This course will center around conveying credibility to demonstrate competence in all the accountability measures linked to instructional fidelity, both formal and informal (such as student achievement data, school grades, community support, attracting and retaining high quality teachers, evaluation of self and others, and growing student enrollment). We will emphasize the principal’s importance in improving student achievement through an emphasis on acquiring a solid understanding of teaching and learning with a focus on outcomes. This course will assist the participant in understanding the importance of developing a strong plan for student achievement in the school that is clearly and closely linked to district objectives.

We will reference state statutes establishing the specific roles of the school principal, conduct a brief review of appropriate literature, and role play specific scenarios in which the principal is accountable for the teaching and learning in the building. Simulations provided will include those of analyzing a mock set of school data and creating SIP goals that might serve to close gaps, among other relevant activities.

Reflection Logs and Key Terms will be completed following the Reflection Journal and Key Term Guide sheets distributed to participants. Participants keep these information sheets in their own portfolios to be used for future reference. The administrator of this program may elect to review such portfolios at will or at particular junctures in the program.