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Draft Principal Standards Posted
Submit Comments by December 23
TEPSA's voice was heard at various stakeholder meetings and we're pleased to report several positive changes were made to the proposed principal standards including restoring the word "leader" to "principal". However, we still have concerns regarding sections that are too prescriptive, too vague, or too focused on specific behaviors.
Standard 1 Instructional Leadership
Section (b)(1)(A)(i)(V)
TEPSA believes that principals should consistently visit classrooms and meet with teachers/PLCs, teams, etc.; however, this section micromanages daily tasks and does not consider emergencies, central office meetings or other events that often disrupt a daily schedule.
Recommended Revision: "Routinely visit classrooms to monitor and collaborate with staff to improve instruction."
Standard 2 Human Capital
Section (A)(i)(VI)
Remove the phrase "effective" so it reads: "create opportunities for teachers and staff to take on a variety of leadership roles..."
TEPSA believes ALL teachers and staff should have leadership opportunities and decision making abilities to enhance their professional growth and experience.
Standard 3 Executive Leadership
Our recommendation to add an ethical standard was accepted. While we appreciate the idea of emphasizing responsibility in the descriptor sentence, we believe it is unnecessary to restate that multiple times in the same sentence. As well, we believe "outcomes" is too narrowly stated.
Recommended revision for descriptor sentence: "The principal is responsible for modeling a consistent focus on and commitment to improving student learning."
Section (A)(i)(1)
The phrase "take personal responsibility for the success of the school" should be replaced with the phrase "are committed to ensuring responsibility for the success of the school."
Section (A)(i)(II)
We believe this section is vague. What does a "relentless pursuit of excellence" look like and how would this be measured?
Section (B)(ii)
Replace the phrase "...accepts responsibility for mistakes" to "...views unsuccessful experiences as learning opportunities."
Standard 4 School Culture
We are pleased to see our recommendation for school safety is now included.
Section (B)(iv)
Given the importance of this concept, we believe the language should be strengthened to read: "The principal creates, oversees, and maintains an atmosphere of safety that provides for the social, emotional, and physical well-being of staff and students."
Section (B)(v)
Due to the individuality of each student, we recommend this section be updated to read: "Discipline. The principal oversees an orderly environment, maintaining expectations for student behavior while implementing a variety of student discipline techniques."
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