SCHOOL LEADER STANDARDS FRAMEWORK
OVERVIEW
NJ EXCEL (EXpedited Certification in Educational Leadership) is a State-approved standards-driven non-traditional program leading to the New Jersey Certificates of Eligibility for Principal and School Administrators, as well as Supervisor Certification. NJ-L2L (New Jersey Leaders to Leaders) is a State-approved standards-driven mentoring and induction program that provides trained mentors and a range of continuing professional development programs and services to support new school leaders in successful completion of the State-required two-year Residency for Standard Principal Certification. The NJ EXCEL/NJ-L2L School Leader Standards Framework forms the basis for each program’s design, curriculum, and performance assessment system, which are tailored to the unique requirements for each program.
The NJ EXCEL/NJ-L2L School Leader Standards Framework incorporates current research and national standards that define what school leaders should know and be able to do in four interrelated areas of school leadership performance: Visionary Leadership; Instructional Leadership; Community Leadership; and Strategic Management. The School Leader Standards Framework is aligned with the six (6) New Jersey Professional Standards for School Leaders, which were developed by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and draw upon the knowledge base that connects the practices of school leaders to effective organizational performance and achievement of student learning outcomes.
The New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) and Foundation for Educational Administration (FEA) adopted a seventh school leader standard for technology. The NJ EXCEL/NJ-L2L School Leader Standards Framework, therefore, includes a seventh standard, “Technology Integration for Improving Schools and Learning, which is aligned with the national Technology Standards for School Administrators (TSSA) developed in 2001. The technology standards for school leaders are presented in the
NJ EXCE/NJ-L2L School Leader Standards Framework as Standard #7, and are also integrated throughout Standards #1 to #6 as appropriate to each Standard.
References used in development of the NJ EXCEL/NJ-L2L School Leadership Standards Framework:
Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards for School Leaders (Council of Chief State School Officers, 1996)
Technology Standards for School Administrators (TSSA Collaborative, 2001)
A Framework for School Leaders; Linking the ISSLC Standards to Practice (ETS, 2002)
Preparing a New Breed of School Principals (Southern Regional Education Board, 2001)
Leadership for Student Learning: Reinventing the Principalship (Institute for Educational Leadership, 2000)
Standards for Advanced Programs in Educational Leadership (National Policy Board for Educational Administration, 2002)
NASSP Springfield Leadership Development Program Standards (National Association of Secondary School Principals, 1996)
(Revised June 2005) Developed by Eloise Forster, Ed.D. Copyright 2003. Foundation for Educational Administration (FEA). All Rights Reserved. Duplication of this document in any form requires FEA approval.
LEADERSHIP AREA I: (VL) VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
NJ EXCEL STANDARD #1 A VISION FOR LEADING AND LEARNING
The School Leader Candidate promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community (Ref: ISLLC Standard #1).
NJ EXCEL STANDARD #7 INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE LEARNING AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
The School Leader Candidate promotes the effective use of technology to maximize student learning and efficiently manage school operations. (Ref: TSSA I-VI)
ELEMENTS
/PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
/KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, DISPOSITIONS
The Candidate will demonstrate an ability to: / The Candidate will demonstrate:1a.
Developing a Vision for
Learning / Ø use student assessment data & relevant demographic data pertaining to students & their families to develop a profile of the school and its district/community context that will inform the visioning process and school improvement planning
Ø facilitate the collaborative development, including all key stakeholders, of a shared vision, mission & goals that are focused on providing a safe and orderly school environment, using current technologies to enhance teaching and learning, and improving achievement for all students (Ref: Standard 7a)
Ø foster a climate of continuous improvement among all members of the school community
Ø build a shared commitment to high standards of learning & achievement for all students
Ø maintain awareness of emerging technologies & their potential uses to improve schools and student learning (Ref: Standard 7a)
Ø model the routine, intentional, & effective use of technology (Ref: Standard 7a)
Ø foster & nurture a culture of responsible risk-taking & advocate policies promoting continuous innovation with technology (Ref: Standard 7a)
Ø use technology to facilitate use of data for leadership decisions (Ref: Standard 7a)
Ø advocate for research-based effective practices in use of technology for self & instructional & non-instructional staff (Ref: Standard 7a) / Knowledge and Understanding of:
Ø learning goals for a pluralistic society
Ø the range of diversity of students & their learning needs
Ø schools as interactive social and cultural systems
Ø social & organizational change
Ø potential uses of current technologies to improve schools and student learning
Ø systems theory
Ø use of technologies to facilitate data-driven decision-making
Belief in, and Commitment to:
Ø the education of all students
Ø a vision of high standards for learning for all students
Ø continuous improvement of schools, teaching, & learning
Ø the inclusion of all members of the school community in the educational process
Ø ensuring that all students have the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become successful adults
Ø continuously examining personal beliefs and practices
Ø use of technologies to facilitate data-driven decision-making
Effective Leadership Skills:
Ø human relations
Ø communication
Ø collaboration and facilitation
Personal Leadership Attributes:
Ø range of personal and educational interests
Ø personal motivation to achieve organizational goals
Ø stress tolerance under pressure and adversarial conditions
Ø creative and innovative
Ø forward thinking
Ø sensitivity to others’ needs, opinions, and reactions
1b.
Communicating the Vision
/ Ø effectively communicate with diverse constituencies to build a shared commitment to the visionØ articulate the components of the vision for learning & technology integration, and the leadership roles and processes necessary to implement and support the vision
Ø communicate effectively with all stakeholders regarding strategies for implementation of the vision
Ø employ technologies for communication & collaboration among colleagues, staff, parents, students, & the larger community (Ref: Standard 7c)
Ø explain how strategic planning processes focus on student learning, inform the vision, drawing on relevant sources of student achievement data and demographic data pertaining to students and their families
Ø communicate the vision to staff, parents, students, & community through a variety of modes, including the use of symbols, ceremonies, stories, & other activities / Knowledge and Understanding of:
Ø effective communication skills
Ø organizational theories & models
Ø organizational development
Ø strategic thinking
Ø use of various media & formats to enhance communication
Belief in, and Commitment to:
Ø involvement of all stakeholders in development of a shared vision for learning and a safe, orderly school environment
Effective Skills in:
Ø human relations
Ø communication
Ø collaboration and facilitation
Ø technology
1c. Implementing the Vision / Ø assume stewardship of the vision through various methods
Ø model the core beliefs of the vision for all stakeholders
Ø identify, clarify, & address barriers to achievement of the vision
Ø involve the school community in school improvement efforts
Ø develop strategies to motivate staff, students, families, and community members to achieve the school’s vision and related school improvement efforts, and to recognize and celebrate their contributions
Ø shape educational programs, plans, & actions aligned with the vision
Ø develop and implement a school improvement plan and technology plan in which goals, objectives, strategies, & processes to achieve the vision are clearly articulated
Ø maintain an inclusive & cohesive process to develop, implement, & monitor a dynamic, long-range, & systemic technology plan to achieve the vision (Ref: Standard 7a)
Ø obtain needed resources to support implementation of the school vision and school improvement and technology plans
Ø use a variety of media & formats, including telecommunications & the school Web site, to communicate, interact, & collaborate with peers, experts, & other education stakeholders (Ref: Standard 7c)
Ø use technology to enhance the efficiency of organizational improvement (Ref: Standard 7c) / Knowledge and Understanding of:
Ø organizational change process
Ø principles of developing & implementing strategic plans
Ø effective group process to facilitate consensus-building, teambuilding, & negotiation
Ø current technologies that facilitate organizational improvement
Belief in, and Commitment to:
Ø doing the work required for high levels of personal & organizational performance
Effective Leadership Skills:
Ø human relations
Ø communication
Ø organizational
Ø problem-solving
Ø decision-making
Ø collaboration, facilitating, teambuilding
Ø technology
Ø management
Personal Leadership Attributes:
Ø personal motivation to achieve organizational goals
Ø stress tolerance under pressure and adversarial conditions
1d.
Monitoring & Evaluating the Vision / Ø design or adopt a system for using data-based research strategies to regularly monitor, evaluate, & revise the vision
Ø routinely communicate evidence-based progress toward the vision, mission, & goals to all stakeholders using a variety of data
Ø use multiple methods to assess & evaluate appropriate uses of technology resources for learning, communication, & productivity (Ref: Standard 7e)
Ø promote & model the use of technology to access, analyze & interpret school data to focus efforts for improving student learning & productivity (Ref: Standard 7e)
Ø publish technology evaluation results to stimulate continuous improvement of learning, collaboration, communications, productivity, & technology integration (Ref: Standard 7e) / Knowledge and Understanding of:
Ø information sources, data collection, & data analysis strategies
Ø multiple methods for reporting and presenting data
Belief in, and Commitment to:
Ø progress monitoring & evidence-based evaluation for continuous improvement of schools & student learning
Effective Leadership Skills:
Ø communication
Ø organizational
Ø problem-solving
Ø decision-making
Ø technology
Ø management
LEADERSHIP AREA I: (VL) VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
NJ EXCEL STANDARD #2 ETHICAL BEHAVIOR: LEADING WITH INTEGRITY
The School Leader Candidate promotes the success of all students by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner (Ref: ISSLC Standard #5)
NJ EXCEL STANDARD #7 INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE LEARNING AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
The School Leader Candidate promotes the effective use of technology to maximize student learning and efficiently manage school operations. (Ref: TSSA I-VI)
ELEMENTS
/PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
/KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, DISPOSITIONS
The Candidate will demonstrate an ability to: / The Candidate will demonstrate:2a.
Demonstrating a Personal and Professional Code of Ethics / Ø examine personal and professional values that reflect a personal code of ethics for leadership in modern society
Ø develop, articulate, & demonstrate a core set of values & beliefs that underlies decision-making for the common good
Ø translate personal principles into operations of the school through a personal vision that supports learning and success for all students
Ø show honesty in all professional and personal interactions and endeavors, and expects honesty in others
Ø show concern for others as well as the organization & the position
Ø make & explain decisions based upon ethical & legal principles
Ø ensure ethical practices related to use of data / Knowledge and Understanding of:
Ø legal principles governing school law
Ø various ethical frameworks & perspectives on professional ethics
Ø legal and ethical principles for use of data and technology
Belief in, and Commitment to:
Ø the ideal of the common good
Ø the right of every student to a quality education
Ø subordinating one’s own interests to the good of the school community
Ø accepting the consequences for upholding one’s principles & actions
2b.
Understanding One’s Impact on the School and Community / Ø examine & consider prevailing values of the diverse school community
Ø show sensitivity to the influence the school leader possesses and understanding of how the position can be used in the service of all students and families to create a caring school community
Ø serve as an advocate for all children, including those with special needs who may be underserved
Ø open the school to public scrutiny as appropriate
Ø apply laws & procedures fairly, wisely, & considerately
Ø accept responsibility & accountability for school management and operations & student learning
Ø maintaining close ties with stakeholders and routinely collecting data on his/her impact
Ø promote & enforce environmentally safe & healthy practices in the use of technology (Ref: Standard 7f) / Knowledge and Understanding of:
Ø how school leader, staff, and student behaviors, attitudes, actions, & decisions have an impact on the school & community-at-large
Belief in, and Commitment to:
Ø combining impartiality, sensitivity to diversity of student needs, and ethical considerations in all interactions
Ø bringing ethical principles to the decision-making process
Ø developing an inclusive caring school community
Ø using the influence of one’s position constructively & productively to serve all students, their families, community
2c.
Respecting the Rights and Dignity of All / Ø act with impartiality when dealing with members of diverse groups
Ø exhibit sensitivity to the diversity within the school community
Ø protect teachers’ rights and support them with respect to fulfilling their teaching duties
Ø develop regulations & procedures that promote and protect an orderly learning climate for all students
Ø involve stakeholders in developing activities that support the rights & dignity of all
Ø protect rights & confidentiality of all students & staff
Ø maintain confidentiality & privacy of school, student, & personnel records
Ø recognize & respect the legitimate authority of others
Ø ensure equity of access to technology resources that enable & empower all learners & educators (Ref: Standard 7f)
Ø promote & enforce privacy, security & on-line safety related to the use of technology (Ref: Standard 7f)
Ø participate in the development of policies that clearly enforce copyright laws & assign ownership of intellectual property developed with district resources (Ref: Standard 7f) / Knowledge and Understanding of:
Ø the values of a diverse school community
Belief in, and Commitment to:
Ø respecting personal rights & freedoms of all those in school community balanced with maintaining an environment conducive to learning
Ø responding quickly to teachers’ personal & professional concerns
Ø eliminating actions of anyone who interferes with teaching & learning
Ø applying regulations & procedures, and rewards and punishments fairly & consistently
Ø confronting those who infringe on regulations & procedures and jeopardize a safe, orderly school environment and learning for all students
Ø ensuring that no member of the school community places students or others in embarrassing or humiliating situations
Ø equal access to technology resources for all students and staff
2d.
Inspiring Integrity and Ethical Behavior in Others / Ø expect that others in the school community will demonstrate integrity & exercise ethical behavior
Ø inspire ethical behavior and serve as a role model, accepting responsibility for using the position ethically and constructively on behalf of the school/district/community
Ø set the tone for how employees and students interact with one another and with members of the school, district, & larger community
Ø lead & motivate others to be ethical by example & by monitoring actions of others with an ethical standard that is made known to all
Ø actively & continuously monitor school climate to assess the effects that the integrity & ethics of others have on the teaching & learning process
Ø involve stakeholders in supporting & rewarding ethical behavior in the school community
Ø identify, communicate, model, & enforce social, legal, & ethical practices to promote responsible use of technology (Ref: Standard 7f)
Ø enforce among staff & students the district’s acceptable use policy & other policies related to security, copyright, & technology use (Ref: Standard 7f) / Knowledge and Understanding of:
Ø legal, ethical, social, & professional principles & practices to promote ethical behaviors related to schools, teaching, student learning, & use of data and technology
Belief in, and Commitment to:
Ø taking responsibility for assuring that all members of the school community demonstrate integrity and behave ethically in support of learning for all students and their well-being
Ø confronting individuals who do not behave ethically and take steps to change their behavior
LEADERSHIP AREA II: (IL) INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP