Interview 1

Educational Leadership Interview

Mapping Excellence

Mindy J. Baas
M.Ed. 264
Indiana Wesleyan University
EDU 557
April 29, 2006

Interview 2

Educational Leadership Interview

Mapping Excellence
1. What are some of the visions and/or goals of the educational leader you
interviewed?
*
For teachers form collegial relationships to create an environment
where all students can be successful.
*
For each student to be successful in their own individual way (Alan)
*
For all students to be educated as if they had an IEP
*
For all students to be respectful and respected
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100% graduation rate
2. What are the distinctive values held by the school leader?
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Honesty
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Openness
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Collegiality
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Relationship building
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Respect
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Resiliency
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Rigor
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Relevance
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Responsibility
*
People both adults and students
*
Individual differences
3. What leadership principles and practices are producing positive results?
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Encourages and supports teachers as they try new things
*
Considers wants and needs of both staff and students when making
decisions
*
Provides opportunities for input regarding decision-making and new
policies
*
Believes that everyone has the right to their opinion and that it is okay
to agree to disagree
*
Gives everyone the opportunity to be heard
4. What does the leader believe boosts the morale and effectiveness of
teachers that results in more success for all students?
*
An environment where teachers feel comfortable to communicate
honestly with administrators
*
Teachers are supported as they try new things
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Opportunities to socialize outside of the school setting
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Keeping staff in the know sharing information
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Asks for staff input on important issues
*
Acknowledges the little things that faculty and staff do

Interview 3

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Generous with kudos
5. What does the leader believe will improve student attitudes, behavior,
and learning success in schools characterized by multi-cultural
diversity?
*
Building relationships between staff and students
*
All students to feel like they belong
*
Allow students to show their individuality while maintaining a learning
environment
*
He listens
*
Anti-bullying campaign
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Protects the rights of students
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Students who do not follow the rules are given appropriate
consequences and counseled in alternative solutions or choices
*
Consequences are as fairly as possible while taking into account
individual student situations
*
School staff need to be respectful of the fact that some student
behaviors are appropriate for their life outside of school while teaching
students the rules necessary to be successful in school, work and the
community (Ruby Payne)
6. What input does the leader have into budgeting planning and decision
making?
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A budget is given to the principal by the superintendents office
*
Makes budgeting decisions on what is best for the students (not
always for the teachers)
*
Makes hiring decisions based on the best fitting applicant, not the
cheapest
7. What is the leaders vision for integrating technology into teaching and
learning?
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All students have access to technology
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In new building, the Media Center will be a place for students and
community members to use technology after school hours
*
Encourages teachers to use technology daily
8. What is the school leader doing to foster a higher-achieving school?
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Encourages the growth of the AP program
*
Develops / supports alternative education plans in order to facilitate
success for lower achieving students (Alt. ed. program, special deals)