In the Next Generation Superintendent Effectiveness Standards, effective superintendents demonstrate an understanding and act on the important role a system’s culture has in the exemplary performance of all schools. They understand the people in the district and community, how they came to their current state, and how to connect with their traditions in order to move others forward to support the district’s efforts to achieve individual and collective goals. While supporting and valuing the history, traditions, and norms of the district and community, a superintendent must be able to “re-culture” the district, if needed, to align with the district’s goals of improving student and adult learning and to infuse the work of the adults and students with passion, meaning and purpose.
We have developed effective practices that have proven to build and foster a student-centered, high performance culture that embraces continuous improvement. These practices are aligned with Standard 3: Cultural Leadership of the Next Generation Superintendent Effectiveness Standards. Below we share examples of successful practices from our districts that have helped to develop and sustain our positive district cultures.
STANDARD 3: CULTURAL LEADERSHIP
A. Communicates strong beliefs about schooling, teaching, and PLC's with stakeholders and operates by those beliefs.
The Importance of Vision/Mission, Celebrations/Recognitions, and Symbols/Icons in Cultural Leadership
Cultural Leadership- The importance of mission, celebration & recognitions, & symbols/icons
Reflection Question:
How can superintendents intentionally foster and sustain a culture that recognizes and celebrates successes and advances a high
performance, student-centered culture?
B. Builds community understanding of 21st Century preparation in a global economy and college and career readiness.
Public Officials Meeting 7.30.2012
Reflection Question:
How do you as superintendent raise the awareness, commitment, and investment in education in your community?
C. Creates a school system with a norm of a shared vision and equitable practices.
Using PBIS/KYCID and the PASS Program as a Cultural
Using Parental Involvement as a Cultural Leadership Strategy: Leadership Strategy:
PTSO Gallatain Co. Lower Elementary Cultural Leadership- PBIS, PASS & Parent Communication
Resources: Resources:
Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences PBIS.org
AllPro Dads Program KYCID.org
iMoms Program PASS Program Powerpoint
PTA.org Pass Program Sample Brochure
PTO Today Pass Program Monitoring System
Partnership for Involving Parents in our Schools
Reflection Question:
Our districts value parents as partners. How can superintendents develop a culture that values parent involvement and engagement and that
results in better student performance?
Reflection Question:
Reflect on the impact that PBIS can have in developing and sustaining a high performance, student-centered culture. How can you lead the
district to sustain the core tenants of this strategy?
D. Builds trust and a sense of well-being with all stakeholders.
Using Student Voice as a Cultural Leadership Strategy:
SSAS- Access the Student Voice Superintendent Student Advisory Council
Resources:
Superintendents Student Advisory Council Welcome Letter
SSAC Application
Sample SSAC Agenda
Reflection Questions:
1.How can you access student voice to strengthen superintendent leadership in your district?
2.How can superintendents strengthen district culture through student self-advocacy?
Using the Leader in Me program as a Cultural Leadership Strategy:
Resources:
The Leader in Me Program - What is it?
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Reflection Questions:
What benefits can you expect to see by teaching these principles to all students and staff in your school community?
How can implementing the Leader in Me program impact the community outside the school?
E. Celebrates accomplishments and acknowledges failures.
F. Supports and engages traditions of the community.
Using The Arts as a Cultural Leadership Strategy:
Resources:
Americans for the Arts
Arts Education Partnership
Reflection Questions:
1.What are the values that can be reinforced in a culture that supports the arts?
2.What can superintendents do to support the arts in their schools?
G. Creates opportunities for staff involvement in the community and community involvement in the schools.
H. Creates an environment in which diversity is valued and promoted
Using the Enneagram as a Cultural Leadership Strategy:
Resources:
Enneagram - The 9 Types
The Enneagram Institute
The Enneagram - How it works
School Culture Triage
School Culture Triage Self-Assessment
The Center for Improving School Culture
Reflection Questions:
What impact can the Enneagram have on your district's culture?
How can the Enneagram enhance your leadership capacity?
How can a process like the School Culture Triage assist schools in advancing a culture that is student centered and values high
performance?