Program Overview Please Note That This Is a Revised Application, So Please Read Carefully

Program Overview – Please note that this is a revised application, so please read carefully.

This application may also be accessed online at: .

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

GENERAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

“We have no good schools in our country without good principals. It just is not possible, it just doesn’t exist…We can’t do enough to shine a spotlight on excellence, to thank you. The great educators in the country are absolutely the unsung heroes in our society.”

—Secretary of Education Arne Duncan,

in his address at the MetLife/NASSPNational Principal of the Year Program Awards Gala, October 23, 2009

The Louisiana Principals of the Year (POY) Awards Program is an annual event designed to honor outstanding elementary, middle, and secondary school principals throughout the state. The program provides an excellent opportunity to recognize principals both regionally and statewide, as well as spotlight the positive aspects of educational leadership within the state.

Selection Criteria

The following selection criteria should be used by local education agencies (LEAs) when nominating an elementary, middle, and high school principal for the POY Awards Program:

Must be an active, practicing principal with at least three (3) years of experienceat the time of the application deadline. This experience does not have to be at the same school or district, but must be experience from a Louisiana public or public charter school. This does not include Assistant Principal experience.

Must be able to show evidence of dramatic gains in student achievement.
Improves teaching and learning by implementing programs and improvement

efforts for student achievement that encompass the nine (9) Critical Goals set forth by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Demonstrates ability to raise School Performance Scores over the last 3-5 years.

Nominated principals must hold a valid Principal/Ed. Leadership Certification.
To the extent possible, selected principals should be nominated, in part, by a peer process.
To the extent known, selected principals should remain in the same position at the same school during the 2013 school year.

Must demonstrate evidence of Collaborative Leadership

Involves teachers, staff members, parents, students, and the community in achieving the goals of the school.
Provides direction or focus to achieve the school’s goals as a member of the school’s leadership team.
Models continuous professional growth.
Teaches, coaches, and assists others in professional development that focuses on student learning.
Maintains an instructional focus while managing administrative tasks.
Utilizes effective problem-solving techniques.

Must demonstrate evidence of Instructional Leadership
Observes, supervises, and evaluates teachers and instructional programs to

maximize the learning opportunities, both for every teacher and for every student.

Analyzes multiple sources of data to improve instructional practices and outcomes

for student achievement.

Demonstrates knowledge of learning, teaching, research and programs that

maximize student performance.

Facilitates in developing and maintaining curricular programs that complement

the curriculum while fostering students’ academic success.

Must demonstrate evidence of Personalization
Establishes and maintains a positive school climate that reflects high student and staff morale.
Interacts professionally and tactfully with others.
Creates structures that enable teachers to develop an appreciation for each student’s achievements.
Acknowledges achievements or accomplishments of students, teachers, and school community.
Communicates effectively, orally and in writing.
Models values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of performance.
Develops and maintains dialogue with representatives of diverse community groups.

Membership in specific state and/or national organizations is not required for participation in the Louisiana Principals of the Year Awards Program, but is highly encouraged.

However, to be eligible to continue on to national competition, membership is required in a national organization (NASSP or NAESP) and in the Louisiana Association of Principals (LAP), both at the time of the state application deadline, January 31, 2012, and, for national finalists, these conditions must also be met at the time of national principal of the year interviews and when the national winners are announced, which is in the fall of 2013.

All information on applications will be verified. Inaccurate information will cause application to be null and void.

Application Procedures

Each LEA may nominate a maximum of three (3) candidates for Principal of the Year. Nominations should include one principal serving the elementary school level, one serving the middle school level, and one serving the secondary school level. LEAs should have prospective candidates complete all forms (see Appendix A) contained within this application packet. LEAs should then submit all nominations to the Louisiana Department of Education, Division of Certification, Preparation and Recruitment, 1201 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 Attn: Cathy St. Romain, Office 3-151-H no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 31, 2012.

Proposed Timeline

November2011 / Application disseminated to LEAs
January 31, 2012 / Application deadline
February 6-10, 2012 / Regional Chairperson Committee Meetings
February 13 - 17, 2012 / Regional Committee Reviews
February 22, 2012 / Notification of Regional Winners
March 7, 2012 / State Committee Interviews
July 20, 2012 / Notification of State Winners

Selection Process

The following selection process will be used to determine the 2013 Regional and State Principal of the Year winners:

Interested candidates must submit a completed application packet to the Division of Certification, Preparation and Recruitment by January 31, 2012, at 4:00 p.m.

The Department of Education will convene a POY Regional Chairperson Selection Committee meeting and disseminate applications to the appropriate Committee Chairperson. Each Regional Chairperson will convene his/her respective Regional Selection Committee.

Each of the eight (8) Regional Selection Committees will conduct a meeting to review candidates’ applications and to select one finalist in each of the three categories (elementary, middle, and high school). The Regional Selection Committees should be comprised of at least one (1) principal, one (1) person from the community, and one (1) teacher or superintendent. Members of the Regional Selection Committees must, to the extent possible, represent various geographic and demographic areas of the state and region (i.e., rural, urban, suburban), as well as ethnic and gender diversity. Regional Selection Committee members should come from a cross section of different LEAs.

The names and supporting documents of the three regional winners from each region will be forwarded to Cathy St. Romain at the Division of Certification, Preparation and Recruitment from the Regional Selection Committees.

The Department of Education will forward the names and supporting documents of the regional winners from each region to the State Selection Committee. Members of the State Selection Committee must, to the extent possible, represent various geographic and demographic areas of the state and region (i.e., rural, urban, suburban), as well as ethnic and gender diversity. State Selection Committee members should come from a cross section of different LEAs.

Regional winner candidates electing to participate in the state selection process will be required to participate in an interview process. Finalists will be notified of their interview times in Baton Rouge, LA. Candidates will be interviewed by the appropriate State Selection Committee on March 7, 2012.

The State Selection Committee will identify a state Elementary School Principal of the year, a Middle School Principal of the Year, and a Secondary School Principal of the Year. These winners must agree to share their best practices at different functions throughout the year.

Recognition and Awards

All Principals of the Year regional and state winners will be recognized at the annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Symposium and Celebration. Additional information will be provided closer to the date of the awards program. State Principal of the Year winners need to be prepared to be involved in the following leadership activities:

Serving on state and/or departmental committees and/or task forces concerning curricular development, educational leadership, accountability, etc.
Serving as host for school visits by representatives of the Department of Education and others.
Showcasing model programs at regional and state meetings.
Participating in Louisiana Association of Principals’ sponsored professional developments focused on educational leadership.
Attending and being recognized at Louisiana Association of Principals’Annual Conference.
Being honored at a black-tie dinner in Washington, D.C.by NAESP or NASSP.
Participating in the NASSP Principals Institute for State Honorees.
Being recognized at NAESP or NASSP National Conventions.

Appendix A

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

APPLICATION

The Principals of the Year application is complete only when it contains all items referenced below:*

(The first item is used only if districts decide NOT to participate in the Principal of the Year Awards Program.)

□ District Non-Participation Page

□ Basic Data Forms (Forms A and B)

□ Professional Growth Form (Form C)

□ Reflective Writing Forms

Form D – Collaboration

Form E – Instructional Leadership

Form F – Personalization

□ Portfolio Artifacts (Forms G, H, I and J)

□ Letters of Recommendation

*Return completed application to the Division of Certification, Preparation and Recruitment. Deadline to apply is Friday, January 31, 2012.

DISTRICT NON-PARTICIPATION PAGE

______Parish will not participate in the2013 Principals of the Year Awards Program for the following reason: ______

______

SuperintendentDate

If the district decides not to participate in the 2013Principals of the Year Awards Program, please fax this one page to the attention of Cathy St. Romain, Division of Certification, Preparation and Recruitment, at (225) 219-4508.

Thank you.

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Basic Data Form (Form A)

(Please type)

Select ONE Category:  Elementary  Middle  Secondary

Check all that apply:  LAP member (at the time of application)NASSP/NAESP member (at the time of application)

Title: (Circle One)
Dr. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss Sr. Br. Other______/ First Name and Middle Initial: / Last Name:
Home Address: / Home Phone:
Home Email Address:
City: / State: / Zip:
Full Name of School: / School Phone and Fax: / Principal’sSchool Email Address:
School Address:
City: / State: / Zip:
Enrollment: / Grade Levels: / Type: (Circle one)
Urban Suburban Rural
School District:
Region: / Superintendent:
Superintendent’s Email Address: / Phone:
Fax:
Central Office Address:
City: / State: / Zip:

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Basic Data Form (Form B)

(Please type and limit remarks to space provided)

Professional Preparation

Dates / Institution and Location / Degree

Professional Experience – begin with most current

Dates

/ Work Site / Position

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Professional Growth Form (Form C)

(Please type and limit examples to space provided)

Please list a maximum offour (4) examples in each area.

Membership and Offices in Professional Organizations / Dates
Community Leadership Membership, Offices, and Activities / Dates
Awards and Honors / Dates
Professional Development Activities / Dates

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Reflective Writing Form (Form D) Collaboration

(Font size is to be 11 points or higher and limit space to two pages provided)

Please respond to the following essay question.

What activities or strategies have you implemented in your school that demonstrate collaborative leadership? What data did you use to measure your success compared with previous and current levels of success?

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Reflective Writing Form (Form D) Collaboration, page 2

(Font size is to be 11 points or higher and limit space to two pages provided)

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Reflective Writing Form (Form E) – Instructional Leadership

(Font size is to be 11 points or higher and limit space to two pages provided)

Please respond to the following essay question.

How have you led the curriculum, instruction, and assessment activities and strategies at your school to obtain continuous improvement for all teachers and all students? Discuss the past 3-5 years of your School’s Performance Scores. To what do you attribute the changes?

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Reflective Writing Form (Form E) Instructional Leadership, page 2

(Font size is to be 11 points or higher and limit space to two pages provided)

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Reflective Writing Form (Form F) - Personalization

(Font size is to be 11 points or higher and limit space to two pages provided)

Please respond to the following essay question.

What have you done as a leader to personalize the learning environment for students at your school? How did personalization affect student outcomes? (Please cite such data as improved academic outcomes, reduced disciplinary referrals, and so forth.)

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Reflective Writing Form (Form F) – Personalization, page 2

(Font size is to be 11 points or higher and limit space to two pages provided)

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Portfolio Artifacts

It is suggested that portfolios be simple binders, with each page in page protectors.

Select three (3) of the characteristics in each of the following categories (dramatic gains in student achievement, collaborative leadership, instructional leadership, and personalization) and provide one (1) artifact, along with a brief description of each artifact, that explains how the artifact illustrates your skills/knowledge/performance relative to the category and artifact. Use the Portfolio Artifacts Forms G, H, I and J to write your artifact descriptions. Therefore, you will be including a total of twelve (12) artifacts. Artifacts may include, but are not limited to, copies of agendas from professional development activities you conducted and/or in which you participated, newsletters, lesson plans, teacher observation and evaluation forms, standardized test scores, etc. It is important not to simply submit the artifact, but to describe the significanceof the artifact that shows how under your leadership, this artifact is significant.

Evidence of Dramatic Gains in Student Achievement (select all three)
Improves teaching and learning by implementing programs and improvement

efforts for student achievement that encompass the nine (9) Critical Goals set forth by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Demonstrates ability to raise School Performance Scores over the last 3-5 years.
Demonstrates ability to close the Achievement Gaps.

Collaborative Leadership (select three of the six)

Involves teachers, staff members, parents, students, and the community in achieving the goals of the school.
Provides direction or focus to achieve the school’s goals as a member of the school’s leadership team.
Models continuous professional growth.
Teaches, coaches, and assists others in professional development that focuses on student learning.
Maintains an instructional focus while managing administrative tasks.
Utilizes effective problem-solving techniques.

Instructional Leadership (select three of the six)
Improves teaching and learning by implementing programs and improvement

efforts for student achievement that encompass the nine (9) Critical Goals set forth by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Demonstrates ability to raise School Performance Scores over the last 3-5 years.
Observes, supervises, and evaluates teachers and instructional programs to

maximize the learning opportunities, both for every teacher and for every student.

Analyzes multiple sources of data to improve instructional practices and outcomes

for student achievement.

Demonstrates knowledge of learning, teaching, research and programs that

maximize student performance.

Facilitates in developing and maintaining curricular programs that complement.

the curriculum while fostering students’ academic success.

Personalization (select three of the seven)
Establishes and maintains a positive school climate that reflects high student and staff morale.
Interacts professionally and tactfully with others.
Creates structures that enable teachers to develop an appreciation for each student’s abilities.
Acknowledges achievements or accomplishments of students, teachers, and school community.
Communicates effectively, orally and in writing.
Models values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of performance.
Develops and maintains dialogue with representatives of diverse community groups.

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Portfolio Artifacts (Form G)

(Please type within space provided)

CATEGORY: DRAMATIC GAINS IN STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Characteristic #1:
Improves teaching and learning by implementing programs and improvementefforts for student achievement that encompass the nine (9) Critical Goals set forth by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #1:
Characteristic #2:
Demonstrates ability to raise School Performance Scores over the last 3-5 years.
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #2:
Characteristic #3:
Demonstrates ability to close the Achievement Gaps.
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #3:

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Portfolio Artifacts (Form H)

(Please type within space provided)

CATEGORY: COLLABORATION
Characteristic #1:
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #1:
Characteristic #2:
Description /Significanceof Artifact for Characteristic #2:
Characteristic #3:
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #3:

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Portfolio Artifacts (Form I)

(Please type within space provided)

CATEGORY: INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Characteristic #1:
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #1:
Characteristic #2:
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #2:
Characteristic #3:
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #3:

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM 2013

Portfolio Artifacts (Form J)

(Please type within space provided)

CATEGORY: PERSONALIZATION
Characteristic #1:
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #1:
Characteristic #2:
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #2:
Characteristic #3:
Description /Significance of Artifact for Characteristic #3:

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR AWARDS PROGRAM2013

Letters of Recommendation

Submit three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals capable of commenting on your qualifications as aneffective educational leader. Letters of recommendation should be limited toone (1)typed page, double-spaced, using letterhead with contact information. Letters should be submitted from three (3) of the following categories:

An immediate supervisor or current superintendent, on district letterhead
A fellow principal
A teacher from your current staff
A student, parent or business/community/government leader