Dimensions of Practice

Transcription

1 Dimensions of Practice For Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents & Directors of Instruction or Equivalent

2 Overview BCSSA members are visionary leaders, who through confident, collaborative action create a collective vision for student learning. Astute systems thinkers, BCSSA members utilize ethical decision-making practices to ensure a continual focus on student learning within the context of the specific district role in which they work. With resiliency, strong political awareness and the use of technology that supports learning, BCSSA members work to create a learning environment in which everyone, students and adults alike, can achieve his or her full potential. The Dimensions of Practice and Code of Ethics provide BCSSA members with a framework for reflection and foster continuous professional learning as BCSSA members evolve in their unique district leadership roles. The Dimensions of Practice address key areas of district leadership, however, they are silent with regard to leadership style; recognizing the inherent value in individual styles of leadership. The Dimensions of Practice is not prescriptive and is not intended to serve as an evaluation instrument.

3 BCSSA Code of Ethics/Practice Members, staff, and contractors of the BCSSA: Are strong advocates for public education Are employed in positions of trust, therefore, integrity is the key guiding principle in all aspects of decision-making and actions with students, colleagues, other education partners, the ministry and the public Must ensure impartiality and objectivity with freedom from conflicts between their private interests and professional responsibilities Accept the responsibility to keep current with developments in education and contribute to the growing body of knowledge, concepts and skills that characterize educational leadership Ensure the best possible educational experience, opportunities and outcomes for every student Seek to preserve and enhance the prestige and status of the education profession Implement, in good faith, all provincial regulations, ministerial orders and policies duly adopted by government and the Board for whom they are employed Seek to keep the community fully and honestly informed about its schools and the district, while maintaining confidences entrusted to them in the course of executing the affairs of the schools Dimensions of Practice l Page 3

4 Dimension 1: Leadership & District Culture BCSSA members will work collaboratively to develop a collective school district vision for a desired future, reflecting shared values and beliefs that shape school and district culture and climate and ultimately focus on student learning. BCSSA members: Build effective teams and networks that promote and foster a client-focused culture that nurtures student engagement and well-being, valuing the diverse context of public education Identify priorities and formulate strategic plans, goals and change efforts with staff and community while managing ambiguity and adapting to changing contexts Promote the value of understanding and celebrating school and community cultures Facilitate leadership development and capacity building across all areas of the system Exhibit creative problem-solving, incorporating proven researched-based strategies to affect positive growth Clearly communicate the rationale for change and understand change processes which lead to cultural shifts Value and promote innovative practice and risk-taking Stay current with best and next practices and emerging trends to inform decision making Recognize cultural competencies that promote the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures and socio-economic and historical background

5 Dimension 2: Policy & Governance BCSSA members provide leadership and direction to ensure compliance and accountability as it relates to the governance, legislative requirements, and policy development of the district. The Superintendent promotes, develops and supports effective working relationships with the Board of Education and other groups and organizations within the district. BCSSA members: Ensure compliance with the School Act, Regulations and Orders in Council, and other legislative requirements Assist the Board of Education in developing, reviewing, communicating and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the school district Provide information and advice to the Board of Education to assist and support them in exercising their duties as Trustees Develop processes and structures to support schools and district systems, administrative procedures, and educational initiatives Align and interpret policies and legislative requirements to ensure congruency between district vision and practices Build partnerships and coalitions with individuals, groups, and unions Understand public school governance and its systems Establish effective processes to ensure good working relationships between the Board of Education and the Superintendent Dimensions of Practice ~ Page 5

6 Dimension 3: Communications & Community Relations As advocates for public education, BCSSA members enhance communications and relationships among all members of schools, the community, and greater public. With an understanding of school districts as complex, interconnected systems, they strengthen support for student learning with effective communication and community relationship skills. BCSSA members: Articulate the district vision, mission and priorities Build system and community support for district goals and priorities Communicate a vision for public education Utilize processes for conflict resolution and consensus building Develop and initiate connections that enhance school, community, and business relations Identify, track and respond to multiple, complex issues and emergent situations Use social and other media effectively

7 Dimension 4: Organizational Leadership BCSSA members exhibit an understanding of the school district as a system by defining processes for gathering, analyzing, and using data for decision-making. Members of district leadership teams delegate and empower others throughout the organization. BCSSA members: Define processes for gathering, analyzing, and using data for informed decision-making Utilize problem framing processes in decision-making when appropriate Define the major components of quality management Develop, implement, and monitor change processes to build capacities to serve clients Innovate practice, to support required changes within the system Discuss legal concepts, regulations, and codes for school operations Develop a process for maintaining accurate fiscal reporting Acquire, allocate, and manage human, material, and financial resources to effectively and accountably ensure successful student learning Utilize student learning processes and strategies for improving student achievement Use technological applications to enhance administration of business and p support systems Implement financial forecasting, planning, and fiscal management systems, and perform budget planning, management, account auditing, and monitoring Dimensions of Practice ~ Page 7

8 Dimension 5: Leading Learning As educational leaders, BCSSA members create system conditions that allow for the development of structures and practices that facilitate learning. BCSSA members: Develop responsive systems that recognize the unique needs of each learner Ensure each student has access to an educational program that meets his or her personalized learning needs Commit to support for indigenous ways of being, knowing and learning Identify data-driven evidence and assessment for learning practices to support instruction as well as provide evidence of student learning Establish opportunities for educators to continue to develop, learn, and implement innovative best practices Recognize that there are numerous methods of assessing student learning

9 Dimension 6: Human Resources Development & Management BCSSA members provide school district leadership within large and complex organizations that include a variety of employee groups. School district leaders support the growth and development of all employees and strategically manage human resources to achieve quality education for all students. BCSSA members: Work respectfully within the framework of collective and contractual agreements Recognize the importance of recruiting and hiring practices that enable the district to attract, hire, and retain skilled leaders and employees committed to student learning Ensure Human Resources policies are developed and implemented to support the health and safety of all district employees Identify and recognize strengths in others and motivate staff to work to their potential in order to achieve the goals of the district Establish appropriate structures and measures to assist all school district employees to grow professionally and continually improve their work Monitor, assess and adapt the structures and systems to support the professional growth of employees based on the changing needs of learners and the goals of the school district Develop processes for succession planning Dimensions of Practice ~ Page 9

10 Dimension 7: Accountability Members are entrusted with the responsibility of improving student achievement. Members ensure that the organization, administration, supervision and evaluation of all educational programs and business and operations in the school district respond to this responsibility. Members are accountable to the Board of Education, which represents the public trust, students, staff and the communities that are served through public education. Members are also accountable to the Minister of Education, and are bound to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory statutes and requirements in the Province of British Columbia. Members are responsive to multiple stakeholder groups throughout the district s community. The Dimensions of Practice outline the dimensions through which BCSSA members can attend to these accountabilities.

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