CARE and District Recommendations

My first CARE category dealt with curriculum and academic concerns involving demographics and sub-populations. This is an important element as not only does it have educational implications for the student, but it plays a major role in our district and campus success from an accountability standard angle. The AEIS is the most visible measure of a district’s success (at least in the state’s eyes). As a result of this program I was better able to analyze accountability findings and understand some of the things needed in order to increase academic performance levels. It made me cognizant of the need to delve deep into data and disaggregate it into usable formats. Stats don’t mean much if you can’t interpret them. As an instructional leader (especially at the district level) it is imperative that we are able to pinpoint needs areas from a district perspective. This program helped me understand how important it is to be able to analyze trends, and help develop plans to move groups toward academic success. In identifying these needs, the program also taught me how to better understand the application of an effective professional development plan in order to help teachers move these students.

Perhaps my largest growth area was in the realm of educational funding. Our district has touted an exceptional rating from the state for the entire decade I have been here. It is, therefore, an excellent model to mimic in terms of how to run a district financially. I now have an understanding how WADA works. I have always been a huge proponent of raising attendance levels largely for academic reasons. In our district, ½ a percentage point increase in attendance can spell the addition of a staff member. I now realize how important it is for funding purposes as well. 

Another important aspect of finance is maximizing staffing potential. It is important that your master schedule is set up in such a manner as to minimize conflicts that lend itself to small class sizes. Each class section ultimately costs the same and short of overloading, a master schedule that generates classes too small in size actually costs the district funding. It is, in turn, important to be able to develop efficient staffing patterns.

My last concern is one that affects the integrity of the classroom each and every day.  It is how to deal with technology in a manner that controls it, while finding a way to use it to our advantage. In today’s classroom, it is likely that the majority of students have smart devices either in their pockets or purses, or at least at home. It would be an incredible educational advantage to have each and every student in the classroom to have access to technology at all times. Again, however, the problem lies in our ability to harness and control this power.

More and more, we hear about systems that have been compromised- anything from military systems, to government health systems, to banking networks. Each and every time one is compromised, confidential client information has either spewed out, or been manipulated. It is paramount that our districts stay on top of repeated infiltration efforts in order to maintain the integrity of our systems. More and more, it becomes a concern, even in our public school systems. In short, it is important for us to go on the offensive in order to maintain an edge on such attacks.