A High School

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A High School

• Marian A. Willard
• Principal
• The Great James Madison High School

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A campus under renovation/construction must first
develop a blueprint.  Within that plan are the
configurations for the foundation and changes to
be rebuilt.  It must be solid and well organized
or the framework will be faulty.    Beginning
with data, the engineer, instructional leader,
reviews the specs and fleshes out the errors, or
places of concern.  Then he or she begins to mix
the concrete/mortar with the necessary
ingredients   staff development, collaboration
meetings and commitment.  As the framework goes
up, the engineer and architects, instructional
council, meet and plan strategies to share with
the contractors/teachers/faculty.  As each
contractor adds their part, one can see the
building begin to reshape into a better
structure.    Like a building, a campus under
construction must go through inspections as it
extends and rebuilds.  The team has to stop and
review the new edifice.  As the contractors enter
and reviews the building they note the 
improvements he or she is implementing.  .  . 
As the team views the renovations, there may be a
need for changes and or adjustments. 
Reinforcements are added to weak areas    
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What If What if teachers really thought of the
students they taught as their own children? Would
you teach them positive character
traits/manners/respect? Would you set high
expectations and never settle for less? Would you
make sure that you spent quality time with
them? Would you trust their care to a
stranger? Would you nourish them with the
knowledge and skills they need to survive in our
society? How would you keep them motivated? How
would you provide opportunities for success? How
would you make them hungry for knowledge? Who
will inspire them like you can? They are our own
children!!!
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Ground Rules

• Have an open mind
• Have Fun
• Ask Questions

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School Improvement is all about change, and
change is hard. But we know change can and will
happen through a well designed program
implemented with the instructional leadership
from the principal.
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Agenda

• Welcome
• Introduction
• Principal The Instructional Leader
• Classroom Management

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Things That Must Be In Place To Move A Campus

• Vision
• Clear Goals Expectations
• Building a Foundation
• Structure
• Discipline
• Dedication
• Non Negotiable

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TrojansVISION
Every student in every classroom is engaged in
learning opportunities and instruction that will
allow him or her to meet or exceed high standards
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Prerequisites of Effective Teaching
Verbal Ability has a positive effect on student
achievement. Content Knowledge as measured by
major or minor in your content area and by
participating in professional development in the
content contributes to increased student
learning. Educational Coursework is a stronger
predictor of teaching effectiveness than grade
point average or test scores. Life long
learner. Teacher Certification regardless of
the type of certification held, results in
teachers being more effective than their
uncertified counterparts. Teaching Experience
up to a point is influential in teacher
effectiveness, particularly in the areas of
planning, classroom, management, questioning,
and reflection.
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• 2008-2009 Let The Great James Madison
• be the Premiere
• Exemplary High School
• Leaving no child behind

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Characteristics Of Effective High School

• High Expectations for Student and Teacher
  Performance
• Effective Leadership-Principal is the
  significant person promoting school-wide
  improvement
• Orderly Environment-Business-like atmosphere
  Students and school staff are able to concentrate
  on the jobs at hand.
• Assessment of Student Performance and
  Feedback-Regular assessment of student
  performance is another recognized component of
  effective schools when accompanied by timely
  feedback to students and teachers regarding
  performance.
• Time Spent Directly and Efficiently on Teaching
  Essential Academic Skills-Within the classrooms
  of effective schools, high levels of student
  achievement are a direct result of time spent
  directly on the task at hand, and on the clear
  and efficient transmission of knowledge from
  teacher to student.

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Characteristics Of Effective School

• High Quality Staff Development-Strengthening the
  core curriculum in all content areas.
• Community and Parental Involvement-A strong
  supportive educational environment is provided in
  communities concerned with educational
  strategies. Research has shown consistently that
  high levels of students performance are
  significantly influenced by the level of parental
  involvement and community support.
• High Expectations for Student and Teacher
  Performance- Climate in which the professional
  staff begins with the sincere belief that all
  students can achieve, hold high expectations for
  students accomplishments, and do whatever it
  takes to ensure that all their students can and
  will learn.

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INSTRUCTIONAL THRUST

• Create conditions for success by
• Establishing, implementing and institutionalizing
  procedures. When students know how the class is
  run, they will be more willing to do whatever you
  want them to do. The only way to have
  responsible students is to have procedures and
  routines for which the student can feel
  responsible).
• Beginning of the period (Bell Work)
• Quieting the class (Hand bell, light switch,
  verbal cue, followed by body cue, etc.
• Students seeking help (hand signal, tube, cup,
  textbook, etc)
• Movement of students and papers
• End of the Period
• Passing of papers across the rows, not up the
  rows
• Using common courtesies (Thank you, excuse me,
  Please, etc.)

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Trojans GOALS
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• Increase daily student and teacher attendance to
  98.
• Increase student achievement TAKS to a minimum
  of 96 passing and increased mastery on all
  subject tests and on the
• Increase the number by 75 for student
  achievement on TAKSgt
• Establish an implement an effective and
  appropriate discipline management plan.
• Implement effective and appropriate policies and
  procedures to ensure a quality learning
  climate/environment.
• Ensure fair and equitable distribution of any and
  all funds available for instructional purposes.
• Provide a safe and secure learning environment
  for students, teachers, and staff.
• The James Madison High School Family will
  develop, document and implement strategies to
  meet these goals as part of the Campus
  Improvement Plan 2006-2009. The results will be
  seen in the achievement of all of the goals, as
  we become The Great James Madison High School
  in ALL aspects.

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The Great James Madison High School

• Dallas ISD Region 10
• Grade Level 9th 12th
• Total Enrollment 810
• School Population
• African American- 529 85.3
• Hispanic 269 33.2
• Asian - 1 0.1
• Anglos- 9 1.1
• AM. IND- 2 0.2
• Low Social Economics - 430 At Risk- 430
• Free and Reduce Lunch 85

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2007-2008 DataDallas ISDRegion 10Grade
Level 9th 12th Total Enrollment 529
African American 346Hispanic 35Econ
Disadv 221Low Performing for the past
four or five yearsStage 2 Math and Reading
Commended 108 students
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2008 TAKS RESULTS
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Mathematics 2008TAKS Results
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Social Studies 2008 TAKS Results
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Science 2008TAKS Results
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How are we measuring progress?

• A. Vertical, Horizontal and Collaborative
  Planning Periods
• B. Pre and Post Data Analysis.
• Graduation Rate increased
• More students enrolled in AP courses
• C. Implementation of School Wide Focus,
• i.e.., targeting instruction.
• profiles, portfolios, Benchmark Assessments,
  ACPs and TAKS
• D. Learning Walks (Teacher and Student
  Conferences.)

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Are there related best practices that should be
considered as you continue?

• Clear Expectations
• Inspect what is expected
• Staff, Student and Parent accountability
• School Wide Focus
• Principal School Wide Assessment
• Failure Roster
• Know your Student Cohort

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A Principal Can Not Be Afraid To Make A Change

• A. Reassign teachers to the areas in critical
  need.
• B. Provide Professional Development to promote a
  deep understanding of the TEKS objectives
  verbs, phrasing, and vocabulary.
• C. Provide professional development on lesson
  delivery including lesson design and reflection,
  increasing student engagement, cooperative
  learning, meta-cognition, and or students
  tracking their own data.
• These strategies can be utilized in all content
  areas.

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My Eleven Principal Leadership Tools

• A Leader Focuses On Objectives, Not Obstacles.
• A Leader Empowers By Example.
• A Leader Cultivates Loyalty.
• A Leader Has Empathy For Others.
• A Leader Is Courageous.

• A Leader is Trustworthy.
• A Leader Takes the Initiative.
• A Leader Uses Good Judgment.
• A Leader Speaks With Authority.
• A Leader Strengthens Others,
• A Leader Is Optimistic And Enthusiastic.

The Book On Leadership. John MacArthur
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How has this strategy improved your campus
performance?

• Student success and gains.
• Increased the students moral and pride.
• It has created a positive work environment for
  the faculty and staff.

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What issue are you trying to solve?

• Closing the students achievement gap in both Math
  and Science.

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• Student Test Roster Accuracy
• Know Student Variable Categories for you class.
• _____Free/Reduced Lunch _____Limited English
  Proficiency _____Special Education
• Total Student Tested by Ethnicity by Subject
  Area(s)
• Reading ____African American ____Hispanic
  ____Anglo ____Special Education
• Mathematic ____African American ____Hispanic
  ____Anglo ____Special Education
• Writing ____African American ____Hispanic
  ____Anglo ____Special Education
• Science ____African American ____Hispanic
  ____Anglo ____Special Education
• Social Studies ____African American
  ____Hispanic ____Anglo ____Special
  Education
• Profile your class Every Six Weeks formatting
  test to resemble TAKS.
• Data Analysis Notebook Updated Every Six Weeks
  inclusive of this instrument.

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Best Practices for Classroom Management

• Whos Running The Classroom?
• You or your Students?

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• Positive communication plays an Integral role in
  resolving conflicts.
• Classroom management is the first key to
  effective teaching.
• Classroom techniques in managing student
  disruptions
• Recognize the use of humor in the classroom as an
  effective classroom management model.

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• All Students Can Learn
• But Not In The Same Way and Not On The Same Day.

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Are You Or Your Students Running The Classroom?

• The number one factor governing student learning
  is Classroom Management.
• The effective teacher MANAGES a classroom.
• The ineffective teacher DISCLIPLINES a classroom.

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Student Behaviors

• Be prompt
• Be ready to learn when class begins.
• Be prepared
• Have materials with you and know due dates.
• Be a polite and positive participant
• Speak in a normal tone of voice, and listen
  attentively.
• Be productive
• Turn in work on time, and always do your best.
• Be a problem solver
• Correct problems quickly and peacefully before
  they escalate.

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FOR WHOM DOES THE BELL TOLL?

• The bell at the end of the period is a signal
  for teachers notifying them that the
  instructional time has come to an end. The bell
  is of no concern to the students. The bell does
  not dismiss the class. You dismiss the class
  with a pleasant greeting of farewell. A few
  minutes prior to the bell, engage in
  instructional and management closure. Do not
  allow students to begin Packing up until you
  indicate for them to do so. You are in charge of
  your classroom. It is student-focused, but
  teacher directed!

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Show Respect

• Value yourself. Be honest and ethical, and
  practice strong moral values.
• Treat all members of the school community and all
  visitors with politeness and respect.
• Honor the ideas and opinions of others.
• Offer to help.
• Be responsible with property and belongings.

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INSTRUCTIONAL THRUST

• Create conditions for success by
• Establishing, implementing and institutionalizing
  procedures. When students know how the class is
  run, they will be more willing to do whatever you
  want them to do. The only way to have
  responsible students is to have procedures and
  routines for which the student can feel
  responsible).
• Beginning of the period (Bell Work)
• Quieting the class (Hand bell, light switch,
  verbal cue, followed by body cue, etc.
• Students seeking help (hand signal, tube, cup,
  textbook, etc)
• Movement of students and papers
• End of the Period
• Passing of papers across the rows, not up the
  rows
• Using common courtesies (Thank you, excuse me,
  Please, etc.)

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Responsibility for Coursework

• Bring notebook, textbook, planner, and
  appropriate writing tools to class.
• Know due dates, and submit all coursework on
  time.
• All assignments are posted on the bulletin board
  and on the class Web site.

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The number 1 problem in the classroom is not
discipline it is the lack of procedures.
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Activity

• Goals
• What are goals?
• Procedures
• Are procedures important?
• Rules
• Why should I have rules in my classroom? Are they
  really important?

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Promote Life long Learning

• You can develop lifelong learning traits
• By showing curiosity about human nature and how
  the world works.
• By seeking and valuing diversity.
• By persisting in seeking out new solutions.
• By using your unique talents and intelligence to
  promote positive change.
• By learning and applying technology tools to
  solve problems.

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Policies

• Food and beverages are not allowed in the
  classroom.
• Please be in your seat when the bell rings, as
  class begins at that time.
• Major assignments and projects can be
  resubmitted. They will be scored at a 10
  deduction.
• Absences
• Ask team members or a classmate first for
  assignments.
• Each absence has a one-day grace period.

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My Pledge to Students

• I will trust you until you give me reason to do
  otherwise.
• I will respect you and work with you to solve
  problems.
• I will promptly correct and offer feedback on
  your work.
• I will work with you to meet learning goals.
• I will offer extra help and alternative
  assessments should you require them.

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RESEARCH-BASED RESOURCE MATERIALS

• What Successful Teachers Do Neal A. Glasgow
  Cathy D. Hicks
• Leadership Capacity Linda Lambert
• Eight Habits of the Heart for Educators Clifton
  Talbert
• School of Fish Philip Strand, Andy Halper
• John Christensen
• Creating Classrooms Where Teachers Love to Teach
  and Students Love to Learn Bob Sornson,
  Ph.D.
• Linking Teacher Evaluation and Student Learning
  Pamela D. Tucker
• Make Yours A Winning Team John C. Maxwell
• Understanding and Relating to Parents Robert L.
  DeBruyn
• The World Is Flat Thomas L. Friedman
• What Great Teachers Do Differently Todd Whitaker
• Best Practices for High School Classrooms Randi
  Stone

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Questions Answers

• Evaluations
• Please Complete Your Evaluation Form
• Marian A. Willard, Principal
• The Great James Madison High School
• mwillard_at_dallasisd.org

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• A special thanks to The Great James Madison
  High School students and staff.
• Campus Instructional Leadership Team
• Administrative Team
• East Learning Community
• Mrs. Rundia Miller
• Ms. Patricia English
• SIRC Region 13 ESC