District Management Journal
In this issue, our Spotlight focuses on principal effectiveness; we propose a systems-approach for developing principal effectiveness, spanning pre-service training to ongoing performance management and professional development. We explore key issues regarding the role of the principal, the types of leadership he/she must exhibit, and how district leaders can develop a system for supporting and enhancing principal effectiveness.
Also in this issue:
Interview: Andrés Alonso, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools (MD), has been heralded for the dramatic gains Baltimore schools have made in closing the achievement gap. Here, he shares how his ideas on leadership, strategic planning, and the role of the principal combine to support his vision for improving educational outcomes for Baltimore’s students.
Commentary: Hamilton County Department of Education's (TN) rapid implementation of a new teacher evaluation system, Project COACH, is being well received by principals and teachers, and is expected to have a positive effect on student achievement. Project COACH incorporates mini-observations and frequent developmental feedback conversations. Scales and Atkins share how Project COACH was designed and launched, and offer insight to other districts looking to improve their own teacher evaluation tools.
Case Study: Led by Superintendent Gene Buinger, Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District's (TX) focus on continuous improvement around a select number of measurable goals has resulted in myriad improvements—from increases in student academic achievement to a shift in the culture among students, teachers, and staff to use data and work collaboratively.
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