Chandra Delone

EDLD 590

Module 1 Discussion

An administrator should be like Sniff and Scurry. Sniff and Scurry awoke early to run their course to partake of their cheese. Administrators should have similar motivation and drive to work diligently toward increased student achievement. Each day they monitored the area and were ready for potential changes.  Just as they were involved in the transformation of the cheese, an administrator has to closely monitor whats going on in classrooms, what students need to learn, how they are being taught, and what changes are necessary for growth. Sniff and Scurry expected change and was unafraid. They quickly shifted their thinking based on the situation. In the same way, administrators should adjust to the the needs of the students and the school. Leaders must remain aware of the learning differences and learning needs among students and should be able to work with staff to change strategies and implement new measures to accommodate the needs of every student.  Leaders, like the characters, should search without hesitation, the best evidenced-based practices to present to the teachers so that the implementation process can begin.

There is no doubt that Hems and Haws do exist within a school setting. As an administrator I would first take part in a focus group or data meeting to discuss observations, scores, results, and goals. Second, I would provide evidence based practices that will improve learning and teacher effectiveness. Other effective teachers would be asked to provide input, model lessons, and discuss strategies where results were positive and stimulated student success. A time-frame would be given to teachers to implement a new instructional practice after team collaboration has taken place. Teachers will be given support throughout the transformation process. As an administrator I would monitor with quick walk-throughs and informal observation which would be used as a tool for growth not evaluation. As an ongoing process, I would provide constant feedback and communicate regularly with the Hems and Haws.