CED 599 Week 1

Last week I got a Moodle account; we've only had the server about a week. I've decided to do a different project for 599. I manage Skyward, our district's student information system. So I've decided to put Skyward related professional development materials on Moodle.

I downloaded the Moodle handbook. Right now I'm doing a lot of exploring on my own and when I get stuck, consult the manual. I hope I learn a lot more in the next two weeks. My course looks very bland. My boss has put together a Moodle course before. I'll ask for his guidance. It will be nice to complete this project this month. I'll be introducing the course to staff when they return in fall.

CED 565 Week 6

I really enjoyed the simulation game in this class. I liked the fact that there were no easy answers and no "end" to the game. Very reflective of real life. Playing the game has caused me to pause when I'm dealing with change situations at work and try to identify where in the game the current situation would fit in. Whoever designed the game had obviously done a lot of research and was very clever.

I've enjoyed this class and it has definitely made me think about the character traits that make a good leader. My new boss has been with us a year now. During my year end review I told him that I was very happy with how the year had gone. He seems to strike a great balance between being involved and in charge with letting people do what they do best and give them the decision making authority that they need. I was on the interviewing team and we were required to take notes. On the top of my paper for my now boss I wrote the words "Put me in coach." His interview made me think of a coach and not of a boss. I'm happy to say that I have the same feeling today. We work together well.

Contrast that with some former co-workers that my husband has had. One supervisor was so concerned about rules that she had a tendency to be a minute muncher. If you were one minute late or left one minute early, she'd give you a hard time. This applied to everyone, not just her direct reports. She also tended to act like she was spying on people, but it was all under the guise of being efficient. This supervisor doesn't garner much respect. The bottom line is that people work harder for people that respect them. Sometimes you just need to cut people a break.

CED 565 Week 5

I've been pursuing additional leadership opportunities within my district. Luckily, the administration seems to be responsive to this request. I'm hoping to be able to create a long range plan to implement new efficiencies within the district. I know that I'll need to work with departments throughout the organization in order to be successful. I'll focus on building relationships and consensus. I'll solicit the feelings and needs of others. Wish me luck!

CED 565 Week 4

I found the leadership came very interesting. Coming to consensus on how to move forward through the game was challenging in of itself. It'll be interesting to see how we do next week. It was kind of to read the descriptions of the characters. I can see some of them reflected in those at my district. Maybe I'll pick up some pointers from the game!

CED 565 Week 3

How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader is the first book that I've read about leadership in schools. There are lots of books on leadership in general, but I haven't seem many about leadership in schools. Many elements of leadership are the same no matter what environment you're in, but schools are a unique environment.

Leadership is largely about people skills. The author relayed a story where a leader attempted to solve problems immediately instead of thinking carefully. As a result, the leader portrayed an image of not considering teammates thoughts or alternative solutions. I've been very guilty of the same thing. Early in my career I thought solving problems immediately was the right thing to do. Solving problems quickly - isn't that what leaders do? I've learned that most situations don't need to addressed immediately. It generally bodes well to consider alternative solutions and if appropriate, consult multiple perspectives, and then make a decision.

CED 565 Week 2

What can I say - I love data! I love to collect it and look at it in many different ways. Still, data is only valuable if it's being used to help kids. We should never lose sight that children aren't numbers. Data should be used for their direct benefit.

Our district is working hard to put more data in the hands of teachers. Our district hasn't always had a strong data culture. The conversation has begun to turn. I'm now having more frequent conversations with administration to co-ordinate the integration of data into our culture.

CED 565 Week 1

Leadership in my position can be varied. I'm currently the Data Manager for my school district. When I came into the position, I discovered that we were duplicating data entry and people weren't able to obtain the student data that they needed in order to accomplish their daily tasks. Access to student data was kept under very tight control and people had to constantly go to a select few people to get what they needed. I carefully reviewed what needed to be under tight control and what didn't. I strongly believe in building capacity in others. So I give up control of what I can and support others in learning how to make their own tasks easier.

Sometimes we find that our student information system and grade books don't have all the functionality that we need. I often have to look 6 months to a year into the future to obtain the functionality. I use my strong relationship with the company that makes the software to get what we need. This often involves visiting the company and working with higher level executives. The administration and teachers don't often see the results until a year later. In order to obtain what our teachers and administrators need, and avoid paying for it, I have to be very persistent and work well with others.