The Gap in the Community
Sasha Johnson
Current Reality
Belief Statements
What leadership looks like in our school: Currently, leadership is not seen very often at our school. The principal and assistant principals are often in their offices and rely on the coaches to report back what is happening in the school. Ideally, the school leaders would be more visible and see for themselves what is happening in the school.The school leaders would interact with teachers and students on a regular basis and model their expectations.
Out attitudes towards our students' achievement: Currently, student achievement in praised mostly at the class level. At the end of the quarter there is the A/B honor roll assembly that only students with and A or B are allowed to attend. Ideally, there would be a focus on students who have made improvements or have shown reliance. These students should also be celebrated.
Level of trust: Currently, the level of trust is almost non-existent. Teachers do not believe that they can approach administrators with problems without being judged. Teachers who need help are more likely to seek out another teacher or simple try to figure it out on their own. Teachers fear being fired. Ideally, administration would let teachers know that their doors are open and back that up with action. Administrators would also check in with teachers more so that they felt valued.
School's mission-vision: Currently, the mission of the school is only known to those who were there 3 years ago when it was created. Turn over is so high that most teachers never learn it. Ideally, the mission-vision would be shared with all teachers at the start of the year. The teachers would discuss what the mission means on an individual level and how they can reflect that on a daily basis.
Academic Programs: Currently, the school has several academic programs in place such as AP and Cambridge courses. Ideally, their would be teachers who are trained to teach advanced courses teaching them.
Procedures for managing our workday life: Currently, each teacher creates their own interpretation of procedures. Ideally, at the start of the year, administration would lay out the flow of the workday and provide support to teachers who need help.
Professional development activities: Currently, professional development is held twice monthly on early release days. Most of these meetings end up as house keeping meetings for issues that arise in the school. Ideally, professional development days would be planned out ahead of time. The early release days would be seen as precious and not wasted on housekeeping tasks because the culture would be strong enough that the amount of housekeeping needed would take a small amount of time.