Assignment 2

The first course toward my leadership certificate was “Planning & Evaluation” (EDEM 646) with Professor Ken Robertson.

The purpose of the course was to improve our strategic planning skills. Throughout the course we were led through the steps of developing a school success plan. A template was given to us and by course end each of us had a plan ready to use in our school. This proved extremely valuable to me as I had just started as principal and needed help.

We discussed the need for time taken to plan. Evaluation was learned to be essential, both quantitative and qualitative, to ensure that the plan was regularly revised and steered so as to reach student success. Michael Fullan in his article, Leadership for the 21^st Century, states that hope is necessary for success in today’s schools. During a presentation in this first course my colleagues and I referred to a 1972 scientist who asked the question “Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?” Fullan’s article and the need for HOPE made me think of our presentation. We concluded that for change to occur, educational communities (all partners) must communicate and collaborate regularly.

That said, my second course was, “Leadership in Action” with Ted Wall. During the Fall of 2007, I had to read and discuss theoretical and professional articles (Ted did an interesting job in preparing the articles. I never felt overwhelmed with the readings but they did spark much reflection in my daily life at school.), to consider recent ideas on leadership expertise and the change process and consider the appropriateness of applying them in school settings, to reflect on the ideas and practices discussed with a special focus on the assumptions upon which they were based, to develop a personal framework of leadership expertise from which to consider my own development as an educational leader, and to continue to develop the leadership skills that are required to provide effective leadership in educational settings.

My third and present course is “Education Resource Management” with Sam Bruzzese. Each course certainly helps deal with my daily challenges. One link I am making since starting this session is that each course has helped me become a better leader. One difference I notice with Sam’s course is that I am realizing the changes that have taken place in the role of the leader. I was aware of this change but in my present reflections I am now seeking to know more. I wish to learn new ways to maximize student success and still maintain a personal healthy balance. Much discussion today is concerning the global health of the students and school. Are the managing teams keeping healthy?

Managing in the 21st Century

As each year goes by more and more responsibility is passed on to the school level. Site-based management is, of course, exactly that. Ensuring that schools are healthy, reforming and community learning centers entails enormous responsibility. How do principals and staff cope? McAdam's article suggests being positive and flexible, courageous and prudent, caring and patient, conscientious and strategic, collaborative and open-minded, and last but not least, creative. All of these are great but dealing with the daily challenges in schools can at times be overwhelming. Staff members are burning out at alarming rates.

In my opinion a positive attitude definitely helps. Nonetheless, negative energy can be detrimental to the well being of a school. As discussed in a previous course, it is all about relationships, relationships, relationships! Those with colleagues, parents, complementary services, students and other community partners. Each decision made must be prudently thought out so as to best benefit the students and school. Strategic planning is crucial so that all partners are on board and moving in the same direction. Collaboration is essential but not easy.

This is a significant challenge in my small community. Negative criticism is common. Unhealthy competition between partner groups often cause serious hurdles. This is one of my most serious challenges. Our community image is sometimes tarnished due to this. Once again it is essential that positive relationships are built and maintained. True collaboration will be a challenge.

Some very interesting suggestions were made in Hoerr's article. He mentioned Barth and collegiality. Working to develop collaboration within the school will then emanate to the community. Sharing each others "Craft Knowledge" can be very beneficial. Observing colleagues can prove enriching.

Fullan's article also provoked reflection. Todays principals must give away power but maintain control. Not an easy thing to do.

With all this in mind, I believe that todays schools are becoming great places to share knowledge. The challenge is to strategically plan and ensure that all community partners are given the opportunity to contribute and feel a part of the process and outcome.

On Site Management

I reread the article this week by Jane L. David. I thought the opening definition said it all.

Schools are communities and all decisions should be made in the best interest of the community. This is much easier said than done. To constructively involve the appropriate people in major decisions can be a significant challenge.

In my opinion, shared leadership is the best approach in today's schools. Schools have become responsible for the global well being of the students. Ensuring that students are loved, nurtured, fed, physically active, academically motivated, healthy, etc. can be overwhelming. Sharing leadership decreases the chance of any person feeling overwhelmed and increases the chances of success. Shared leadership also increases the chance that participants will feel ownership and then become a true partner in the school.

January 14th, 2008

I have just signed off from the first class. As before, the online discussions are great. I would much prefer face to face but considering the twelve hour drive to Montreal, I feel fortunate to have this technological opportunity.

Change is more complex than I sometimes wish to believe. One of the advantages of PD is that is does generate reflection. Although I feel that my thirty-three years in education have passed quickly, I also realize that I a member of the "older school". Our discussions of this evening help bring to the surface the need to push "reform". Site-Based Management, in my opinion, gives more power to everyone. Each partner may share their particular expertise, thus enhancing the chance of success. Everyone gains from the sharing.

Profile

My name is Daryl Beebe. As you can see in the picture my wife and I have four children. They are my first priority in life.

I have been a professional educator for thirty-three years. Thirty of those years were spent in the classroom and the last two, including this year as a director of a small school. I was also a VP from 1980 to 1986.

I have a passion for nature and the great outdoors. Another passion is for analyzing the mechanics of any machine, simple or complex. As a result of this passion, I am a "Jack of all Trades but Master of None".

I have a small hobby- farm with a horse, two goats, a few hens, a rooster, four geese (a couple that are more than twenty-five years old), six ducks, one guinea hen, a quail, a dog and a couple of cats.


I believe that life is a continuous learning experience.