-
organizes the staff to facilitate learning
-
facilitates the development of an instructional
program appropriate to the needs and developmental levels of
the students
-
monitors the implementation of instructional practices
-
promotes the development of a safe, orderly climate
for learning
-
secures resources and materials to implement the
instructional program
-
collects and analyzes data on teacher performance
on a regular basis
-
provides meaningful feedback to teachers
-
uses staff evaluation information for the improvement
of instruction
-
employs technology to enhance the educational
program
STANDARD 2
Applies human relations and interpersonal
skills to foster a climate of continuous learning and improvement.
KNOWLEDGE
-
understands theories of human relations
-
knowledge of leadership theories and styles
-
understands motivational theories and strategies
-
knowledge of effective communication strategies
and skills (listening, speaking, writing, non-verbal)
-
knowledge of human relations skills (conflict
resolution, group processes, decision making, team building,
delegation, consensus building, providing feedback)
DISPOSITION
-
values the thoughts, feelings, efforts, and ideas
of others
-
values diversity
-
is committed to democratic leadership and shared
decision making
-
is willing to compromise
-
is willing to take risks/values risk taking among
others
-
values group or team approach
-
believes that others are personally and professionally
motivated toward ensuring the well-being of students
-
is willing to learn from others
-
is willing to share power
PERFORMANCE
-
recognizes and is sensitive to individual differences
-
demonstrates an interest in others
-
is considerate of others
-
establishes credibility
-
maintains accessibility and visibility
-
creates healthy dissatisfaction with the status
quo
-
invites risk taking
-
promotes enthusiasm
-
creates a win-win environment
-
monitors staff morale
-
provides support
-
recognizes accomplishments
-
seeks opportunities to share power--empowers others
-
plans and organizes to involve community, parents,
teachers, and students in decisions
-
actively involves others in the decision-making
processes
-
ensures that there is equitable access to the
decision-making process
-
models facilitator role in shared decision making
-
fosters open communication
-
uses effective organizational skills
-
models team building
-
uses effective oral and written communication
-
employs effective problem solving and conflict
resolution strategies
-
demonstrates effective decision-making skills
-
conducts effective meetings
STANDARD 3
Facilitates the development and maintenance
of organizational and managerial systems consistent with the vision and
mission of the school community.
KNOWLEDGE
-
is knowledgeable of theories and strategies of
organizational management
-
is knowledgeable of goal setting and strategic
planning
-
is knowledgeable of personnel management
-
is knowledgeable of fiscal management
-
is knowledgeable of time management
-
is knowledgeable of physical resource management
-
is knowledgeable of emerging societal and educational
trends and issues
-
is knowledgeable of (or knowledge of how to access)
appropriate regulatory frameworks
-
is willing to make tough decisions about resources
based on the school goals and mission
-
is willing to accept responsibility for the overall
organization
DISPOSITION
-
is inclined to focus on the "big picture"
-
values the role of all school systems in contributing
to the success of the school
-
is committed to a systems approach to organizational
development, decision making, and change
-
believes that all aspects of the organization
and the role of the management of the school exist for the education of
the students
-
is committed to letting the needs of students,
the mission of the school, and powerful conceptions of learning
and teaching shape organizational structures and managerial
systems
-
values the team concept
-
believes in shared decision making
-
is committed to delegating responsibility
PERFORMANCE
-
manages change
-
ensures that all personnel understand their roles
in the organization
-
creates conditions that motivate
-
empowers others by delegating responsibility
-
develops strategic plans and organizational structures
to support the implementation of the school mission
-
brings the various systems of the school into
a cohesive plan that supports the school mission
-
employs resources to optimize their impact on
the school mission
-
works closely with managers of important systems
within the school (e.g., custodial area) and the school system (e.g.,
special education office)develops a comprehensive plan for and monitors
and assesses the impact of organizational systems on the mission of the
school
-
monitors personnel responsible for all systems
-
eliminates unnecessary system functions
-
manages one's own time in a way that demonstrates
commitment to the school mission
-
provides timely and useful data on organizational
systems to supervisors and members of the school team
-
meets deadlines in carrying out responsibilities
-
manages facilities that project an image of pride
to students, families, and the community
-
maintains accurate financial records
-
demonstrates consistency and fairness in fiscal
and budgetary procedures
-
ensures that needed technological support is in
place
-
ensures the availability of support services for
students (e.g., health services, co-curricular activities)
-
processes paperwork effectively and quickly--does
not become enmeshed in paper work nor allows it to detract energy from
achieving the school mission
STANDARD 4
Exhibits team building skills in the development
of ownership among all stakeholders in the school community.
KNOWLEDGE
-
understands the inter-connectedness of school
and community
-
knows the community power structure and the community
culture
-
knows the network of social service agencies available
in the community
-
knows key stakeholders and what they can contribute
-
understands public and media relations
-
knows team and coalition building skills
DISPOSITION
-
holds an expanded view of the school that includes
the external community
-
is committed to the realization of community ownership
of the school
-
values the worth of all people
-
values the opinions of others
-
believes that others are trustworthy
-
believes that everyone has talents and strengths
that he/she can contribute to the common good
-
is sensitive to the needs and interests of others
-
believes in self and inherent worth--self confident
-
is open to new ideas
-
is willing to share power, ownership, and credit
-
values team concept
-
is willing to learn from others
PERFORMANCE
-
analyzes and interprets the larger community in
which the school is nested
-
studies and incorporates community values, standards,
and culture into school decisions
-
utilizes the community as a resource for learning
-
helps the school participate in community development
and community affairs
-
is highly visible in the external school community
and is accessible to parents and other community members
-
maintains open channels of communication and communicates
with all segments of the external school community
-
communicates effectively with the media
-
develops and implements strategies to involve
parents and other community members in the life of the school
-
solicits input from stakeholders
-
uses knowledge, competencies, and experiences
of stakeholders in the service of school goals
-
makes stakeholders feel important to the organization
-
recognizes and rewards contributions from stakeholders
-
helps others see the results of their input and
work
-
promotes ownership
-
clarifies the agendas and responsibilities of
stakeholders
-
establishes parameters for stakeholders
-
builds partnerships and coalitions with key community
groups and agencies
-
demonstrates the range of skills needed for team
building and coalition building
-
demonstrates persistence in keeping groups focused
and active in their commitment to the school
-
builds trust among community partners and between
the school and its partners
-
promotes the development of leadership within
the team
-
uses coaching techniques to help team members
achieve their goals
-
coordinates resources of various partners to help
the school achieve its mission
-
sorts out and helps individuals and groups address
their objectives while achieving common goals
STANDARD 5
Models and promotes ethics and integrity
in professional and personal activities.
KNOWLEDGE
-
is knowledgeable of federal and state laws
-
is knowledgeable of due process
-
is knowledgeable of board policies and regulations
-
understands organizational chain of command and
organizational expectations
-
understands community values
-
understands accepted professional standards and
codes of ethics
DISPOSITION
-
is determined to stand on principles
-
believes in the principles of right and wrong
-
is committed to equity and fairness
-
is committed to the rights of others
-
is committed to truth and honesty
-
is willing to be a model for students and teachers
-
believes in being responsible and accountable
-
is willing to acknowledge one's own limitations
and mistakes--including the willingness to accept constructive criticism
PERFORMANCE
-
demonstrates genuine concern and respect for parents,
faculty/staff, and students
-
treats others with dignity and sensitivity
-
exhibits high moral standards
-
models principle-centered leadership
-
ensures that the important educational and moral
values of the school community influence the decision-making
process
-
does what he/she says he/she will do
-
demonstrates courage in decision making
-
applies policies and procedures in a fair (equitable)
and impartial manner
-
performs duties in a non-arbitrary, non-manipulative,
and non-capricious manner
-
avoids using position for personal gain
-
develops a written code of ethics for the school
-
promotes and supports ethical behavior throughout
the school community and ensures that unethical behavior is
dealt with
-
maintains confidentiality of information
-
adheres to laws, policies, and regulations
-
evaluates personnel with regard to actual performance
rather than hearsay or feelings
-
shepherds and maintains public resources--acts
in a fiscally responsible fashion
-
makes decisions on sound principles, values, data,
policy, and law
-
supports collaborative agreements
-
makes ethics part of staff development activities
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES
GROUNDING PRINCIPLES
The preparation program . . .
-
has a well-defined philosophical base that informs
all aspects of the program
-
is based on the standards of the profession--emphasizing
professional values, beliefs, and ethics
-
demonstrates program integrity and fidelity to
defining values and viewpoints
-
has the commitment and support of the college
and university and the practitioner community
-
promotes recognition of and commitment to service
for children and youth
-
includes diverse perspectives
GENERAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The preparation program . . .
-
is anchored in learning and teaching
-
is grounded in the world of practice--problem-based,
clinically-focused, field- based
-
is student-centered, emphasizing personalized
learning and promoting individual development
-
emphasizes active learning
-
highlights collaborative learning and opportunities
for students to learn from colleagues in the program and school administrators
in the field
-
is a collaborative effort between the college/university
and K-12 school districts
-
includes rigorous entry standards
-
integrates state-of-the-art technology throughout
-
emphasizes integrated, thematic instruction
-
has a sequential, developmental curriculum
-
connects knowledge, beliefs, and skills to effective
leadership behavior
-
highlights ongoing, performance-based assessments
of students--including periodic checkpoints, exit examinations,
and follow-ups
-
maintains accountability through ongoing internal
and external program assessments and program revisions
Adopted by the State Board of
Education
July 21, 1995
Published by the Office of Leadership Development
and Enhancement
Mississippi Department of Education
RETURN
to Office of Leadership Development and Enhancement